Would I make/save more money working full time at Checkers/Rally's, or going active duty in the Military?

Question

I want to save up some money and start a life of my own. I stay with foster parents at the moment and am afraid that if I choose to stay where I am, I'll get nowhere. I'm not to sure what to risk at the moment......

Answer 1

Hi. Tori. I have a friend who has been in the Navy for 5 years. He loves it. I am about to join the navy reserve. I have done a bit of research on it plus I talked to my friend. It is totally up to you but if YOU feel deep down that staying will get you no where then your gut feeling is probably right. There is nothing wrong with joining the military and from what I understand, it helps to direct your future. The Navy is really dealing with being on ships and stuff. But you have the option of doing active duty or becoming a reserve. If you become a reserve, you will only have to go to drill meet 1 weekend out of the month and 2 weeks per year. The rest of the time, you are at home or what they call the "civilian life." You will definitely get more money from the military and other benefits. Talk to a recruiter and get all the details first. Even if you decide to stay home, at least you will have the details. Hope I helped and either way, I know you will make the right decision.  

Answer 2

The military has a lot more to offer you but it is also more of a commitment and has to be something you want to do.  Initially I would suspect the pay is about the same but in the long run the military will pay you a lot more (both in monetary and nonmonetary terms).  Adding to it are things like the GI Bill (for when you get out) and things like tuition assistance and college degree programs (like PACE and college instructors on your ship while you deploy) (at least that is in the Navy on the bigger ships).

Overall it has been very good to me for the last 19 years.  Started at the bottom and will retire as an officer.

Answer 3

If your only reason for enlisting is to get away from your foster parents, you will have a lot of challenges.

Being in the military is very rewarding; you know you're making a difference in the world.  There's a quote by Ronald Reagan that states, "Some people wonder if they ever made a difference in the world - members of the military don't have that problem."  You don't pay for housing or food, and while you don't get paid exceedingly well, you don't have many expenses.  The people you're surrounded by are like a second family.  You get a lot of educational benefits and can even go to school for free while you're working.  You get training in whatever career you want, without the necessity of a college degree.  And of course, there's all the awesome discounts. :D

However... It is also exceptionally challenging.  I've been out of Tech School for a year now and I still get up at 5 AM every day; I work about 50 hours per week, I have to request leave to take a roadtrip on the weekend, when most civilians can just get up and go, and I have to work out at least three times per week.  I also sometimes have to take orders from people I don't like, and of course there's the whole deployment thing. ;)

Overall, though, you'd probably save more in the military because you have no necessary expenses.  You don't need a car or gas for a car; the gym is free; you don't need to pay for an apartment; you don't need to pay for food; so you COULD save your entire paycheck every month.  Before joining the military, though, you should be extremely certain about your decision - enlisting in any branch of the military is at least a 4-year committment, so it is certainly not to be taken lightly.

Answer 4

If you are single and no children, the Army is a good way for you to say money. They provide you with everything you need. NEED being the key word. They provide you housing, 3 meals a day, and clothes (uniform). That covers the bare necessities. However, it would be a hugh decision to make right now being that we are at war. If you are coming in at the lowest rank E-1 you would be making around $1350.00 a month before taxes. Joining the military would give you the opportunity to start a life of your own and at the same time the opportunity to work with some great people. I wish you the best in what ever it is you decide to do.  

Answer 5

I actually read an article a few months ago that stated foster children historically do outstanding in the military. As to your checkers/Rally's question, I did an assessment of what I would need to make as a civilian to maintain the current lifestyle and benefits I currently have in the Army. I would need to make at least 77k a year. And with my level of civilian education (no degree) that just wouldn't happen.

Answer 6

I think you really need to look at what you want to do with your life. Money is important, of course, but it should not be the deciding factor at this time in your life.

Where do you want to be in 4 yrs, in 8, in 10? Most careers require a college degree. Maybe you don't think you can afford college? Its true it expensive but there are government loans that are low interest and everyone qualifies. This probably won't cover all of the expenses but you can get private loans, or chose to work to cover the rest.

I guess my point is you have to know where your going before you can decide how to get there.