armed forces vs civvy life?

[esquire_19]

having nearly completed my final year of a very boring and tedious business studies degree, i was wandering if anyone has any experience of working in both the armed forces and in an organisation on civvy street? im going through the whole money vs job satisfaction debate in my head! where do the greater parts of your years lie? as i am very fit, love the outdoors, and having visited the RAF in lincoln for a weekend, it was hard but very rewarding! can anyone help me out? because i also love the idea of a flash motor and a nice house but afraid ill turn into my father and money will be my only friend! any ideas? cheers!

[panhandle]

I spent 17 years in the RAF and the last 17 years in civvy street. If money is what you want then stay in civvy street. If you want comradeship and job security then give the RAF a whirl. You will never be rich but you will enjoy it.

[ursula62]

Why not get the best of both worlds? Establish yourself in a civvy career and also join the TA. If you like the army life then you can join up. They actually prefer people with some good work experience.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

The only experience I have of the armed forces is being married to someone who is just completing is 22 years.  I would like to think I am successful in my civilian job which is financed based.  I have worked in many places and made great friends, contacts and have enjoyed it.  My husband has done the same.

I dont think any job is secure these days and that includes the armed forces with so many cut backs and merging of units etc.

My husband has done well in the army and earns a great deal more money than me so I wouldnt necessarily say civvy life pays better.  I also know forces people who enjoy flash motors and nice holidays because their day to day costs are lower than mine.  i.e. if in a married quarter their rent is peanuts compared to civilian private rents.

No-one will be able to convince you which choice to make because we are all different and want different things in life. 

I would finish your degree.  Take some time out i.e. travel and then see how you see your future then.

 

Good luck

[Albert Park]

I'm in the 'Flying Circus' and it's not what it used to be (groan, old cliche). If you are set on joining then do it as an Officer - definitely better. Sorry can't comment too much on working in 'civvy street' as it was too long ago.

Have a look on the RAF Careers homepage for info. http://www.rafcareers.com/?flash=go

Good luck.