What Do You Want to Do With Your Life?

When I join joined the military, some...well...years ago, I did so out of some ignorance for the system, and have learned a bit since then, so I share. My older brother had joined the Air Force when I guess I was about eleven years old or so. Since I looked up to him, I decided at an early age, that I would follow in his footsteps and likewise join the USAF. I then decided that I wanted to go in and become a pilot and make a career out of the military. I guess it was about two years later that I found my eyesite growing worse, and was required to get glasses. I was told at the time that pilots were required to have 20/20 uncorrected vision, so my dreams of flying were brought to a halt, but my desire to join the military was not. I took the ASVAB tests in school, actually taking it twice, and doing quite well. So, at the age of barely 17, during the summer preceding my final year of high school, I made the trip down and signed up under early enlistment into the USAF (my recruiter was a Sgt. Carter, which made the Gomer Pyle jokes come to mind). One thing I was never cautioned or counseled about was the need to enlist with a guaranteed job. I just enlisted, putting me at their mercy for where they wanted to place me. This is what I would like to counsel you about. Decide what type of career you want, what is it you think (at this time) that you would enjoy doing for a lifelong career. It is a daunting task that many have struggled with, but it is important to have a general knowledge of where you want to go in life. Remember, it is not like you can't switch directions down the line, but at least try to have a general direction at the onset; it will make your military job a more pleasant job for you. I failed to do so, and ended up in a job that was OK, but not something I desired, nor something I wished to stick with, and then I became too lazy and ignored all of the other options the military offered and instead, ended my enlistment and planned military career after just one four-year stint. I could and should have taken those four years to go to college at the government's expense, so that when I did get out, I would have at least a degree under my belt. I should have sought to cross train into a more desirable field; something that would ignite my fire to stay in and retire after twenty or more years. Instead, I took the lazy road, wasted four years, got out, and struggled for years to find my way into a career that I would enjoy. So, if you are looking at joining the military, do so with some good direction and strong intentions to take advantage of what they offer to you. Keep your nose to the grind stone, get educated, get trained, and either make a career out of the military, or let the military be a stepping stone for the career you wish to pursue in the civilian world. I have seen too many people go in, do their time, and get out with nothing to show for it, and after many years performing a job that is totally unrelated to what they want to do in civilian life. Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Armed Services Jobs blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog site.