Military service then college? Or a job?

Hi there! I’m a junior right now and contemplating different routes for after high school. Particularly, I am considering the military before going to either college or working right away. Anyone who's taken this path, how did you decide? Any insights would be appreciated.

Choosing between military service, college, or diving straight into the workforce after high school can be a complex decision process. It depends on your personal goals, your financial situation, and your readiness for different life experiences.

If you choose military service first, it offers several benefits like discipline, structured training, leadership skills, and travel experiences. Some people find that it gives them better clarity about their career interests and provides them with a sense of maturity and responsibility.

Moreover, serving in the military offers educational benefits such as the GI Bill that can later be used for college tuition, which might make a significant difference in your college affordability.

Opting for college right after high school is a more traditional pathway, and it fits those who already have a strong sense of their academic and career interests or who are looking for a direct route into certain professions (medicine, for example). College offers vast opportunities to explore different fields, participate in extracurricular activities, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Starting a job right after high school can offer immediate income and real-world experience. This path might suit those who have a specific career in mind that doesn't require a college degree or are particularly entrepreneurial. It's also a choice to consider if you want to avoid student loan debt or if you want to save money for future education.

Given your situation, it might be helpful to talk to current military personnel, college students, or those who went straight into the workforce. Discuss with them about the daily realities of their lives and the benefits and challenges they've faced. This could provide you with more insight into what path might be best for you. You also have the option of discussing it with a guidance counselor, who can provide additional perspective based on their experience with other students who’ve had similar decisions to make.

Remember that there is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to post-high school plans and each route comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges.