I've been thinking a lot lately...

[MountainManJoe]

Australia has a ritual called the "walkabout", where a young person takes time to go out and see some of the world before they settle into a career or family. America seems to direct the youth right into college/career path, (or often times a family will 'happen') at a young age. This may cause 'regrets' when you are a little older, not-so-free, and have some unfulfilled adventures in your soul. A key to a happy life is not having regrets about things you wished you had done. Live your dreams, question the definition of sucess and find what makes you happy. Life does pass by quickly~

I knew it. And whenever I ask an Aussie if they're doing their travel ritual they deny it. Must be secret.

[astroturf]

Hey Talley,

Have you spoken with the Military Recruiters yet?

Jim

[JTalley]

I'm not planning to join the army... That's just not for me.

[astroturf]

Why Not?

Care to explain?

Thanks, Jim

[JTalley]

Many reasons. For one, I'm not ok with killing other people. Also, I don't like the idea of being ordered around all the time.

And I definately don't want to die in a ditch with a bunch of burning shrapnel flying through the air from enemy bombs.

[astroturf]

Many reasons. For one, I'm not ok with killing other people.

But, You will stop someone from stealing your van.

Also, I don't like the idea of being ordered around all the time.

Good Luck in finding a Job without a Boss.

And I definately don't want to die in a ditch with a bunch of burning shrapnel flying through the air from enemy bombs.

You are right... You don't have to join the Military for that. You can just stay home and it COULD HAPPEN.

Best Wishes, Jim

PS Don't overlook the Benefits. Examine all of the options. This ain't the movies.

[MountainManJoe]

Many reasons. For one, I'm not ok with killing other people. Also, I don't like the idea of being ordered around all the time.

And I definately don't want to die in a ditch with a bunch of burning shrapnel flying through the air from enemy bombs.

=D> Good for you.

But Jim could be right about options. I'm not sure about the US, but maybe you could get a non-combat role and still have your education paid for.

[VanGoGo]

Way back in my High School days, there were many things I did not know...but I DID know I was not millitary material. I had to re-explain my views to many people (that I had NO interest in the millitary). Sometimes even when you do not know what you want...you do KNOW what you DONT want. Stick with your gut feeling, the millitary is not for everybody. =)

[1Gary]

This site and it's members in it's history has been involved in advise,encouraging,it's younger members about their plans for the future.Now I don't want this to seem like I rep the site or it's members,just what I have read and seen.Towards that end I am very proud to be apart of that even if it's not what the site's main topic.Bottom line is it's members care and that is the difference of this forum over any other.

You are just starting this life's journey being as young as you are.It's good you are thinking about and worried about the direction you want to take.Being as young(that is a positive thing)as you are,it allows for adjustments to that plan and mistakes.I know a number of my college buddies that didn't end up working in the field they studied and the degree they got.The degree just opened a number of doors for them.So I am suggesting that the number of people your age because of life's twists and turns that plan out what it is going to be now and end up there are rare.The most important thing is every day you go to work,you want to love what you do and it might take some trial and error to figure out what that is going to be with a understanding that no matter what that job is,there are going to be parts you don't like.

So like I suggested,speak to your school counselor and let them test and advise you.Kept a open mind with what they tell you and trust they are equipped with the knowledge of jobs/careens for the long term and how to get there.Even through you don't have the grades just now,don't ever convince yourself that there is something you can't do.If you want better grades to prove that to yourself,just ask yourself what can I do differently to change all that.Study methods,tutors,asking for more help from teachers,etc.