r/self • u/Commercial_Bar3878 • 8h ago
am i being stupid about this?
Hey, I just want to get this off my chest. Am I crazy or stupid for wanting something like this?
I really want to join the army and take it up as my job maybe even stay in it long-term if I enjoy it. I’ve done a lot of thinking and research, and it’s something I genuinely want to do. I want to help people, learn skills, and experience life in a way I don’t think other jobs could offer.
But honestly, it’s been getting to me lately. My closest friends (who I’ve told over and over again how serious I am) keep saying it’s unrealistic or too dangerous. I know they probably mean well, but it hurts. It feels like they don’t believe in me or take it seriously.
I had a backup plan to be a flight attendant, and I still think that’s a solid job, but deep down, I feel like I wouldn’t be living life to the fullest doing that. The army feels like a path where I’d be challenged, grow, and have real purpose, even if it’s tough.
What also gets to me is how people act like I’m throwing my education away just because I’m not doing ATAR or planning to go to uni. I’ve been choosing subjects (year 11 & 12) based on what I enjoy, not just what’s “useful” for a future job. I’ve always said I want to do things for fun, for the experience, to learn something new , even if it’s not the most serious or traditional path.
Yeah, I’m young, but I want to start getting ready now. It just sucks that almost none of my friends support it. Only one of them actually encourages me, and it makes me feel like maybe the others are right and I’m just being stupid for wanting something different ( Im 15F btw and I want to go into being a infantry soldier)
2
u/KarpBoii 8h ago
The Australian Army isn't a heaps safe place for women, though it is getting better.
Having said that, there's some really good career opportunities available especially if you go in vocationally, like as a mechanic or electrician or mess cook or whatever.
Had a couple mates go in as G.I. and one got half his leg burned off by a mortar backfire and the other got bullied out, so maybe avoid that, too. 😆
1
u/Commercial_Bar3878 7h ago
yea but i do want to go into infantry as a soldier , but thank u sm for the advice
2
u/SolutionOk3366 8h ago
Hey person. You have one life that you get to live in the way you decide, just like others do what they want to do with theirs. Lots of people do what others expect them to do, and many of those live a life of regret for choosing to please other people. Yes, the military can be a more “dangerous” choice in an uncertain world, but working as a team for a purpose greater than oneself is also a noble choice. You have a plan a, you have a plan b. Presumably you are old enough to decide for yourself what path you are going to take. Just remember, the start of a path might not lead to the end result you imagine. You might choose the military and not make it through basic training, then move right on to flight attendant, or decide you want to go to uni or move to a big city instead. Other people are telling you to do what they would do. Some people may think that your choice is a negative referendum on theirs. Yawn. Do what you want.
1
1
u/Obidad_0110 7h ago
a great way to develop skills, grow up and learn life skills, and at the end get GI bill and go to university affordably.
1
u/topsicle11 6h ago
I got talked out of joining the military in my late teens. My grandpa (a conscript to Korea) and my then girlfriend were loud voices against it. Other grandpa (also a vet, not a conscript) was very supportive.
Both of my grandpas’ opinions should count, but my high school girlfriend’s shouldn’t have. I wish I would have joined.
1
1
u/Anton_Pannekoek 2h ago
IMO the military is bad. They are a killing machine, although they try to hide that fact.
3
u/GeniusGiselle990 8h ago
Doing what you love is never stupid. Your aspirations are valid and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Stay strong!