Prior planning and preparation. I PVR'd before I reached disillusionment. I had to wait 3 years, and timed it just about right.
Was given a ground tour, but a fiver to Saddam meant the Gulf War kept me on the front line for 10 months.
Then I continued working hard, and was rewarded by my bosses finding some spare hours for me to keep flying.
Had no time for those who stopped working after PVRing. It only stitches your mates up anyway.