You could say it's working for half a salary, or you could say it's actually having to work (for once) for what probably is half of the salary you used to earn.
We're all in different positions. I'm not in a staff job and can anticipate continuing flying until I am 60 and without going on ops.
I've met plenty of folk who have left the military and have prospered and are happy. Equally, I have met many who either regret leaving or who have come back in one form or another.
The thing is we're all different and we're in in our own situations. One person's decision is not necessarily going to be right for another. What I am shocked at is the lack of information that we are able to base these decisions on. I've read the DINs. There is still a lack of detail and there is no-one you can talk to who knows.
How on earth can they expect us to make informed decisions?