My interests could take me into both public and private service, that's the thing. I think I could be happy with both... I just feel somewhat of a moral obligation to do the former, at least at first.
As for the military, it's truly difficult to sustain a family on that type of pay. I have the utmost respect for our men and women in uniform, but the truth of the matter is they get paid crap. I also feel that I could serve my country better and would get more enjoyment out of a career in intel or federal law enforcement.
Well, good luck to you. But it wouldn't hurt to see what the military offers. Many positions are far above "crap" pay -- and when your housing and food is taken care of off the top, "crap" can start to look pretty good.
The future is in antiquated, obsolete spacecraft parts and salvage... bank on it
Depends on your job... The better half is an Army dentist, and I've pulled in no more than $40K/year, frequently less. Our kids have been in private Christian schools their entire school life, and our daughter is now out of state and we're paying her college tuition (no help). Our home in Hawaii could be sold tomorrow for $500K (and our remaining mortgage is about half that). When he retires in a year we'll still have medical, he'll have a fairly decent pension (though not enough to pay the mortgage) and enough time to work civilian for several years to come.
Also - don't forget that a 3-year stint as an officer might enable you to pull a much better civilian job than you could otherwise find.
Finish school, join ROTC and sign up as an officer. Pay is nice these days, [and if you are in the Navy, you get to use special bathrooms (head)]
You would likely *learn* more as an enlisted person, but the pay is grim at the start.
Have fun, it is after all, your life.
"As for the military, it's truly difficult to sustain a family on that type of pay. I have the utmost respect for our men and women in uniform, but the truth of the matter is they get paid crap."
Not if you're an Air Force officer. And you can work in the military police. Law enforcement and good pay, then get out and go into the private sector when you're ready to retire from the military.