Thinking about enlisting...

[chiefeagle02]

Okay, so here goes mine...

For the past few weeks or so, I've been considering joining the Coast Guard. I feel like my life's been stagnant for the past year or so. I've done some traveling and whatnot, but that's about it. I have four associate's degrees but I still don't know what I want to do in life. I figured this would give me something to do for four years and I'd get all the military benefits when I'm done. I guess what's stopping me is the question of "Is it worth it?"

I know it'd be naive of me to try and ask for a definitive "Yea or nay" about what I should do. I'm just trying to gain some insight. I've been doing as much research as I can about the Coast Guard. I've downloaded the Helmsman, I bought an ASVAB study book, and my friend's been forwarding me his newsletters he gets in his email (by the way, my friend said he'd put in a good word for me to get into Officer's Training School).

They say military is a big step in one's life (even if you're a Coastie). I guess I'm just tired of feeling lazy and feeling like I'm not doing anything with my life. My friends already say I'm doing plenty with my life and that I'm a good person as it is, but something feels missing. They were first to call into question of the value of enlisting, to basically give up my entire lifestyle (the good and the bad) for a military one, no guarantee of coming out a "better person," maybe worse depending on what I experience. I've been weighing both sides and I'm on the fence post on this issue.

I'm just looking for insight. Any help would be groovy.

Thanks.

-Thomas

[abrannan]

Have you considered the Peace Corps? Good for the world, good for your resume, good for your soul. A chance to see the other side of the world, to broaden your horizons.

[chiefeagle02]

As a matter of fact...the very friend who suggested the Coast Guard also suggested the Peace Corps, lol. I went to their website and got some information. Definitely seems like a viable option.

[chiefeagle02]

Just an update to the situation:

I might not be able to join. What happened was doing some research online and found that if you took anti-depressants, you must be off them for one year without side-effects or relapses. I was prescribed Lexapro back in May and took it up to July. Either Monday or Tuesday, I'm heading down and talking to the recruiter to be sure (among other questions).

[xstatic]

Lexapro is also a diagnosis for anxiety so perhapse there would be a loophole there.

[atomicnerfbat]

The Coast Guard has the smallest number of ratings/specialties to choose from of the five branches, and is regarded as the most difficult service to enter. However, you should definitely look into it.

Semper paratus!

[chiefeagle02]

I was told different things, depending on who I talk to. My consensus is it's physically easier to get into, but psychologically a lot tougher (because you're dealing with saving lives).

Oh yeah, I was told I was never officially treated for depression as the doctor gave me samples instead of an Rx to be filled.