The military is excellent while it lasts. I did 12 years, but my career would have only had a short amount of flying left in it before being overtaken by a desk. I enjoyed every second, but it was never intended to be a life long career (although one of my friends is now at the top).
In my case, I knocked back an F111 slot and took the airline option. I've now had 17 years of command on heavy jets. Moving on was certainly the right choice for me.