What Should I Do?

[AndrewHimself]

Okay, here it goes. I'm 22, in December, I'll be 23. I'm getting out of the Marine Corps in the summer of next year after 5 years of faithful service. My job in the military is a telecommunications/computer repairman. I have a secondary job as a circuit card repairer. I have about $20,000 saved up and a 2004 car. My parents are extremely supportive of whatever I do and would like for me to move back in with them, although I don't really think I want to do that.

Now, I'm wondering what I should do with my life. I'd like to go back to school, but I'd also like to make money. I'm not quite sure what type of job offers I'll be getting once I EAS, so right now I'm at wit's end as to what will happen next year. One thing is for sure, I am definitly getting out of the military.

UPDATE: I have a security clearance as well.

Could you guy (and girls) suggest what I should do with myself, career-wise? I'd really like some educated input. I hold each and every one of your opinions dearly. Thanks in advance!

 

[akubi]

WWYBYWB

 

[FoBoT]

i would go to school part-time and work part-time

are you willing to move anywhere? or are you only wanting to stay in the town your parents live in?

 

[tami]

go to school part time and work part time is a good way to start off. then you can figure out if you are interested in pursuing education further (and if so, which path to take) or if you want to just work full time.

 

[Kelemvor]

I don't know what the market is like for someone with your skills but on the job experisnce is normally worth more than schooling experience. Might want to test the waters first to see if anything is available that you can get into full time and go from there. THen if not, you can do the school/work part time each thing as well.

As for living, move in with the parents if you are worried about money and want to live for free (or cheap maybe, depends on your parents). Or rent an apartment, move in with friends, etc. Living with the parents can cramp your sex life though. heh.

 

[huberm]

go to school and learn about something you like. If not for a better chance at a job, for the life experience.

Plus you can use your GI Bill to get a little extra cash while you're in.

 

[Booster]

One thing is for sure, I am definitly getting out of the military.

So one thing you're already sure of. You decided to start a new career. That's a big decision to make. You've made it yourself. Now all that you need to do is to quit the military. You have some money saved up, so you will have at least a few weeks to research your job opportunities. You don't need to start working in your new chosen field tomorrow, do you?

I suggest you first quit, then take some time off, spend time reflecting and thinking of what attracts you most and what is most practical, what you really want and would like to achieve, what could make you happy. There will certainly be an answer. It's just that it's inside of yourself, and noone else can voice it to you.

 

[AndrewHimself]

I am willing to move anywhere in the U.S., by the way. My parents live in central Jersey, so jobs are pretty decent around there, however.

 

[geek4life]

I was on the same boat as you one year ago. I got out of active duty Army when I was 22 (I'm 23 now). I went back to my home state, found a workstudy job and went to school full-time on my GI Bill. I was an Army infantryman so my skill is only good for a job as Walmart security.

 

[doze]

With your experience you should be able to get a full time job for a telephone or cable company working as a field tech or in a CO. You should be able to make 40K+ per year in one of those jobs. If you go back to school you'll pretty much have to take whatever part time work you can find, depending on the city you may be able to get a 20-30hr. per week call center or help desk/pc repair type job. With 20K saved and if you apply for your military tuition benifits and all that you might not have to work for a while.

 

[AndrewHimself]

I also have a security clearance, which I forgot to mention...