Should I join the military or build a civilian career?
The decision often stalls because inside advice and workplace realities make both options feel risky. Civilians hesitate to enlist when current service members warn them against rushing, leaving them wondering if they should establish themselves financially first. Conversely, those already serving frequently second-guess staying due to toxic leadership or the appeal of transferring their military training to the civilian sector.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1joining the reserves or national guard as a part-time service optionDid this help you?
- 2giving oneself another year to pay off debt and finish school before committingDid this help you?
- 3Transitioning to the reserves to maintain some benefits and stability while leaving active dutyDid this help you?
- 4Retraining into a different career field within the military to escape a toxic workplaceDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I’m 26, and joining the military is something I’ve seriously considered for a while. However, lately, I’ve been speaking with people who have served and others who are currently serving, and surprisingly, most have advised me against rushing into it.”source ↗
“Do you think it’s wiser or at least worth trying to establish yourself financially and professionally as a civilian first?”source ↗
“At 26, with relatively few personal obligations, would you recommend joining now or giving myself another year?”source ↗
“im 13 months from the end of my contract and im getting cold feet. should i stay in?”source ↗
“should i retrain to something Cyber in the airforce, finish school, and get out and do cyber in the civilian side?”source ↗
“just toxic workplace paired with shitty leadership has be second guessing”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 3Why do I still act like I'm in the military at home?
- 6Should I give up a comfortable remote job for career growth?
- 21Should I get an accounting certificate or degree while working?
- 12Accounts receivable vs bank teller for a finance degree?
- 9Can you switch accounting service lines before starting your job?
- 2How to choose a career when you have no passion