Trying to pave my way for once. (Needing advice)

[tristex]

Greetings all,

I'd just like to say I've been a lurker of this site for a long time and I admire so many of you, your words and the support you've given to your sailor or the courage put forth in joining the Navy.

 

For the past month or so, I've been researching as much as possibly I can about the military, so much that I'm not sure I've gathered so much information about one topic in so little time. I make that comment because in my entire life, I've never felt motivated to really do anything concerning my future.. and of all the branches, to me the Navy has the most appeal.

To gain some perspective of my character, I'm a tiny, 5'2" 19-year old female. I weigh about 100 pounds.

I've spoken to a recruiter and everything so far is a sure shot besides my weight. I just need to say the word to take the ASVAB. (Practice test provided, scored a 46.. meh, but he assured me I'd score higher on the real one. I skipped nearly half of the math questions.)


I have a strong value system, I believe in silly things like honor and integrity. If I make a promise, you can be assured that I will keep it. Not the leading type at all, I'm a follower through-and-through and actually enjoy (or I don't mind, at least) being given orders by those of higher status. I strive to work hard and am not afraid to physically push myself. I work as a cook at Pizza Hut and as mundane as that sounds, it's the most physically inclined job. Besides the pitiful pay, I've always regarded that feeling of being.. useful, needed. I'd like to think I've gained respect at my job for always doing the best I can. Proved myself to any guy with a doubt that a tiny girl can't do this job.

So I've been trying to figure out if the military could be right for me. Give a lost, directionless spirit such as myself the purpose in life that I crave. That is my main reason for joining, mind you. Purpose and a potential future by serving. Money is a struggle and the amount I'd be putting away would be very helpful, along with health benefits and the GI bill when I get out. I figure that if perhaps the military paves the way somewhat in what I want to pursue in my life, the GI bill will be there to help attain the credentials needed to do so.

As for my worries..

1) Indecision about the rate I'd like/settle for. I've tried to research, but it's difficult to get a human perspective of what it's really like without speaking to someone. Perhaps undesignated would be a good choice? Get a feel for something? Is it better wait and decide on the rates I'd be willing to take? I know options are limited right now due to the overmanned status..

2) I'm kind of a loner. I have friends and I'm not socially awkward.. I just prefer to be alone often. I know I'll have to be around people if I serve, especially on a ship. I have absolutely no problems working with people and am willing to adjust.

I'm also sensitive, I take things to heart. I know this sounds like a major flaw, but I want to better this part of myself. Thicken my skin and have the confidence to not falter.

How did you or your sailor adjust to the change of lifestyle or a somewhat disadvantage in their personality?

3) I'm in need of advice, perspective from someone who perhaps identifies with my situation. I know there's a lot of you out there. I just can't find anyone to talk to. My father served in the Navy as a cook and has never said anything negative about it, only positive. He learned a lot and made good friends. (Yeah, cooking kind of runs in my blood. Though my father does not recommend being a CS)
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I guess that's about all I should say before I make this a novel-sized post. I'm new and apologize in advanced for things I might have said that are offensive in any way. I've really been trying to learn about your world.

Any words appreciated,

Thank you.

[Anti M]

I was in the Navy, and while things have changed a bit since then, a lot is the same.

Nothing wrong with undesignated, although if you have an A school, you often also get a program with accelerated advancement.  That means more than just money, it can also mean privileges too, and responsibility.  LOL, you'll find yourself in charge of someone faster than you'd think possible!  

All depends on how much of a hurry you are in if you want to wait for a rate or not. I lean toward waiting for a rate you are interested in.  which is silly, I was tossed into being an ET (electronics technician) and had no clue I'd enjoy it so much.

I was very much a loner, but I was raised as a Navy brat and excelled at quick, disposable friendships. Perhaps it wasn't a change of lifestyle after all? Still, you can be a loner when you want.  Even on the smallest ship, you can find space and time to yourself if you need it.  In my experience, you can have it both ways.

The Navy will be many things you never expected, not all of it thrilling (cleaning, always cleaning....).  But it was the most amazing time of my life!

[BunkerQB]

tristex,

You are an excellent writer. What about something in the legal field or communications, publicity, documentation - anything that can take advantage of your great verbal skills. Do go in unless you are absolutely certain. There are other ways of acquiring an education. You should get some books and practice on the math.

[tristex]

Thank you for the replies.

@Anti M: It's comforting to hear that from a fellow loner.  :) I feel like I wouldn't mind too much either way.. having a rate of being undesignated, but I can't help but feeling that waiting for a rate would be the wiser choice. Just a question of which, ha. What's being an ET like? I'm really not the type that would be in it for thrills. I'm much more for routine, detail-oriented work.. but at the same time, I like to keep physically active as well. Desk jobs don't seem so appealing, but I suppose you always have to keep in shape, too. I know I'm still young, but I guess the time I would be serving gives me the feeling of urgency, that I should do it while I'm young. The usual time is about 4-6 years, correct?


@Bunker: Thank you! /blush. I've been told that before, many times actually.. but I usually just sidestep the notion. Doing something with writing in the Navy seems like it would be too good to be true. :O I'll have to read up about those rates.

I absolutely flew through all the verbal/comprehension parts! I'm ridiculously terrible at math. Like.. reversing numbers terrible.

You're right about others ways in acquiring in education, in fact I'm eligible for financial aid to go to college. However, last time I tried.. I dropped out because I disliked going to class so very much. As I said, I'm very much.. a loner. I even graduated High School early to get out as fast as possible. Though, I didn't try online courses.

[Craig]

tristex -

1st off, there is no way I'd go undesignated.  Choose about 5 different ratings you qualify for.  When your at the classifier, give him the list, and tell them you would like to see if it is possible to take any of these 5 rating.

 

Per your ASVAB pre-score, It doesn't look good.  Most people do worse on the real ASVAB than the pre-ASVAB, so you need to study.  Here is a great study source for info on the ASVAB:

http://booklearning2.tripod.com/ASVAB_3e.pdf

 

Per being a loner, you want a rating that you're not "micro-managed".  Even if you qualified, the Nuke rating wouldn't be for you.  You are constantly hounded and work with people.  You would do well in the CT or IS field.  You work mainly by yourself.  Here is a link to the ratings:

http://www.navydep.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=36

 

What you need to do is plan your future with the Navy.  Do you want a easy life, or do you want something that you will make more money than most once you served your time?  I guarantee if you choose certain ratings, you will make more money than your parents.  All parents want that!  

 

If you want to talk to real sailor, or if you want to talk to sailors who are fresh out of boot camp, or if you want to talk to deppers that are ready to leave, come on over to NavyDEP.com  You will learn alot.

 

 

[tristex]

Thanks Craig.

I know my ASVAB score doesn't look good, it was a very impulse time that I took the test. I hadn't taken a test like that in over a year. I'll definitely study hard before I take the real one. Thank you for the resource! I also have an electronic version of ASVAB: For Dummies. :p albeit, 2nd edition.

 

and I'll definitely read up on both of those ratings! Working by myself sounds lovely. It certainly won't take much to earn more than my parents, god bless them. I'd really like to make my Papi proud though, not have him constantly be stressing about money.

I actually made an account on NavyDEP.com, but since I'm really shy.. I haven't made any inquisitive posts yet. Mostly reading, lurking. :)

[Craig]

FInd out what ratings you like, and on the ASVAB only study those areas that qualify for those jobs.  Example:  If you want to be a IS, your score is VE + AR = 107.  Why study all the other areas that don't count.  Just study the VE and AR section.

 

Guaranteed the Navy will get rid of that shy stuff.  You will not be that way in the Navy,  They will wipe it out.  The Navy needs leaders, and leaders are not shy.  

 

Just curious, why are you not shy here, but are on NavyDEP?  That's wierd.... 

[tristex]

Yeah, I think I really need to research the ratings more.. figure out something I'd be comfortable with, happy even. I think I could do very well on the ASVAB if I just apply myself for once. >.br/>

Ha, I'm sure it will. I'm fine once I warm up usually, it's just that initial point. As for NavyDEP, I was going to make a post but I actually get a reoccurring server error very often? I suppose I should fill out that report.

[Craig]

PM me here at N4M about the problem.  I'm actually the admin over there and need to know if there is a problem.  Are you sure you're logged in?   

To keep this thread clear, just pm me here (at N4M's) and I'll figure out your problem why you can't post....

 

[BunkerQB]

I meant "Don't go in unless..."  My sailor was walking into the house as I was typing away. I hadn't seen him since last Dec.  I agree with Craig - you don't seem shy here. Could it be that you are more comfortable communicating with other adults? Hey Craig - that's us! Based on what I have read, I am not convinced that the military is the way to go for you. Reversing the number - hmmm - my sister does that all the time - she has a degree in math from UCLA, a masters in computer science from UCSD - at 70 years old, she is getting her PhD.

Just because you writ well does not mean you will get a job where you'll be sitting behind a desk all day long. I am the reversed - I am excellent in math but writing is my weakness - lousy speller - bad at grammar - I force myself to writ.

Keep looking. Have you ever talk to a career counselor? I don't mean someone at your college or high school - I mean someone who does this professional in a consulting capacity - the courts use career assessment specialist often to determine length and amount of alimony.

What is on your dream list?

[tristex]

Ah, well. I say shy reflexively, as it's mostly in person. It's much easier through text and yes, I've got a rather old soul, if you will. Always gotten along with older folks more.

I'm not exactly convinced either and that's what I've been stressing so much over lately. I've gotten to a point in my life where I know I really need to start making decisions about my future. The trouble is I've never had any dreams or plans to speak of. I just go through the motions, take each day as it comes.

I don't believe I've spoken to a qualified career counselor yet, it may be an idea. It always just seems to be the same career list, questions and deductions based on my personality.

I feel like the military in a lot of ways could fit my personality, but I fully realize I can't just "drop out" like I did with college. I need to be sure. However, with college.. I went because I felt it was an obligation. I actually feel like I want to do this because it will change my life, for better or worse. It's this one decision that will pave a path for me, rebuild me even. And it's not that I don't like who I am, I'm just sort of in a constant state of hesitance. Waiting. Always waiting, routine job.. routine life. Paycheck to paycheck.

Maybe it's time to do something.

[Anti M]

Actually, not being able to drop out kept me focused.  I had a couple years of fooling around in college too, and my parents quit supporting me.  Joining the Navy was a way to put a roof over my head.  I honestly had no clue what I wanted to do, except NOT cook, yeoman or a clerk of any kind, or corpsman or MA.  I fell into ET!

I suck at math because I went to 14 different schools.  But I excel at test taking!  Being an ET was usually pretty unexciting, we did a lot of preventive maintenance on the gear, and had to stick around when it broke until it was fixed. For me, getting to do my job in places I liked (Japan, Diego Garcia) was the exciting part.  

ET is AECF, so you could end up as an FC (fire control, fire as in shooting the missiles, not fire fighting).  Most of the technical rates are uneventful daily, but I found working with my hands quite satisfying. There are a number of such rates.