I was not a FJ pilot but drove trucks for the RAF for 18 years. I had a great time in the air force but it was time to go.
I went on to have 29 happy and productive years in civil aviation and have absolutely no regrets.
I met one guy who left the RAF as a Wg Cdr from the FJ world at the age of 51. He settled in well and got his command after 3 years or so. I personally wondered if it was a bit of a brave step but he enjoyed himself hugely.