In order to "retire" from working when you retire from the Navy, one would need to be a Master Chief (E-9) who lives VERY frugally or a Commander or above (O-5), for the most part. There are ALWAYS exceptions to everything
This link for data:
http://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/militarypaytables.htmlE-9 over 20 - Base Pay $5617.50 - retirement pay of $2808.75
BEFORE taxes (don't forget Uncle Sam's cut)
O-5 over 20 - Base Pay $8338.80 - retirement pay of $4169.20, again
BEFORE taxes.
On a final note, I met my wife while on leave between prototype and my first ship. We survived the deployments, workups, long work hours, and all the other sucky things that come along with ANY job. The big difference between the military and the civilian sector is that most civilian jobs don't send you away from your everyday life for 6+ months at a time.
Being in the Navy isn't a horror movie. You are expected to do things the way you are told to, be where you are told to be when you are told to be, and stay out of trouble. This, remarkably enough, is similar to what is expected of you in ANY job. What you do with your free time away from work is your prerogative.
The Navy is also NOT everyone's cup of tea. My job as a leader in the Navy was to make sure my sailors had all the info they needed to make the best career decision for them, NOT to make the Navy happy about their choice. For some that means 6 and out, for others it means 30 years. Ask yourself every 6 months or so "What are my long term goals? Is what I am doing helping me get there?". If you can't answer those questions, then don't keep doing what you are doing.
Best of luck to you.