Feeling Stuck
I’m currently in the Reserves with infantry, and I’m supposed to do my DP1, but I had to put it off due to personal stuff, and now I won’t be able to complete it this summer.
Lately I’ve been struggling with whether I even want to stay in the CAF or try to transfer trades. A big part of it, honestly, is the culture in my unit. I don’t know if it’s just combat arms culture, my specific unit, or if I’m just not fitting in properly, but I constantly feel like I can’t talk to NCOs without getting shat on or made to feel stupid for asking questions. Don't get me wrong, there are some great NCOs out there for sure.
There just seems to be a lack of professionalism and respect sometimes, and instead of feeling mentored or developed, I mostly feel anxious about showing up to parade, speaking up, or messing something up. It’s gotten to the point where I’m questioning whether this environment is actually for me. I still like the idea of serving, and part of me wants to stick it out, especially since I haven’t even completed DP1 yet, but another part of me wonders if I’d be happier in a different trade or outside the CAF entirely. After I completed my BMQ, I thought things would get better, but it just does not feel that way.
I guess I’m just looking to hear from people who’ve felt the same way. Is this normal? Or is this a sign the CAF just might not be for me? Honestly, just feeling pretty lost right now.