What made you decide to join?

[grantus]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this board, this is my first post.

Let me tell you about myself. I'm 27 years old from Montreal, Canada. I enjoy producing music (not full time just yet) and working out. From 1995-2000 I had a good, steady job but then for some stupid reason I quit. I just felt like it I guess. But ever since then everything's been downhill for me. I've had a few jobs since then but nothing long term, and for the most of this year I haven't really had much going on for me.

I'm at a crossroads in my life right now. I have been thinking about joining the military (Canada), but I'm still very undecided if it's the right thing for me. It takes a lot for me to get motivated and I'm worried that if I join, that it will end up NOT being for me.

See, the main thing for most of my life was for me to produce music. It's something I'm very good at and I'm not sure if it's the right thing for me to do, since I'm already 27! I know I'm still young, but I'm not getting any younger. The reason why I'm thinking about the military is because if I join, the door's wide open for me. There's so many directions I could head in, rather than my other option of music.

Another reason is because I'm also sick and tired of working crappy jobs for little pay, and struggling to pay my bills and pay my debts off. I know with the military I could make a nice salary, plus get trained from the ground up, with little or no experience, something that regular employers don't really do.

If some of you would like to offer me some advice, feel free, since I'm looking for it!

So the main question of this post is: Why did you join the military? And what's the lifestyle REALLY like? Excuse me if those questions are kind of broad.

Thanks!

[RoscoeRuhl]

It sounds like you've already thought of reasons why you should join! After having a steady position for 5 years, it's difficult to find another you'll be comfortable with, let alone one that you'll feel like doing for the long haul. There are a variety of reasons why people join the military. Some for job training, some for travel, discipline, experience etc... While they all may be interesting reasons, only you know why you're doing it. It's a big decision that should be made carefully. You just can't quit and go home once you get there!

Have a great day!

[grantus]

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah it's a tough decision to make because like you said, I can't just quit if I decide it's not for me. I'm just so undecided about all of this, with the military options looking more stable than my other option of music. But there's still part of me that's not sure because if I decide to join, I have to have my mind REALLY made up!

Well anyway, I guess I'll keep thinking and hopefully I'll come to a conclusion soon!

Thanks.

[CA_ARNG_LT]

Most enlisted contracts are 2-4 years. That time goes by quick. You will be in and out before you know it. It is an experience you can never have in any other profession. You will also receive many benefits once you finish. VA Loan, Educ. Benefits.. The scholarships they offer are unreal nowadays. I dont regret my enlistment. You should sign up, it will help you get focused in life, give you direction, and will open up lots of doors.

No I am not a recruiter. ha ha ha. Just love the military!

[Badge11]

Why did I join the military?
Basically, because I was one of those misguided youth on the wrong road to nowhere=) I was 18 didnt do great in hs and I tried college, but that was even worse. I bumed around, went from labor job to labor job, etc. So I finally woke up and decided to enlist. I was initially gonna go Army but everyone on my father's side is either active duty navy or retired. So after a little persuasion from some master chiefs, I went Navy.
It has been one of the best decisions in my life. It shaped me up, saw the world, and probably got me where I am today! The four years did fly by. Besides the discipline, it also taught me about the honor of serving which is one of the biggest reasons I recently reenlisted into the reserves.
The benefits of serving are outstanding and there'll be a lot of opportunities for you whether you decide to stay in or get out.
Keep in mind though its not for everyone so weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
Good luck and Go Navy!

[DJOHNSON954]

I joined for much of the same reasons CopDog did. I was 22 and having a really good time. Too good of a time. I was going to school at the time but between working at the bar and my night life I was not making the grade. Plus I had this dream to be in LE. I knew if I kept on the same road I was never going to get there and didnt want to wake up 40 yrs old with no life accomplishments.

I decided to join the military and use it as a stepping stone to what I wanted to do, LE. Plus alot of important people in my life had previously served in the military as well. This was also something I had always wanted to do. I joined and the time flew by. There are so many thing you can accomplish in the military. Go in with the right attitude and do everything you possibly can even if you only plan on serving out your initial enlistment and moving on. That will open up other doors for you when and if you decide to get out. Good luck to you.

[grantus]

You've all made some good points!

Of course I'm still undecided about all of this, it's just the way I am. I know if I do join the military the time will fly by and I can acomplish a lot, but I just don't know if it's for me. Well anyway, like I mentioned before, I'll eventually come to a conclusion.

Thanks.

[USAF]

The military is definitely not for everyone. I know you think that 27 Y.O. is not old and it isn’t in most cases. At 27 and just entering, in my shop, there are 5 people ages 18, 20, 21, 21, & 22 who would all out rank you. In other words, you could be following the leadership of an 18 Y.O. If you don’t think you will have a problem with situations like that, then your good to go.

I would always recommend the Military to anyone needing stability and structure in their lives. Maybe you should look into the reserves. You will get the same initial training as everyone else, but if it ends up not to be the way of life you want, it will just be one weekend a month and two weeks a year. I don’t know how the Canadian military works, but you will still get most of the same benefits. ( VA loan, education assistance etc.)

If you decide to join, make sure you get a guaranteed job of your choice. Nothing would make entering worse than spending you years doing a job that you hated.

[grantus]

Well I made up my mind! I decided to join the military and give it a go.

I already applied and right now I'm just waiting for them to contact me for further processing.

I want to thank all those that replied, I appreciate the input.

I'll keep this thread up to date.