My MEPS date has been changed. I'm going July 12-13.
For most people, assuming they pass the ASVAB and the physical, they get to pick a job, find out a ship date, and swear in right there. My recruiter told me that I'll probably have to go back for a follow-up visit, due to the medical records I have. Now that I've been to my own civilian doc, the Navy doc will want to do his own checking. So I might have a little more time to think things over than others do.
But still...very, very soon there is going to come a moment where I actually have to sign my name, raise my right hand, and join the Navy. I’m nervous about the job-picking part, because these days it’s harder to find out detailed information about the jobs beforehand. They don’t want people getting their hopes up about a specific job and then not qualifying for it, so they wait until you’ve tested, then tell you what you qualify for. I understand that, but I don’t have a way of thoroughly researching whatever ends up on my list. I know of some jobs that I’m interested in, so I’ve researched those, and talked to people about them. But what if I don’t get those? Any brief description I’m given on the spot is not enough info for me to make such a big decision. Yes, you can get your rate (job) changed, but it doesn’t sound like an easy or promising process.
All of this ruminating brings up the BIIIIIG question: Are you REALLY, REALLY 100% POSITIVE you want to do this???
Well, no, not quite 100%. Nothing is perfect, there are things I’m not excited about, and things I’m even scared of. My best answer is that the pros outweigh the cons by far (maybe I’ll provide a list in a future post). This wasn’t a snap decision by any means. I started thinking about this several years ago, and have had ample time to talk myself out of it since then. But now that the reality of this decision is getting closer and closer, the cons start to loom up before me like big, scary ghosts with their fingers outstretched to get me. EEEEEEEEK! I wonder if this is what people feel like right before they get married… Cold feet? Runaway brides?
So here it is: Speak now, or forever hold your peace. Tell me why I should OR shouldn’t join the Navy. Right now, so I don’t lose focus from these new emotions, I'm reassuring myself by re-reading stories and talking to people who LOVE their Navy careers and think it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. Because ultimately I believe it’s the best decision for me, too. But if there is anything else I need to consider, I need to know NOW.
Girl, I was so there with you. The first time I went to MEPS, before I switched jobs I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I had some second thoughts, but the longer I'm in DEP the more determined I am that this is what I want to do. You have to find in yourself what you want to do. Its your life, ultimately.
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog on the Women Redefined facebook page. I'm so glad that a woman out there is blogging about this experience. I'm just getting started in the process (I've only spoken to the recruiter once and am waiting for him to put me in touch with the officer recruiter), and it's already nerve-racking. I've googled everything I can, but nothing comes close to reading about someone's actual experience, so thank you.
ReplyDeleteI think that if this is something you really want, then go for it all out. Don't let anyone discourage you. There are a lot of people (men and women) who just don't get it. They look at you weird when you tell them what you want to do. I'm waiting to find out more about becoming an officer and I'm interested in becoming a Navy Diver (one of the hardest things to do...gulp!) So I know where you're coming from. I keep thinking about it and it is so easy to talk yourself out of it, but you know in your heart what you need to do, so don't talk yourself out of it.
I saw that you said you were graduating from college. Are you going to OCS or are you going enlisted? What rates are you interested in? Good luck at MEPS!
Karen
http://acarolinagirl.wordpress.com
Lauren, you are stronger than many for considering the process, and u will be stronger than many when u complete the process.
ReplyDeleteJob security, a life like no other, recognition while being part of a group. anything. You can do it. =) and im right here with you.
=) dont loose faith because without that nothing is possible.
follow your heart and your dreams. I never thought i would be joining but im amazed at how im doing it.
My husband was asthmatic and when he wanted this, we put in a waiver and it got denied.
Then step 2 was, am i willing to do this.
For our future i said yes =)
Hey you! Just thought I's stop in and say hello. Enjoying your blog :)
ReplyDeletePS..I would definitely make a list of pros and cons. Sometimes its better to have this stuff in writing. Plus you can add to it as you think of things and not keep dwelling on the same stuff.
ReplyDeleteSo, where do you stand as of now? If you ever have any questions, let me know.
ReplyDeleteJust think: Worst case scenario it's only four years (maybe a little more depending on the rate you choose.) Most people that I know in the Navy have a love/hate relationship with it. Even people that hate it the most and get out as soon as they can still benefit from the experience. You'll have so many great stories for your grandkids! You made an 87 on the asvab so you will probably get to choose any rate that's open. My husband has been AD Navy for 6 years and his advice to me (since I'm looking to join too) is to not get any job with the letter 'B' in it! Also if you want to get an idea of which jobs you'd be more likely to get promoted in you can look at the CREO list from June 2010 and see which are undermanned or overmanned. (3=overmanned=less opportunities to promote. 1 is undermanned)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npc.navy.mil/CareerInfo/EnlistedCareerProgression/RatingConversions/ActiveDutyRatingConversions.htm
Sorry if you already know all of this. I just found your blog today and haven't read all the entries yet! I've been a Navy spouse for 5 years and am trying to enlist as well. My husband is helping with the process so I'm passing along whatever info he gives me.