Move to a big city or join the military?
I graduated high school about two months ago and I've been attending summer school at my local community college. Durring these few short months, I've felt the reality of life setting in. My family is driving me mad and I need to move out I also feel terrible as I haven't truly been able to provide for myself. I've considered joining the military as an enlistee or as an officer, or alternatively moving to a large City and looking for work there so that I can put my back against the wall and really have a reason to push. I'm not sure exactly what I want to do specifically, but I love biology and medicine so I was thinking of studying molecular biology regardless of where I go. In summary, what would be the reality of joining the military as an enlistee, (or an officer two years down the line) or heading to somewhere big and busy? I'd really like to hear from people that experienced this themselves, thanks for taking the time to check this out. #military #college #moveout
4 answers
Tom’s Answer
Hi Kenneth. I moved to a big city for a re-start and I served in the Navy.
The military has it's advantages. But it also requires a lot. However if your interests include biology and medicine I'd suggest you may not find much of that in the military. They usually hire civilian biologists and their doctors had medical degrees before becoming officers.
How about this as idea? Join the Armed Forces Reserves. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines; they all have them. After basic training of several weeks one summer you then meet one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer, I believe. It is something like that now. That way you will have a nominal income and be tasting the military. I think you commit for 4-6 years not sure these days. If you like it then re-enlist. But you could do this while you are pursuing your studies in biology or medicine.
Generally with a high school degree you enter as an enlisted person. Usually officers have a college degree.
Also, I'd suggest moving to a large city for the challenge/opportunities is an idea that you might really want to think about. A lot of people try that and have a really tough time making it. If you do, then by all means start looking for employment before you move. Research costs of rent, etc. Also, it's a really good idea to have at least a friend or someone you know there already. Even if it isn't a close friend it could be someone you can ask for help in learning about the city. (Everyone likes to be asked for their advice).
Bottom line....listen to your passions. Then prepare yourself to find a career match. That way your job is far more interesting.
Good luck my friend.
Thank you Mr. Beham, I greatly appreciate the wisdom!
Kenneth
Liat’s Answer
I would suggest something you might not like: be patient, go and study at your community college then you will have much more opportunities . Once you have a BA finding a job in the big city will be a bit easier for you.
Dont make your drive to run away from your family, instead make the drive to have a better future so in order to have a better future you want to have an education and you want to be there for your family.
Military life will make it hard for you to build your own family, to be able to settle, and of course it also put you on a risk.
My parent were not educated, and life was much struggle for them, you always feel like you can give enough for your family. So I truly believe that education should be the first step, and then move to the big city and try to enjoy what it has to offer (more job opportunities ).
I think that if you move now, without and education you will find a low income job and you will sooner or later be frustrated. On step at a time, and keep you face to a better future.
Best of luck!!!
Well, you were right about that first part 😅, but nonetheless you make a very strong point. I'll strongly take into account what you said. Thank you very much!
Kenneth
Well, you're right, not exactly what I wanted to hear 😂, but nonetheless you make a strong argument, one that I'm glad to have read. I'll strongly be taking in account your words. Thank you so much!
Kenneth
Mario’s Answer
I joined the military (USMC) to "get out the house" and "be on my own". At the time, I was afraid I would fail in community college and assumed the military was the quickest way to get out.
Being in the military definitely did that...get me out of the house. I think the military is good option only if that is what you want to do ultimately in life. The military can be a very challenging place...especially if you are an independent creative thinker type.
If studying molecular biology (or some other field) is something you want to do...my suggestion is to focus on *that*. Move to a big city, so you have some employment options and continue your education there. I ended up doing exactly that...funding my education by full and or part time work along with some student loans.
Good luck!
John’s Answer
Life is short and only you know what you really want to achieve. This is my post from another question that was similar.
Thank you for considering joining the military to serve our country. It is not for the faint of heart and requires dedication and perseverance that only so many red blooded humans can handle.
At the age of 21, after a few years of college classes, I decided the traditional college path was not for me and that I was destined for more of a hands on approach to life. I decided to join the military (Navy) and it was the best decision I have ever made. The educational benefits, experiences, and relationships that i have built have completed me in ways that some people may never understand.
I give my background to say, I am pro-military as long as you are ready and willing to dedicate your life to a cause much greater than your own. My friends and family that decided to take the education route and stay in their home town have great lives and nothing I say is to minimize them. The experiences that military folks have been a part of tend to widen their perspective on matters of the world vice what is happening in their town.
I highly recommend talking to a guidance counselor, an branch specific recruiter, a mentor, and/or a current military member to get their take on active duty life.
I support your decision either way and look forward to hearing the decision you make!