Need advice? Stressing about career choices?

Question

Alright. I've been planning to join the military since I was 13 and I just graduated high school. It's still what I want to do. I'm just freaking out a little bit. I've always been indecisive when it comes to career choices. There are so many different aspects of me, like the nice girl who wants to take care of orphans in Africa for the rest of her life or the kick butt side of me that wants to work for NCIS or something. (Not trying to sound like I have split personality, I'm just a bit worried I'm going to choose the wrong thing.) suddenly I've had this urge to just take a year off (a gap year I guess) and try to travel and work in another country or travel the us for work or something because I'm scared that I will end up like all the others where I'm from. Settling down and having kids, never seeing the world just doing what's expected by others in this town. I want to see the world and live my dreams! Maybe even live in another country eventually! I'm scared that if I go ahead and join the army, I'll like it a lot and want to stay active duty and I'll never get to do all the other stuff I want and I'll end up growing up and not having time to do this stuff and I know that might sound stupid. I just need advice I guess. Anyone know what I should do?

Answer 1

I don't think a gap year is harmful at all. I think that if you use that year wisely, as in traveling to see the world, it can be a great thing. Your world view changes.



The Army could allow you such opportunities as well. We have military bases around the world and yes, you get 'vacation' time to explore off base.



If you are looking at doing career Army, have a long talk about becoming an officer rather than staying enlisted. Don't get sucked into the promise of a green to gold program unless you really want to be enlisted now and officer later. However, Green to Gold can be a great way to get through basic and all their aptitude testing to find out what you would be good at. You can then serve your minimum time and then get a scholarship to college, after which you will return and serve at least your owed time.



I know this isn't a firm answer on anything, but I truely believe that in the end, only you can decide what's best for you.



Good Luck!