Here's my situation...
I have a B.S. in Spanish and Secondary Education. I graduated in 08. I am currently working in the financial sector and it's not looking too good and probably will be let go.
I've always wanted to join the military and want to do it before I get too old and have a family. So here is what I was thinking...
I can join the Air Force Reserves...this will allow me to get a small paycheck for the training and a bonus hopefully of at least $5,000 upfront. It will also allow my to purchase their Reserve Tricare plan for health insurance. I can go to school for my masters and have them pay for about half of it. I could also continue to look for employment elsewhere. This seems risky to me because I'm not sure if I can find a regular job and I'll have to pay out of pocket half of the education. I'm not totally set on what I would go for...either School Counselor or Economics. Another concern is that I understand the power of compounding interest and it bothers me that I won't be able to put away money to grow...(I've made 26% this year!) I have an investment plan set forth on paper and it will probably hurt me in the long run.
I can join the Marines...I would do this because if I go active I want to be part of the best. I want to learn from the best and improve myself. I know the pay isn't great, but at least it's low on taxes(housing, food not taxed) and it has great job security. I would enjoy the training. The only cons to this would be separation from my family. I love my parents (more so since moving out...i realized what they sacrificed). My mother will flip. I don't want to put that stress on her. Also, will I be able to get out in 4 years?...or is there stop-loss still going on? Will I be able to see my family? Do they allow more leave than the 30 days? I also like the fact that all are riflemen before their jobs. Even though I would most likely be in another position, I would still like to be trained in leadership of infantry to a degree. Will I be able to find a girlfriend when I get out at 27 yrs old?...haha
I know this decision is my own and I am the only one who knows the most about the situation, but I would also like some good feedback from people with military experience...
THANK YOU!!!
I have a B.S. in Spanish and Secondary Education. I graduated in 08. I am currently working in the financial sector and it's not looking too good and probably will be let go.
I've always wanted to join the military and want to do it before I get too old and have a family. So here is what I was thinking...
I can join the Air Force Reserves...this will allow me to get a small paycheck for the training and a bonus hopefully of at least $5,000 upfront. It will also allow my to purchase their Reserve Tricare plan for health insurance. I can go to school for my masters and have them pay for about half of it. I could also continue to look for employment elsewhere. This seems risky to me because I'm not sure if I can find a regular job and I'll have to pay out of pocket half of the education. I'm not totally set on what I would go for...either School Counselor or Economics. Another concern is that I understand the power of compounding interest and it bothers me that I won't be able to put away money to grow...(I've made 26% this year!) I have an investment plan set forth on paper and it will probably hurt me in the long run.
I can join the Marines...I would do this because if I go active I want to be part of the best. I want to learn from the best and improve myself. I know the pay isn't great, but at least it's low on taxes(housing, food not taxed) and it has great job security. I would enjoy the training. The only cons to this would be separation from my family. I love my parents (more so since moving out...i realized what they sacrificed). My mother will flip. I don't want to put that stress on her. Also, will I be able to get out in 4 years?...or is there stop-loss still going on? Will I be able to see my family? Do they allow more leave than the 30 days? I also like the fact that all are riflemen before their jobs. Even though I would most likely be in another position, I would still like to be trained in leadership of infantry to a degree. Will I be able to find a girlfriend when I get out at 27 yrs old?...haha
I know this decision is my own and I am the only one who knows the most about the situation, but I would also like some good feedback from people with military experience...
THANK YOU!!!