Here is my story:
My GF (now wife) with two kids. I had a decent job at the time working as a novel system administrator assistant at a small city, but in California back in 2003, we had drastic budget cuts, so my hours got slashed in half. I went and got a second job part time working in a nursing home with people with dementia. I was basically working 7 days straight, and was unable to make ends meet. I had to ask my parents from time to time for money which I hated to do. I'd rather steal than to ask but I was a desperate man. Then times got tough again, so I got a third job working at a comic book store... so three jobs all together - breh i was dying inside. FML
One day in the mall, after buy my daughter shoes with the little money that I had
an Army recruiter stopped me and talked to me a while. I told him i might be interested, but i was just giving him a runaround - fukk joining the army
especially in a time of war - no way
After a few months of working like a slave, i caved in. I joined the Army. My GF and I got married, and I told my parents. They were fukking pissed that I joined
My pops was saying you know you fukked up and why the hell did you do that? We could have helped you, you could have moved in with us.... fukk no man, i see my older brothers and sisters that are fukking dead beats, always asking my folks for money... I'm not trying to be like them retards.
After I enlisted, I left for basic training. My wife and kids moved in my with folks for the time being and just stacked hella bread. When I got to my first unit, i immediately went to school to work on my bachelors (never started school, tried community college but dropped out twice
)
I kept on that track, still going to school, never hung out with people who partied all the time... i just took care of myself and my family. I earned my bachelors in computer information systems, a master of arts in organizational leadership, earned my Network+, now I'm working on my CISSP. I've been in the Army almost 10 years now. The highest rank i made enlisted was E-5, now I am a commissioned officer, a captain. Currently, I manage the army computer information systems and tier 2 network that spans 4 different countries.
I tell you this because there is incredible opportunity in the military - you just have to work for it, you have to deal with people's bull shyt. If it was easy, everybody would do it. But you have to have yor priorities straight, you have to commit your self to excellence and you have to work for it everyday.
You can do it breh - just stick to your guns.
When I say I worked for this, I really meant that me and my wife did it together - she was the rock that was with all this time. Shot out to you babe.
Hope this finds you in good spirits and I hope this helps you in life decisions. The juice is worth the squeeze.