joining the army
I’m 22 with an English degree from a no name school. I read a lot about being a linguist in the army and it sounds attractive from a career point of view. I already speak two languages and the most joy and direction I’ve felt in my life came from learning a second language. But realistically being bilingual is nothing more than a little plus in my resume, which is barren aside from the warehouse jobs I’ve worked since I graduated. I detest the American army’s role in global politics and even its “mission” as it pertains to homeland defense or whatever, which I’m sure is already widely understood here. I’m thinking about signing a 5 year contract as it would put me on a much more concrete career path than anything else I could realistically achieve with my experience so far.
Is it worth it to effectively commit philosophical suicide for the security and “experiences” that the army could provide to my aimless chudcel life? How did you guys get a start in the world when it feels like every path leads to unhappiness or a wasted life? I like to think that I’m a service oriented person that doesn’t want much for myself but the idea of being without financial security and a varied life before “settling down” scares me. How is it that people find direction when it feels like the only opportunities offered are 9-5 jobs without room for development (both personal and career) or positions that are out of reach? At night I feel hopeless and scared and worry that I might just not get a lot of joy or satisfaction out of life in general