#MilitaryAt31 #CareerChange #MilitaryRecruiter #JobSearch
Is joining the military at 31 without a plan a bad idea? 🤔
Feeling lost and unsure about your next career move at 31 is completely normal, especially after experiencing setbacks like being let go from a job. The idea of joining the military may seem like a promising option, but is it the right move for you without a solid plan in place? Let’s take a closer look at the potential pros and cons of joining the military at 31 without a clear strategy.
### Pros of Joining the Military at 31 without a Plan:
1. **Structured Environment:** The military provides a highly structured environment that can offer stability and discipline.
2. **Training and Skill Development:** Military training can provide valuable skills and experience that may be transferable to future civilian jobs.
3. **Benefits and Opportunities:** Joining the military can open up opportunities for education, healthcare, housing, and other benefits.
### Cons of Joining the Military at 31 without a Plan:
1. **Uncertainty:** Without a clear plan or goal, you may end up in a role that does not align with your interests or skills.
2. **Potential Lack of Transferable Skills:** Depending on the role you are assigned, you may not develop transferable skills that are applicable to civilian jobs.
3. **Geographical Constraints:** Being in the military may require you to relocate frequently, which could be challenging for your family if you do not have a plan in place.
### Considerations Before Making a Decision:
1. **Reflect on Your Goals:** Take the time to assess your career goals, interests, and values to determine if joining the military aligns with them.
2. **Research Different Military Branches:** Explore the different branches of the military and the roles they offer to find one that best fits your interests and skills.
3. **Talk to Veterans and Recruiters:** Reach out to veterans and military recruiters to gain insights into their experiences and get more information about potential roles.
4. **Develop a Post-Military Plan:** Consider creating a plan for your post-military career, including how you will transition back into civilian life and pursue new opportunities.
5. **Consider Education Opportunities:** Explore education and training opportunities available through the military to further develop your skills and increase your career options.
### Final Thoughts:
Ultimately, the decision to join the military at 31 without a plan is a personal one that requires careful consideration. While the military can offer a range of benefits and opportunities, it is important to have a clear understanding of your goals and a plan for your future. By taking the time to research, reflect, and seek advice, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and personal values.
Joining the military can be a life-changing experience, but it is essential to approach it thoughtfully and strategically to ensure that it leads to positive outcomes. Remember, it’s never too late to explore new career paths and opportunities, and having a plan in place can help you navigate the challenges and uncertainties that may arise along the way.
10yr Air Force Veteran here. I would say no from your post. It takes a very dedicated spouse willing to relocate to make that work. It’s extremely hard on relationships. I’m divorced. The military isn’t a solution, but it could be a new set of problems.
My only advice to people considering the military is go to the USAF or Space forces
Military exists specifically for people with no plan, you’ll fit in great
It has a large potential to ruin your marriage, even if it goes well. Many military marriages end in divorce, even higher rate than in the civilian world for obvious reasons
I just got out of the air force after 10 years. While I personally did not have a great time, I do think that the military is a great option for people who feel lost or like they truly have no other options because it opens up a LOT of opportunities for you.
I definitely suggest the air force. Do NOT join the army or marines at the age you are now. It will take its toll on you. You said you’ve worked warehouse before. I suggest looking into medical warehouse management. As the title implies, you would manage the warehouse for the hospitals on base. It is something that is a transferable skill on the outside as well. I have met several people who did their 4 years and then got out and got a civilian job doing the SAME exact thing at the SAME exact base but with much better pay. Something to maybe look into. Keep in mind, you will be starting out at bottom rung and will have people much younger than you are in charge of you until you gain rank, which will take a few years. Oftentimes you will have more experience than them and it can be frustrating having to follow someone who is still learning the ropes of leadership/is just completely incompetent.
You and your spouse will have free medical, free college tuition if you so choose, opportunities to travel the U.S./the world (I’ve lived in Oklahoma, Alaska, Ohio, Turkey and Korea), and you can get VA benefits potentially after you decide to end your service.
Keep in mind that the military lifestyle is awful for relationships. 60% of marriages bewteen military members married to civilians end in divorce. 80% end in divorce for two military members married to eachother. I know this because my military therapist told me those statistics when I was seeing them to help me through my own divorce. Those are not very promising numbers.
Do what you will with this information, but I am rooting for you!
Have you ever considered restaurant work? I worked at a restaurant in California, it was hard work and started out pretty unrewarding but if you bring an amazing attitude to work with you every day you can make friends and learn soft skills while figuring out your next step for longer term, it beats accumulating endless debt. But don’t expect to work up to server or bartender unless you really set yourself apart with work ethic and a great attitude.
Anything without a plan is a bad idea
Have you tried doing trades? Welders are needed right now.
Count your blessings.
I wish I’d have joined at 31 instead of staying a civilian.
I had a wife and kid and couldn’t take the income hit…was stuck.
I could have been retiring by now and on the road to success…instead I’m just a contracted slave taht will die painfully and no one will remember me when I’m gone.
I missed the boat.
Dont make the same mistake I did…JOIN THE MILITARY WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!!
I joined the Army Guard when I was 18 and did an entire enlistment, then when I was 27 I got back into shape and joined the USMC after I had been out of the Army for a few years. TERRIBLE. IDEA.
I had completely taken for granted how quickly I recuperated and how much punishment I could take as a 18 year old, and my body DID NOT help me when I went to Parris Island. I got super sick and could not keep up. I stayed sick and lost about 30-40 lbs and was a wash-out.
It was humiliating. All I’d wanted was to be a Marine, and it’s what I should have done when I was 18. I knew plenty of folks in the Army who went to basic in their early and late 30s, but they were the exception and not the rule.
It’s definitely not impossible for you to do this, but joining the military because you feel lost is a REALLY risky idea since you can’t just leave if that also doesn’t fit what you want.
Depends, how are your back and knees? lol
Figure out what job you want to perform. Go to the recruiter and demand that he guarantee that job in the contract. Most people signing up don’t realize they can do this, and blindly go in and get placed wherever there’s a shortage. I would recommend something that you can use in the civilian world, like IT or engineering. Your ASVAB has to be high enough for you to be considered for some jobs.
Ask about enlistment bonuses other than the GI bill. When I enlisted in the Navy back in 1998 they were giving an extra 40k bonus along with the GI bill. It may be worth it for you to get free college, experience, leadership skills, healthcare ect. Just sign a 2-year contract or go reserves.
Funny. I’ve been exactly where you are. I say go for it. I wanted to do it but never had the stones. Im 37 now. I still consider the air force at times. I can’t say for sure. All I can say is you’re not the only person who feels lost. I was never the type of person who had a plan. I’m just flying by the seat of my pants in this life. But I saw military as a huge commitment in which if I failed would just add to my wall of shame. I don’t need any more of that in my life. Good luck. Thanks for sharing your story. And I have a college degree. Makes no difference. It’s all who you know, who you’re willing to use to your advantage even at the possible cost of friendship.
Joining the military with a solid plan in place can be a good move. Research jobs with good transferrable skills and get everything in writing from the recruiter, verbal agreements mean nothing.
Have you thought about looking into the trades. A lot offer apprenticeship programs. You’ll have insurance, pension, and free training. The starting pay isn’t the best but each year you’ll get a raise. Something to consider at least. Good luck to you!
I think the military could be a great option for your career, but you should consider the impact on your marriage. You can and will be sent random places at the drop of a hat. The good news is that you will probably not be PCS’d internationally involuntarily, because that’s usually something people highly desire. They’re probably not likely to give a reward like that to someone who doesn’t want it. But within the US? You and your family will get absolutely tossed around. It’s honestly not too bad though, you should try to persuade the wife.
Would your wife be willing to sacrifice for a 4 year enlistment, and then move to your “dream location” after obtaining benefits and skills through the military? I’d recommend something in computers, IT, cybersecurity, or healthcare. Air traffic control is an option I’d consider, but having done that, the schedule (at least civilian side) is not conducive to family life.
Anyway, all that to say, if your wife can sacrifice uncertainty for 4 years, I don’t think you’ll regret it (even though many days will suck).
Join a union trade instead.
I joined when I had no other options in my life (I was in my mid 20s). Though, I had no obligations at the time and that was the only thing I wanted to do. Best decision of my life. Made some life long friends who would go to hell and back with me. Got a degree after I got out using my benefits and I’m now medically covered for the rest of my life. The quality of life in the military depends on the branch and the job you choose. For me it sucked but in a good way because I liked my job. I still miss it very much to this date. Don’t let anyone to tell you no.
Do four years and see if you like it. If not, just get out and enjoy your life from there. Plenty of opportunities will open up for you. However, please choose your job (MOS) wisely, don’t let your recruiter convince you to sign an open contract just because you’re desperate.
If you do end up joining, be fit, be good at your job, and stay out of trouble throughout your military career. You will gain respect from your peers, seniors, and higher ups, which would in turn make your life a lot easier down the line.
If you were single,
I would say yes.
Probably not the optimal solution. I can suggest several ideas. One, make a list of your skills. You sound depressed so keep that in mind when drawing up the list. Two, check out civil service exams. Being a garbage man can a lot better than the military and no risk of being shot at. There are a lot of jobs out there, look at the local, county, state and federal jobs lists.
You don’t want a desk job. Can you do sales? Can you work with your hands? Ever thought about something like train engineer or getting the quals to be a health or building inspector? Post office? Carpet installer? Step one is to dust yourself off and get ready to go out. Apply for a bunch of jobs each morning then do something like go volunteer at a soup kitchen. Helping others is a great way to get out of ruminating on your own shit.
Lastly, I was you but with undiagnosed autism and a really bad drinking problem. You are one up on me, at 31 women weren’t exactly kicking my door in, you are married. It sucks, it hurts but with time you can make your life better. Look at the positive, you can say you got your midlife crisis in early. Growth usually only comes when we are in enough pain to change something, anything
I’d do some research about potential guard bases in your area, that way other than the potential of being deployed which seems unlikely as of now or the occasional TDY which is like a shorter deployment but in more of a backfill support roll you’d pretty much be guaranteed to stay in your area. It’s less of a commitment for most people typically only being one weekend of work a month which is mostly upkeep and required training as well as an annual two week training stint. But you also have the option of applying and boarding for a more full-time roll in your position on your base but those rolls can be a little competitive to get into.
Side note I served in the ANG for 6 years so this is how it worked for me personally other branches guard bases may operate differently. If you’re curious about this route and have any questions hit me up dude I’ll give you the full good and bad rundown.
Without a plan, any direction will do. There are many many less honorable ways to spend 4 years of your life than in service.
Even if you have a plan they will throw it out the window, you WILL have to relocate, and you can only pick jobs that you ‘qualify’ for with their vocational test
Let’s be real, if you could come up with a plan, you wouldn’t be considering the military. Enlisting creates a path for you for the next 5-10 years that you have very little say in. On the one hand, great, you just do as your told and stick it out and you get some benefits. On the other hand, you’ll need to come up with a plan as soon as you get out
If your wife doesn’t want to move then it will be impossible. When you enlist, they will send you wherever they choose, you don’t get a choice. Unless you join the Guard or Reserves, maybe. Military is awful for relationships. Do not consider the Navy. Not much money either. Imo find a nice community college and choose a job or apprenticeship oriented program. It’s cheap.
Bad idea. My dad died from blood cancer at 41 because he was exposed to the burn pits, and my mom was gang raped by her peers who faced no repercussions. I don’t recommend.
Aside from that, the military totally destroyed my parents marriage.
Join the USCG and figure out a plan while on active duty. You’ll get stationed in nice places and if you play your cards right, you can alternate duty stations between two bases. Get out with a hiring preference and work for DHS. Get that GI Bill. If you don’t like the skills you learn on active duty, go to school.
Figure out what you’re interested in. Take some free online courses, or try out some YouTube videos.
The military can help teach you many life skills.
Joining the military will certainly give you an adventure. Depending on your job, you may go from base to base. You could also be in one area for 20 years.
I was in the Navy. I went from Yokosuka Japan to Long Beach California to San Diego California. All in 8 years. I loved it and would do it again.
Good luck
Don’t join if you don’t have a desire to serve your country. Joining the military is a way of life and not just a job. The dedication required will impact your immediate family.
I joined at 30 and it was the best decision I’ve made for my career. I didn’t have a plan and ended up doing something I didn’t expect. I wasn’t married though so that made it simple. It was nice having a stable place to live and a steady paycheck. I used the last year of my contact to figure out another career and do some training before I got out. The benefits were absolutely worth it
Probably a bad ideal to enlist at 31 with a wife.
But reserves or national guard could be worth looking into.
Run from the military as fast as you can.