It's been said to death, but, I'd say don't do it. Just keep going, stay strong, and just try again and again. Things will get better if you just keep on trying
I failled at life, thinking of joining the army .
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I joined the army right out of high school because I didn't know what to major in (I was good at both art and music, and didn't want to go into either of those at the time) and didn't want to waste a lot of money in college since my family couldn't afford to pay for my tuition.
On the plus side, I think it really helped me with confidence and discipline, and even socially through meeting a lot of new people. I got to move from Pennylvania to Monterey, California, so I got to experience parts of the country that were new to me as well. Basic training was pretty fun in retrospect, and I got myself into really good shape at the time. I also had the pretty unique opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese in crazy cram school immersion style in under a year and a half for free. That probably wouldn't have happened anywhere else.
On the bad side, I set myself two years back in my education (I ended up going into art anyway), so since I also went to grad school, I was in my late 20s by the time I got my first "real" job that I would consider part of my career.
On the really bad side, I somehow managed to damage my wrist (I don't remember an injury, though), and went five years with progressive pain until it was finally diagnosed as scapholunate instability resulting from a ligament tear. Two major surgeries later, they just found ANOTHER tear on the lunotriquetral ligament that can now not be repaired in the same way and I'm facing yet another surgery (taking a row of bones out this time.) I'm not sure what caused this, but it might actually have been related to the insane amount of push-ups I did over a roughly two-year training period (longest in the army) and my hypermobile joints. Depending on what job you do, there's always the potential of doing some permanent damage to your body in some way. :C
Anyway, I joined the military pre-9/11 and was actually out before we even went to Afghanistan, so my experience was from a more peaceful time and I'm sure it's completely different and possibly much shittier these days.
On the plus side, I think it really helped me with confidence and discipline, and even socially through meeting a lot of new people. I got to move from Pennylvania to Monterey, California, so I got to experience parts of the country that were new to me as well. Basic training was pretty fun in retrospect, and I got myself into really good shape at the time. I also had the pretty unique opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese in crazy cram school immersion style in under a year and a half for free. That probably wouldn't have happened anywhere else.
On the bad side, I set myself two years back in my education (I ended up going into art anyway), so since I also went to grad school, I was in my late 20s by the time I got my first "real" job that I would consider part of my career.
On the really bad side, I somehow managed to damage my wrist (I don't remember an injury, though), and went five years with progressive pain until it was finally diagnosed as scapholunate instability resulting from a ligament tear. Two major surgeries later, they just found ANOTHER tear on the lunotriquetral ligament that can now not be repaired in the same way and I'm facing yet another surgery (taking a row of bones out this time.) I'm not sure what caused this, but it might actually have been related to the insane amount of push-ups I did over a roughly two-year training period (longest in the army) and my hypermobile joints. Depending on what job you do, there's always the potential of doing some permanent damage to your body in some way. :C
Anyway, I joined the military pre-9/11 and was actually out before we even went to Afghanistan, so my experience was from a more peaceful time and I'm sure it's completely different and possibly much shittier these days.
I was in the military long before the economy went to shit (2000), and I still got paid absolute crap as an E1-E3. I'm sure the pay rate hasn't adjusted with the times along with most jobs in the US, but it's not like it was ever really any better.Tony said:
I have a friend who thought just like you, he didn't make it through basic.
But if you think you have the commitment, it could be a good experience for you. And there's nothing wrong with being a soldier, it'll help you pay off those student loans for sure.
EDIT: I know another guy who blew out his knee, so you gotta be careful. On the other hand I know about half a dozen people who came out unscathed. I grew up in a military family
But if you think you have the commitment, it could be a good experience for you. And there's nothing wrong with being a soldier, it'll help you pay off those student loans for sure.
EDIT: I know another guy who blew out his knee, so you gotta be careful. On the other hand I know about half a dozen people who came out unscathed. I grew up in a military family
On the one hand the army will give you a place to stay, food, and even a little spending money. The army can also give you a great work ethic and respect from other potential employers.
On the other hand, that place to stay is where they say it is and there's no guarantee you'll get in. If you've been under no real stress and are saying you've "failed at life", you probably won't make it through basic training. They generally don't fail people on physical aspects, it's more just bullying you until you quit. Because if they can make you quit, you'll never last in combat.
I was in the army for five years (before all the craziness happened though) and if I had to do it again I would have gone Navy and taken a trade. Six months at sea with nowhere to spend your money and away-from-home pay to boot makes for a nice down payment on a house. Not to mention an almost guaranteed job when you leave.
Another option you should look at is taking a trade. You can probably still qualify for student loans and if you get a good trade, the money gets pretty crazy. One of my friends is a journeyman steamfitter and pulls in about 10k-15k a month when he feels like working. Just putting that out there.
On the other hand, that place to stay is where they say it is and there's no guarantee you'll get in. If you've been under no real stress and are saying you've "failed at life", you probably won't make it through basic training. They generally don't fail people on physical aspects, it's more just bullying you until you quit. Because if they can make you quit, you'll never last in combat.
I was in the army for five years (before all the craziness happened though) and if I had to do it again I would have gone Navy and taken a trade. Six months at sea with nowhere to spend your money and away-from-home pay to boot makes for a nice down payment on a house. Not to mention an almost guaranteed job when you leave.
Another option you should look at is taking a trade. You can probably still qualify for student loans and if you get a good trade, the money gets pretty crazy. One of my friends is a journeyman steamfitter and pulls in about 10k-15k a month when he feels like working. Just putting that out there.
I am CF Navy, I love my job and make almost 80K. That said, it's not without sacrifice.
If you decide to join, your personal happiness will depend on your disposition, your trade, and your personal drive. If you pick a job that you hate and don't work to advance your career, you will be miserable. My best advice is to pick a trade you like and can use in the civilian world if you decide to leave. For the most part, the training you receive is nearly equivalent to civilian training and many places will accept it.
Do not believe anything the recruiter tells you. They don't lie, they just don't know too much about what goes on outside their respective trades.
If you have any other questions I will try to answer them.
If you decide to join, your personal happiness will depend on your disposition, your trade, and your personal drive. If you pick a job that you hate and don't work to advance your career, you will be miserable. My best advice is to pick a trade you like and can use in the civilian world if you decide to leave. For the most part, the training you receive is nearly equivalent to civilian training and many places will accept it.
Do not believe anything the recruiter tells you. They don't lie, they just don't know too much about what goes on outside their respective trades.
If you have any other questions I will try to answer them.
krazykidd said:
I am a US Air Force veteran. I highly recommend avoiding the Army (Canadian or otherwise) if you have issues with authority, enjoy an alternative lifestyle (anything outside the norm, such as mind altering substances) or don't want structure in your life. The military can be a great place to find direction if you are unsure, but the Army will put more of you on the line than you may be prepared for. Long hours away from family and friends may be expected of you, even if you end up in a cushy non-combat type of career.Saladfork said:
There are plenty of benefits to the military, and if you find yourself needing purpose or direction in your life, the Army can give it to you. And you may find yourself better off because of it, as you join a fraternity few have chosen to join. The military has given me experiences I doubt I could have found outside of the Armed Forces, and those experiences set me up for my current career in the aviation industry. I like the person I have become because of my decision to join the military. But, it is not for everyone. Please don't join out of desperation. Join because it is the right thing to do for you.
I hope I have helped.
The military inspires a lot of emotions in people, pride, anger, indifference, but it just makes me sad usually. Because it seems designed, especially the American military, to pick up the stragglers, people like you who are down and out and guide them inside of it. A lot of people seem to join it because they feel they don't have a choice. *sigh*, it's a miserable situation really.
Anyway, I wish you good luck, no matter what you do, hope things pick up for you, and that you can recognise it when they do.
Anyway, I wish you good luck, no matter what you do, hope things pick up for you, and that you can recognise it when they do.
I'm going to have to disagree with you on some parts there. We are talking about Canada, who hasn't been formally at war with anyone for a while (although I'm not sure if they're helping the UN on some more violent errands), and I don't think that they like to focus on the "ZOMG ITS JUST LIKE CALL O DOOTY BRO WE COULD BE LIKE SNIPERZ OR SOM SHIZ" demographic as much as they do the "I need to readjust my life and gain financial support" demo. Or at least the OP seems to be thinking that way. We're not talking about heading off to 'Nam while blasting "Ride of the Valkyries" here.Boudica said:
As one fuck up to another, just do something. Believe it or not, you are still young and have a too many years ahead of you to call your life a fail.
Ok, this is starting sounding like a wordy motivational poster, but just try to do good by yourself regardless of what ideological hangups some people that have no say in your life might have.
Ok, this is starting sounding like a wordy motivational poster, but just try to do good by yourself regardless of what ideological hangups some people that have no say in your life might have.
Well, I have to speak for those closest to me.
One started the process of becoming a Marine, had second thoughts, and had to go through hell to get out of it.
The other, joining the Army from a combination of post 9/11 patriotism and a lack of other direction, came back with significant PTSD, injuries severe enough to qualify for disability, and a prescription for omeprazole.
If you feel you have an aptitude and/or strong desire for military duty, that's one thing. If you're just feeling rootless, my baseline recommendation is: don't do it. There are other options.
One started the process of becoming a Marine, had second thoughts, and had to go through hell to get out of it.
The other, joining the Army from a combination of post 9/11 patriotism and a lack of other direction, came back with significant PTSD, injuries severe enough to qualify for disability, and a prescription for omeprazole.
If you feel you have an aptitude and/or strong desire for military duty, that's one thing. If you're just feeling rootless, my baseline recommendation is: don't do it. There are other options.
How to succeed at life if you failed the first time:
Joining the military would probably be a good idea if you're looking for a way to get by.
Having a second job would get you a bit of extra money, save that money.
Don't get married unless your wife is rich or has a VERY well paying job.
Get connections.
When you get enough money, go back to school. Take JOY in learning.
Graduate.
Congratulations, you're a few years late but at least you're not homeless.
Now use those connections to get you places.
You have to be optimistic, determined, level-headed, eager to learn, not self conscious, assertive, likable, pragmatic (or appear to be), and have a lot of other learned traits that you can use when the time is right. If you find yourself depressed, I would suggest preparing for the worst but expecting the best.
There is always a ladder back up, it's just sometimes people aren't willing to learn enough to see it. Or, if they do see it, they aren't motivated. Or they just have run into a shitload of bad luck and need to find the source of their problems and make it stop, or get friends to help them.
Joining the military would probably be a good idea if you're looking for a way to get by.
Having a second job would get you a bit of extra money, save that money.
Don't get married unless your wife is rich or has a VERY well paying job.
Get connections.
When you get enough money, go back to school. Take JOY in learning.
Graduate.
Congratulations, you're a few years late but at least you're not homeless.
Now use those connections to get you places.
You have to be optimistic, determined, level-headed, eager to learn, not self conscious, assertive, likable, pragmatic (or appear to be), and have a lot of other learned traits that you can use when the time is right. If you find yourself depressed, I would suggest preparing for the worst but expecting the best.
There is always a ladder back up, it's just sometimes people aren't willing to learn enough to see it. Or, if they do see it, they aren't motivated. Or they just have run into a shitload of bad luck and need to find the source of their problems and make it stop, or get friends to help them.
Firstly, I think it wouldn't be odd to mention the fact that you're twenty-three and you're not always going to be in a financially secure state at that age. Hell, most of the people I know around that age have had to live back home for years, struggling to get a job so they can save the money to get out, and you're currently living with your girlfriend and are employed. Patience, grasshopper.krazykidd said:
Secondly, it is difficult to recommend the since it is such a big commitment and it is not at all for everyone, so it really comes down to talk with some local low-ranking soldiers to get all the nitty-gritty and seeing how they feel about it.
Thirdly, your relationship with your girlfriend (if the Canadian army is anything like the British army) will suffer. You'll be working long, stressful hours only to work toward disappearing for weeks or months at a time doing long, stressful hours in another country, leaving your partner behind as you do so. I am not sure if it is still like this in England (or this is indeed true in Canada) but your girlfriend may not receive any financial support to hold down the house in your absence unless you're both married.
Finally, if you are going to sign up for a job as demanding as as big as a commitment as the military you need a good reason. Joining it because you're not where you want to be currently is exactly the type of mindset that'll get you shouted at in the army. Again, if your military is anything like the English army, it is a big personality-morphing process and if you come out of it the same person you go in I'd be highly surprised.