PMR, a Mountain to Climb : Facing the Decision
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
Quitting the army is never an easy decision, and when it comes to Premature Retirement (PMR), it feels like an even bigger mountain to climb. Should I opt for PMR or continue in service? This question can weigh heavily on officers, particularly at the PMR stage.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While being superseded for rank can be disheartening, the thought of leaving the stability of military life for the uncertainties of the civilian world can be daunting. The familiarity of the fauji life, even without the promotions or privileges, is comforting for many.
But what complicates this decision further is the influence of seniors, who seem to fall into two categories:
• Those who have successfully transitioned to civilian life, forging new paths for themselves.
• Those who continue to enjoy military life, even without further promotions.
This creates a conflict: which path to follow? To add to this complexity, there are also those seniors who, after making their choice, feel they’re stuck in the wrong place. In moments like these, no amount of feedback from peers or seniors can make the decision easier. It’s a personal journey, and you must weigh your own circumstances.
Psychology’s Insight: The OCEAN Model
However, the field of psychology offers some guidance through the OCEAN Model (also known as the Big Five personality traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism). This model, developed through research by Galton (1984), Catell (1943), and Eysenck (1947), can help us understand how our personality traits influence our decisions, including whether to opt for PMR. The five traits are briefly explained as under:-
- Openness to Experience (Inventive/Curious ↔ Consistent/Cautious) : Officers high in openness might embrace the change and view PMR as an opportunity for new experiences outside the military.
- Extraversion (Outgoing/Energetic ↔ Solitary/Reserved) : Extraverts may find it easier to network and explore new opportunities outside the army, making the transition more appealing.
- Conscientiousness (Efficient/Organized ↔ Easy-going/Careless) : Conscientious officers may find it hard to leave, given their strong sense of duty and commitment, but could carefully plan a successful exit if they choose to.
- Agreeableness (Friendly/Compassionate ↔ Critical/Judgmental) : Officers high in agreeableness might be more concerned about how their decision impacts family and relationships within the military.
- Neuroticism (Sensitive/Nervous ↔ Resilient/Confident) : Though high neuroticism is rare among officers, those with this trait might experience more anxiety around the transition, making it harder to take the leap.
Personality and PMR
Officers with higher levels of openness or extraversion might be more inclined to take PMR, as they seek new experiences and are energized by change. On the other hand, those high in conscientiousness or agreeableness may prefer to stay in the military, valuing stability and their current commitments. Of course, these tendencies aren’t absolutes but can provide helpful insights into the decision-making process.
The Mountain of a Decision
This blog focuses on those considering PMR—a monumental decision made without much institutional guidance. There are several factors to consider before making the jump:
• Long-term career goals and how they align with continued military service
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth outside the military
• Financial implications, including retirement benefits
• The impact on family and personal life
• Emotional readiness for a major life change
While your personality traits may shape your thinking, it’s essential to evaluate your unique situation, aspirations, and values when deciding whether to pursue PMR post-supersession.
Ultimately, there’s no “right” choice—just the one that feels right for you.