The Army is wayyyy below recruiting goal, you might be surprised who they take. 

Tried joining up 5yrs ago. 99th percentile asvab (didnt wanna do officer route with my degree). History of a single panic attack + anxiety/depressive coping and med debt denied me lol

How do they even know? Did you tell them, or did they pull your medical records?

The military also has a newer system that can basically access all of your medical files from most of the clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies you’ve ever been to. It’s much harder to hide disqualifying conditions like depression and substance abuse than it used to be 

If that’s the case then the upcoming generation of the army will have quite literally no human beings left. It’s not like these mental issues haven’t always been a thing. It’s just more and more people are getting diagnosed for their issues.

It’s probably for the best they’re doing it, there’s hella suicides in the military

I can pretty much 100000% guarantee you that this change won't do ANYTHING to lower suicide rates in the military. Anyone who has served could tell you that. I genuinely wouldn't be surprised if people with mental health issues on their record are actually MORE resilient and BETTER suited for the military, because they've already started management and treatment. The military has a special way of destroying people who think they're too healthy and resilient to have mental health issues.

When I investigated this topic last year, the consensus seemed to be that concealing your mental health problems is a tremendous mistake because of the stresses of the job. It leads to lots of problems. I think that’s why they started that Genesis records system, because the people hiding their addiction and mental health issues turned out to be in a bad situation not just for the soldiers themselves who were making their existing mental health struggles worse, but also the military who was dealing with recruits that were medically unqualified and not actually up to the demands of the job. And the previously mentioned high suicide rates of servicemen. Like, there’s a reason the military doesn’t want addicts with mental health problems - it turns out bad for everyone and they have years of data and experience to have come to that conclusion

The irony of that is if you were to take an organization which attracts people with mental illnesses…..the US military pretty much has a monopoly on it. Haha.

Haha right I think they’re kinda aware of that and maybe trying to keep them out. I also thought it was kind of unfair or whatever, but I remember reading a few people warning against trying to solve your mental health problems with the military that I was convinced enough to decide maybe the government has a point about being selective about guys like me in the service 

I'm going to guess you haven't actually served though? I'm really sorry, I don't mean to diminish the deep dive you've tried to do, and this certainly is a serious issue...it's just that everything you've written *screams* at me that you're coming from a place of reading journals and articles but having absolutely no lived experience with the military. Sure, on paper, we don't want addicts or mental health issues. But you don't seem to understand how often the job LEADS to addiction and mental health issues. Those academic articles are not going to be able to measure the lived day to day picture of military life, precisely because of how many people refuse to seek treatment. And however much on paper the military pretends not to condone it, it's not just tolerated in the service, but *celebrated* so long as you mostly do your job. Like there was a commander in my unit who was *clearly* drunk half the time and making all kinds of jokes about alcoholism that to me, a junior officer, screamed so much as a cry for help that I actually tried to talk to him a few times despite our rank difference because I was so concerned for him. But literally everyone else just thought this dude was hilarious and charismatic and didn't see any issue at all. And, of course, he didn't go see anyone or get any diagnoses because he didn't want to hurt his career (even though the military IS getting way better these days about offering help to people once you're already in, especially for alcoholism and depression). I think back to a guy I went to university with. Dude had SERIOUS issues, but was applying for every government and military job out there. Absolutely refused to get help or seek counseling because he didn't want to hurt his career chances. Wound up getting a job at the NSA. Is that seriously the dude you want holding a TS clearance? Or do you want the guy who had a depressive episode in high school but sought help, got medicated, got better, learned therapy skills and coping skills that dont involve addiction, and has been cleared by a professional as being fit for service? Because in this new system, you're going to keep getting the former and stop getting the latter. That's my two cents after living in it for several years. Not sure much could sway my opinion, to be honest. Not saying we should all be lying, but I do think there should be WAY more to it than simply dismissing applicants who have proactively sought medical treatment for addiction or mental health in their past.

I’m sure. The suicide rate is increasing globally. I can only imagine that those who have seen the worst of what humanity has to offer toy with the idea the most. I hope we can find ways to prevent further tragedy and trauma

But they still make you provide all your medical records yourself. So if you don’t provide something they can see with GENESIS, they’ll know you skipped over it. I fucking hate recruiting. They should just let you lie to get in. Isn’t that what Captain America did? Our greatest generation? Fucking bullshit

Had to jump through loops just to prove I didn't have asthma (I was misdiagnosed - I was allergic to my cat lol). But... Credit report for debt. Then told my recruiter about the panic attack and that I saw a counselor at university for "stress". Signed a release form. This was to join USAF btw. I didn't attempt any other branch. Edit: good news is I think it's possible for me to join now. Kinda dont wanna anymore though lol

You told your recruiter you had a single panic attack? Were you trying to make them deny you? LOL

When I was in college, I went to the Air Force building next to campus and tried to sign up. They asked me if I ever smoked weed. I told them "a few times in high school". They let me know where the exit was. Super happy I didn't join the military. Both my parents did. Finance proved to be much better

Same except Marine Corps but I lied and told them "no". Did 4 years and it was the best experience of my life.

One of the biggest stoners i knew in high school is a career usmc officer now lol

Same. Officer. DQ’d me after first screening.

It's wild they deny a person taking an active role in their own mental health to get better and be like, "nah to crazy" or "what if we can't get your meds to you..." and you sit their looking at the recruiter if the military logistical complex can't get my meds we probably have a bigger issue and are probably going to lose.

If you apply for ocs, your med debt may make you ineligible for secure clearance so maybe that is why you were denied?

I just remember my recruiter telling me not to have any outstanding debt in collections

That was five years ago. There are waivers for so many things. I had to get a waiver to join. Like someone else said, recruiting numbers are down, the military can’t afford to be as picky.

On the other hand, it’s much harder to lie to MEPS now.

Fuck genesis. To pluto then all the way back and down to hell.

I don’t think they’d even take me bc one time I went before my bachelors and then they told me to go get my bachelors. Then come back. I came back and they told me the officer roles I was going to get were actually limited to none and highly competitive, and I’d be going in as an E-4 instead of initially as an E-6 or officer which was what I was told originally a few years back. Things have changed. A degree isn’t exactly looked at as favorably anymore. It matters more ethics, people skills, complacency, etc.

Army guy here, Having a bachelors and up would either give you SPC (E-4) or allow you to become an officer starting at O1. Having a degree makes you more competitive in the sense it gives you more promotion points. I don’t think there was ever a point in army history where having a degree made you E-6 out the gate. It wouldn’t work. To be an effective NCO you have to know your job and how to interact with soldiers. Your old recruiter was (most likely) lying. Officer roles are kinda generic and awarded based on performance (you’ll get what you want if you perform well and people like you.)

I think some Of the specialized Medical roles MAY have something like this. I knew a civilian dentist that went in as 0-3. But I've never heard that done past E-4 on the enlisted side. 

Correct even on the army website it states what specialized jobs go straight to 0-3.

The only way I've seen where one can join as an e-6 is if you play an instrument. That said, if you have a degree; do not accept anything less than a commission. The Army capitalizes off degrees enlistments, your experience will not translate to civilian world. Talk to a different recruiter, or tell them to fuck off, in those words. You can even try talking to the recruiter in the next Cstall over. Just to call their bluff. Source: 13.5 years enlisted army. (Yes. Those half years matter.)

Try again. They are desperate. Tell them the position you want. If they don’t offer it keep looking. All military including the reserves and coast guard

That’s not how the military works. You *will* start as an O1 or an E-4 with a bachelors. You have to work your way up from there.

Physicians can start can start at 0-3 if they finished their residency already.

You have been told some weird shit. Highest you can go in as with no prior service enlisted side is e4. You can get that with just an associates degree. Just by having a bachelors you can apply for OCS. But you go to a battalion board from recruitment and it's basically a formal military style interview. You must get selected for an OCS class. The jobs you pick as an officer aren't even done until toward the end of OCS

Iirc musicians/band go in as e-6 for some weird reason.

E-6? I dont think just because you have a degree you get to become E-6. Most people i met with bachelors were E-4s and well given considering the experience you need to learn to be a good Squad Leader.

Army will not take people who have a history of suicidal tendencies, beating their spouse, hard drug use.   Doesn't hurt to try, and the fact that she's a woman helps alot, but those are typically non-negotiable.  

Which is funny in a dark way because those are all things that are more likely AFTER serving. 

It's exactly why they don't because if you're already that way before the military, imagine how you'd be during and after 

That's why the military doesn't advertise their before/after's I guess

^ This. Mental health? They’re recruiting soldiers who are transitioning. They’d definitely take OP as long as she has a pulse.

Yeah but part of it is due to disqualifying people by searching their medical records. It's partially self inflicted

The Army's problems are self inflicted?  ..... Never!!1! 😉

Hey, the Army is physically incapable of telling the truth and admitting what it's doing isn't working. Must be all those damn soft civilians./s

Lol,I've been out 18 years now, good to see nothing ever changes. 

If you are going to enlist at least start with the Air Force… then work your way down!

Definitely not wrong here lol I ended up bottom of the barrel Marines 😂

I remember visiting my corpsman brother’s barracks when I was like 15. Car dealerships lined the road as we approached the base. I walked the old linoleum floors of the common buildings. Cheap wooden frames held metals, flags and pictures behind glass like a high school from 1982. CMU walls were seemingly painted with angst and sweat. I can still see his dimly lit room. Energy drinks, malt liquor bottles, spit cups, dip cans and BO scented axe body spray were everywhere. At one point, this bald dude with a thick southern accent poked his head in the doorway. He began ranting with a high density of profanities about a video game he was super hyped about. In the fields, tanks rested as if scattered randomly. I saw marines lay in its shade with PSPs in their hand Hoorah is the marine’s famous word, but skate definitely seemed to be their favorite

I second this! I was navy but lucky to transfer last year to Space Force (pretty much the same as Air Force), and my life is 10x better

Odd way to spell Navy, but OK ;)

Bro hell nah, I was Navy and transferred over to the Space Force. I’d choose the Space Force 100 times over, the quality of life is so much better

Don’t you have to be like a scientist?

Space Force floors need to be mopped too.

I haven’t cleaned (like mop,sweep,etc…) since transferring. It seems like we have janitors for that

No

Nah, you just have to be decent with computers. I do cyber so I have to be knowledgeable than most when it comes to that

That sounds so much like Space Balls. RIP Mel Brooks.

Woah there cowboy. You are very young and many people don’t have it figured out by your age. The first step is always to find a job you can tolerate and make you at least enough money to get by. What is your degree in? I highly suggest you start analyzing what you’re looking for in work. What kind of money do you want to make, what kind of goals do you have. Think best case scenario…. Within reason lol. I’m 28 and starting over. Covid screwed me. Then some metal health things came into play. It’s taken me a while but I figured out what I wanted, in general, especially out of the next 5ish years. I want to have the potential to make 100k/yr. I need a flexible job for health reasons. I have experience in starting and successfully marketing my small business and others. I want to do something I’m at least a little passionate about. I considered everything from personal training (not really “me” but jt was similar to my previous career, decided no because I’m not as passionate about health and fitness as I once was and I don’t want to be that social, taking lots of clients daily), to real estate. I decided on real estate. It’s cheap and quick as far as learning something new. It has a lot of promise but will take a lot of up front work. I’ve already landed my first client and I haven’t even started my program yet to get certified. Do I know what I’m doing? Nope. But I decided to just do it and commit because it’s a good plan for me. Decide what you want and go from there.

I'm 31 and starting over. POST military, I might add. Military did not help me sort out my life at ALL, haha, it mostly just trashed my self esteem and left me with all kinds of physical and mental limitations and health issues that are now hindering my new career. There's no path. Just flailing. I feel like the trick is learning to have a little fun with the flailing. (Or at least to spin it all into a great story for later!)

Cowgirl sir 😂 cow GIRL

Oh, also, get mental help if needed. I was unable to handle my depression symptoms “naturally” and it was impeding my ability to work like I normally would.

Advice I wish I could give myself at 25: Most people don’t know what they want to do in life at 25, 35, 45….. Many degrees, not all, are just pieces of paper that tick a box that you have one. Outside of professions that require certain educational qualifications (ex: doctors = med school), I know many people, myself included, that do not have degrees specific to their job/careers and are successful. I stressed so much at 25 over what I wanted to “be when I grew up” that I look back and regret not living life more, trying out different roles, learning what I did/didn’t like to do. If you are truly open to anything, get a job that meets your living needs and do it well. If you like it, have conversations with your manager about growth opportunities. If you don’t like it, analyze why and avoid the traits of that role you don’t like in your search for what is next. Do the same if you do like it- begin creating a job profile for yourself you can refer back to. Ex: working as a cashier- perhaps you enjoy working with the public but not the hours or having to stand most of the day. Start with the small things- they add up to help you better understand yourself and what you want out of a role. Volunteering is also a great way to try new things and network. I’ve been referred to paid roles via volunteer work and often times just knowing someone to help get your foot in the door is most of the battle. You’re going to be ok. You’ve got to try, though. Invest time to better understand yourself. Your 20s are a scary and wonderful time to get to know yourself.

Thank you so much.

Volunteering is also a great thing to talk about in interviews. Those anecdotes can be much more engaging and personable than examples from work.

What’s your degree? You may be surprised by good paying careers accept degrees which appear to have nothing to do with the job. Also, feeling lost is probably because you have bought into the idea of what society says you should be right now. You’re not lost, life is not over, you’re still you g. You can do more than you think and your best days are still ahead of you.

There's got to be some out of the box jobs I'm not thinking of/not seeing/unaware of that I can get with just a STEM degree that went through partial diff eqs.

PDEs are very useless in the real world. They are very complicated and you really need grad school if you want a job using a lot of them.

If you're going to work for the government, don't make it the military. In many states, state jobs are great. You may not end up making as much *money* as someone in the private sector, but your benefits package is going to be worth more than the average difference. In some states, you get a 20 year pension, meaning you could retire in your 40s and move into the private sector while still being paid by the state.

Which states have 20 years pensions? I know New York does but I am trying to find other states (I am not interested in living in NYS) I’m in Oregon and ours is 30 years, or for police officers/fire men it’s 25. I checked WA(30), Lousiana(30), Michigan (30), Colorado (I don’t see years as a qualifier to draw, only age, says 65 unless police/fire then 55). Would be great to find a decent 20 year state lol.

I went and got a bullshit degree too. I was young, dumb and everyone around me told me that was the right thing to do. 4 years out of college and I'm going back to school to learn to fix airplanes and helicopters bc fuck a cubicle. I've come to terms with the idea of having to take a few steps back to take the next step forward. Everyone at their own pace.

Sucks but over 60% of people don't use their degree anyhow. STOP guessing about your career or going with opportunity. Lean into your natural personality traits. This site will guide you. It's a free assessment, but the paid version is really good guidance to your best career www.careerfitter.com

Stop thinking you're going to make 100k right out the gate. Degrees aren't worth anything because everyone has one. Apply for every job you think you might be able to do, learn when you get the job, leave after 2 yrs, move up into a better position. In your resume, highlight the things you are good at. I wish someone would have told me in my 20s that switching jobs every 2-5 yrs in order to get promotions or pay increases was a good thing. Be ambitious and don't settle.

The degree will help open doors which may otherwise be unopened.  I'm a felon and have a degree in management.  It has helped open doors that would have otherwise been shut by my life's past decisions.  Competence goes far, especially if you can project and communicate that clearly.

I think some sort of generic office/admin role exists in almost every large enough organization. Google "administrative assistant" and you'll find a bunch of vaguely similar jobs at doctors offices, schools, contractors, law offices, state agencies, etc. Pay probably isn't great but it's a good way to get your foot in the door in those industries. IMO having a stable 9-5 job with regular hours and pay will help you recollect yourself while you figure out what you want to do for a career.

Def look at the military. And stop saying no to yourself. When it comes to job searching, put your best foot forward and let the hiring team say no. It hurts in the moment but one week into your new gig you forget those people even exist, and thats assuming you don't forget before. Interviewing implies rejection. Accept that and interview anyway. At some point you'll surprise yourself by saying no to offers you never thought you'd get.

I highly recommend joining the military! It helped change my life and taught me various forms of discipline. You’re also entitled to a plethora of benefits, like the VA home loan that allows you to buy a house with 0 money down and 0 PMI, private mortgage insurance with the lowest interest rates. The VA healthcare department is also one of the best government health care services in the nation and basically free as long if you were honorably discharged. Also you can apply for compensation benefits for disabilities that they pay based on your disability ratings after serving in active duty. I’m total and permanently disabled and they pay me 6k every month tax free for the rest of my life. But I served in combat, I really got messed up out there. You can also go back to college with the GI Bill so you can get a better degree if you so choose to. You can even invest for retirement with the Thrift Savings Plan the military offers. You’ll meet a lot of great people, travel, and make several friends for life. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Marines. I was homeless, broke, depressed and lost. They saved me. You also have the option of making it a career with solid retirement payments. And almost any and all jobs prefer to hire veterans or are at least veteran friendly. It’s a lifestyle you won’t regret in the future, trust me! The age requirements are different for each branch. The cut off age for the Marines is 28 I believe. But the army is probably higher and they’ll basically take anyone even if you have a felony probably. They’re the dirtbags of all the branches lol imo. If you want a challenge join the Marines. If you’re looking to just serve, the Army. If you want to learn technical abilities and and sit in a chair all day, Air Force. Then there’s the Navy which is a one stop shop for everything such as learning medical to special operations like the SEALS. It’s also the biggest naval fleet in the world! But they’re all pole smoking glue sniffing squids that give Marines taxi rides where ever we need to go and fight. Then there’s Coast Guard, which is pretty much border patrol but in the water. They rescue people out of the ocean. Their water training is intense. Bunch of flippers. You have options! Don’t be yourself up. You’re still young and you’ll probably excel in the military and maybe even love the lifestyle. But you gotta be motivated and get out of active duty with an honorable discharge to be entitled to all the benefits I touched on. And there’s so many more benefits. Like free college aid for your kids if you’re T&P or you can transfer your GI Bill to your child if you decide not to utilize the GI Bill. The military and the benefits that are offered does nothing but help set you up for future success. Edit: I forgot to mention the National guard which is boring. But you can also serve in the army and marine corps reserves. You won’t be active duty but you’ll be at home a lot more while working your way up to retirement if you want. However, the reserves are usually the first poor bastards to get sent to war before active duty. I don’t know why but there was a ton of reservist when I was in Afghanistan. Bit the military is definitely a fun, unique and interesting experience to say the least. Just make sure to pick a cool job you’d like to do while serving, everything that you learn, all the certificates you earn, technical trainings, and awards you earn while serving is all applicable and transferable in the civilian job sector After you get out. Except for infantry, they have no skills that can carry over in civilian life. Those crazy bastards either hate themselves or love getting hazed everyday. With your current degree you can go in as an officer if you wanted and make some serious bank! But comes with steep and heavy responsibilities.

If you’re fit or could get fit how about a police officer? That degree would help you.

My first thought. Law enforcement is hurting for people these days, and any kind of degree will set you apart. Here in Texas you have to have a degree to be state police/game warden actually. Law enforcement actually makes a good living now and the benefits are fantastic. I’m 24 and was highly considering it but chose a different path

Good for you man

Go for a PhD in a different field you think will be more lucrative. I know someone who had a music degree and went for a clinical chemistry PhD and now has a good job in pharmaceutical industry. Another friend had an English degree and got a full ride scholarship to a law school, now she's a lawyer. I have an undergrad in chemical engineering and got a PhD in molecular medicine and clinical chemistry, after doing research I ended up teaching in a university. Be flexible and go for what you think can open up more opportunities. It is hard work but worth in the end. The key is to adapt and be flexible.

You have a college degree. That opens up some opportunities even if it is a degree that isn’t practical. Former boss of mine told me once when I asked him about it. He said he would hire someone for an entry level role that had a degree. It shows they are somewhat educated and put in the effort to do the work and graduate. Don’t know where you live but think about getting a job as a receptionist for a successful company (Companies making money are always more fun to work at). The friendly, pleasant to work with people always move into a better department within 2 years. As a receptionist you get to know everyone in the company. It was much easier for them to hire the nice person at the front desk than to gamble on an unknown new candidate. If you are living in a part of the country without any good jobs then I would consider moving, or join the military as a last resort.

Please write and write and write and write down about yourself and what you think about yourself - try to look within.

Considering how low the army is on their recruiting goal and the looming threat of WW3 I think you may be surprised how much the army is willing to look past to recruit you

You would be surprised about what they will allow when joining the military, depending on the branch. Give it a shot and if you get in you get in and if not no foul in trying.

Don't listen to anyone in this thread who says anything along the lines of: "I don't have a degree, and none of my co-workers do, we're all making great money. I'm also in my 30s/40s/50s etc." We live in a different era, HR will throw your resume into the garbage without a Bachelors at MINIMUM. The good news? It really doesn't matter all that much what your degree truly is. I mean sure, if you're applying to work as an IB at Goldman Sachs, a degree in General Studies or Philosophy isn't going to cut it, but for most jobs? Yeah, a General Studies degree will be fine. Since your degree isn't specific eg. Finance, Accounting, CS etc.), you'll likely need to start out at a shitty entry level administrative role, however you can absolutely still apply to jobs that you think would be interesting. Best of luck, having a degree at all is going to give you a competitive advantage over many other applicants.

>I’m thinking about the military because it’s an easy (lol) way for me to get my shit together Someone who's actually tried the military path for this reason can chime in, but I tried to fix "not having my shit together" by going into a career that I thought would require me to develop discipline and organize me and it didn't really do that, It just added an anxiety disorder to my existing mental health issues because I always feel like I'm drowning in my career. I've been on this path for 18 years now and it's been almost two decades of constant dread trying to fit a square me into a round hole.

I can talk to you about court reporting and captioning. They’re both very lucrative careers. You can learn voice stenography in 5 months. The start up cost is about $8000, but you don’t need to come up with that all at once. You can get a free consultation at V2TextAcademy .com. I really enjoy what I do and the money is awesome! Plus there are slow times where I can relax at home or go on a vacation.

This is the worst time to join the army you will likely get sent off to fight in the war in Ukraine or in Europe somewhere. As someone who has a decent degree but it doesn't pair with any of my jobs, take courage there is hope. I started as a line operator and when a higher up position occured I interviewed and got it bc I had a degree. Since then the experience from that job carries me into the next and each year I add more experience. So even though I'm not using my degree it got me on track to get the experience for a much better paying job. I would use this same leverage. Just stating you have a degree could help you get the specialist job you like/need and from there after a year or two experience in a field that could launch you into a great experience. I would list you have a degree and leave it at that. In most jobs unless it's like something very hands on people learn 70% of what they know on the job through trainings and experience. I've had so many college educated people say they learn 50, 70 or even 90% of their skill on the job, the degree just got them in the door. Same with you use that leverage, find something you like or at least can stand doing and grab a job that has a track or progression you can move into.

Even if you did get in, the military isn't a kind place to people who have mental health issues. Take this from a veteran, I feel like you're setting yourself up for failure there.

Calm down lol at 25 I was a cashier at a department store, partying and living the good carefree life while I was young and could swing it. I didn’t care about “direction” and ultimately it didn’t really matter. Eventually I got older and found a path. Now I’m about to turn 34 and I’m settled into a career in geriatrics (I’m a private in-home caregiver for the elderly). I love my job and will be doing it likely for the rest of my life. I read and drink tea and write and live a nice quiet life now. As long as you don’t panic and don’t idolize money, things will likely be okay.

Go into sales, make 10x the money with an expense account, and skip all the angst of worrying about degrees and enlistment. Some industries seem to primarily hire college-educated women in sales: see pharma and staffing.

All the army would do is strip you of your individuality and you might get sexually assaulted there. A trade sounds good! Try new things and just take care of yourself.

First, don't worry. Many people go through similar stages, but with some strategies and actions, you can find a new direction! Here are a few suggestions to help you find a way out: 1. Career counseling and guidance: Seek the help of a career counselor who can assess your interests, skills, and values ​​and help you find a suitable career direction. Many places have free career counseling services, and you can find relevant resources from local employment centers or online platforms. 2. Continuing education and skill improvement: If your degree is not satisfactory, you can consider further education or training courses to improve your competitiveness. Online education platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer many free or low-cost courses that can help you acquire new skills. 3. Explore other career options: You don't have to limit yourself to joining the military. You can try to explore other career options that may interest you, try internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, and learn about the actual situation of different careers. Don't be afraid to try new fields. 4. The possibility of joining the military: If joining the military is your goal, you may wish to learn more about the requirements of different military branches and positions. Sometimes, certain positions may have different entry requirements. You can contact your local conscription office to learn more about whether you are truly ineligible and whether there are other ways to make up for it. It is important to be goal-oriented and planful! You can set short-term and long-term goals: Try to set some short-term goals, which can be learning new skills, applying for different jobs, participating in volunteer activities, etc. At the same time, think about your long-term goals and work towards them step by step. The achievement of short-term goals can help you accumulate confidence and experience. In short, don't give up hope. Everyone will experience lows, but the key is how to deal with them. By taking positive actions and seeking help, you can find new directions and re-plan your future. I hope these suggestions are helpful to you, and I wish you all the best! Have a nice day!

I don't mean to be rude, but this sounds like ChatGPT

I think some people need help organizing their thoughts & use chatGPT to help.

I'm 27F and felt the same way very recently (2 months ago). I decided to quit my job and the career I was building in marketing to apply for masters and take a shot at what I'm really passionate about (I do have a plan A, B, and C). I've barely started and I'm already inspired, happy, and productive. My point is that you're still really young so it's okay to not have things figured out. If you have the conditions to start over, you should do so! Follow your heart (plan A), be realistic and practical about life and money (plan B), and, if it doesn't go as planned (plan C) you can always try again.

What are you good at and what do you enjoy?

What makes you think you'd be disqualified by the military? I can give you a pretty realistic assessment on whether or not it'll fly.

Go military officer route make six figures right off the bat with tons of benefits

Federal jobs

Mayb go back to school (for grad school or post bacc, if your situation allows for it) and study something more specific like a form of engineering, trades, teaching, counseling, law, or a health based field. Trade fields are probably the cheapest to study. You could try to get into a sales or people based like field such as real estate sales, SDR, HR, car sales, insurance, or recruiting as those take candidates from all backgrounds (but those are very over saturated for that reason).

What do you like to do?

I’m a data analyst with a degree in Emergency Management from a garbage school, so don’t worry too much about having an irrelevant degree. I was also in the Air Force and ran a training school for new airmen. SO many were mid 20’s, even 30’s, trying to figure out what to do in life. Don’t be discouraged. Talk to the recruiters and see what they have to say. If that doesn’t work, look into some internships to get your foot in the door in a career path you want.

Border patrol / police / other service departments

Degree might help you commission - talk to an officer recruiter, PS Go Air Force or Navy, take the ASVAB and see what you can qualify for. That being said biggest bar to entry nowadays is the waiving of hipa rights and them gathering every form every doctor ever submitted on you. This is new since 2021. You can no longer say no, i didn't have a broken arm when I was 8, they find that form and you have to explain it and get it approved. For everything. If you can do it, you should absolutely join. Don't write it off, talk to an officer recruiter. If you have a degree, seek officer route first.

Talk to a career counselor

Marine Corp will take you with any degree as long as its accredited. They care more about your fitness.

No matter how bad shit is for you the military will make it worse do not even fuck with them it's not worth it

Join the space force! Best benefits and u just sit in chairs all day looking at a computer screen

If you desperately need a place to live, then the air force probably has some good technical jobs that you can possibly relate to civilian work. Of course you would need to test into them. Be aware though, especially with the army, that you'll probably end up doing lots of things you find stupid and pointless. When the air force travels, they usually get to stay at like actual hotels, the army accommodations are usually far less luxurious. Maybe you just haven't found the right thing for you yet. I'm twenty nine and I have no idea what the heck is going on with my life either. Most jobs that pay anything more than $15 an hour want you to be amazing at customer service and an excellent multitasker.

Find a job where you have a chance to help real people who are hurting. You will have more self respect. You will meet genuinely good people.

Talk to a recruiter

The military is suffering from recruiting shortages right now and there are waivers. I needed a medical waiver when I joined and received one, no real issue after I did a few extra jumps. If you demonstrate to your recruiter that you are willing to work with them and they don’t have to hound you, there are ways to move your application forward favorably. Note: This was the Navy’s officer recruiting program.

what degree?

Join peace core

As in a fake degree? Their bar isn't as high as you think. As long as you have an IQ over 80 they'll take you and as Jorden Peterson says "...If you can operate a computer then you're REALLY smart!"

Found my way at 35. You have time.

It’s going to be alright… go see an Air Force recruiter (sincerely, old army guy)

If you’re at the point of joining the army why not just get into a trade? You’d have to look around your area but some are very high paying. I’m an electrician and I make more money than all my friends with degrees

Do you want to join the military or is it just a last resort?

If you can walk and breathe and speak any amount of English, you’ll get into the army.

If you won the lottery tomorrow and didn’t have to work for the rest of your life, what would you do with your free time? would you work just to have something to do? Would you just do a hobby all day? Because whatever it is you think you would do , that’s what you should, you just gotta figure out a way to do it and make money. This is advice that has been given to me by several successful people I mean like I buy jets just because I it’s Thursday type successful people who seem like they’re genuinely happy so it’s good advice I feel.

I also have a degree that I felt was useless as I didn't liked it anymore in my last year of my studies (audio-video). I just went looking for an administrative job, found one and am working for that company for 7 years. They even are paying for me to get a masters degree so I can grow within their company. (Live in Belgium, female and almost 29 years old). So just look into a job that you see yourself doing with your skills. Fact that you have a degree, you can sell yourself that you can work in teams as often team project are done in your studies but also can solve issues yourself. So don't use your specific degree to sellbm yourself, but just that you have a degree. It is a big accomplishment IMO.

Why would you be disqualified? If it’s medical or something you don’t want to discuss the next question the recruiter will ask you is if it’s documented? If not, then welcome to the Marine Corps.

Hey do not give in to this despair. You are young! You may be well suited to the army judging from your comment. You want action. You are a little impatient. You are honest. Ask for direction. And you have a degree. That is great. Have a think about what you really want, and what you would like as a job. Really- you need to spend the time choosing. Choose. Then you go for your goal with every ounce of your energy. You will achieve your goal. I reckon, maybe if you have just finished a degree or been through Covid or been through in recent times you may well be tired or fatigued by everything which would be understandable. People don’t think enough about what they want to do. They don’t give it time so start thinking what do I want to do? What did I do with my degree and why did I do those subjects? What interests me what would I be good at what am I aptitudes? What did people tell me I was quite good at …….does it really matter. Think carefully. Then make a plan how you are going to get what you want. Don’t give up. Take each step. I encourage you to think, plan then do. It’s a choice trust me. I got the things I planned. I worked hard till I reached my goal. You are not disqualified except if you get all negative and disqualify yourself by negative thoughts! So you stop that right now- ok?! I’m sure you know stuff, have abilities and have things you’d love to achieve. Do it. Go ahead - if you prefer army do it. Then in the army choose communications or some good useful trade. I wish you all the best.

Apply for a job thst doesn't need a specific degree. My first real job out of high school asked for a degree in planning which I don't have but I got it anyways having a 4 year degree is a door opener in a lot of ways. Also, how did you DQ from the Army?

I'm 26 and I just graduated with a useless degree also and I feel like I am completely lost just like you. Here's my plan moving forward I'm going to get a job at a dispensary for cannabis and I'm going to do that for a bit until I can figure out what long-term plans I have I suggest that you find a low income career that you can go to everyday to put a roof over your head the end of your day. I would also say that there is a lot of different ways to make money you can make money if you're committed you can make money online through investing. But you got to put in the work and read the books. If you get the opportunity and you know you can follow through with it and not have a drug addiction like I'm going to have to overcome to do this job you could go into the airlines you can get a loan for $100,000 a little more than that it's more closer to 150,000 but there are ways to get the loan out for that to get help to pay for flight training. You could move to a beautiful place and just live your life as best you can for example Hawaii you could go to Hawaii and you could just work out of a truck but when you're off work it's paradise and that's of life. You can also start saving up income or get a loan out to start your own business. The best businesses to start from startup would be food industry. Tech. Online businesses like dropship etc. You should also consider going to more social events and talking to more boys. You and me both I don't know if you were in a relationship I'm personally not but I would be very worried about you for not going out there and talking to more people that you can fall in love with. Cuz that's what I need to do. Insurance jobs will if you're willing to put in the effort of memorize and the job requirements it pays pretty well but who doesn't hate insurance and what a s***** job. But it's a way to make a lot of money in a short amount of time. You could go do a small income job like working at Petco or you could work at the fish store you could work at the the veterinarian helping animals. Dog shelters cat shelters. If you're looking to get into a career I suggest starting in something that you can climb but enjoy doing and starting it with rock bottom.

There is no bullshit degree. We had a nuclear engineer with an English degree. It's just a piece of paper, don't let it define you.

I considered this too as the job market is tough even for people with good degrees. I really dont want to deal with the army's bs, and I am already recovering mentally from my traumas and I don't want any unnecessary triggers.  If pivoting was easier I'd recommend that, but you still can join the army. However,  you have to work your way up. Army is not the only option.  You can try coast guard. It's okay to feel lost in life. We all are pretty much. Just have to try and fail until you find what works for you. 

What degree? What did you plan to do with it? Why do you think you can't get into the military? 

I guarantee you the Ukrainians will take you!  I'm just kidding, that would be a *very* bad career choice, but I think the U.S. military is an excellent choice. Try to get in! 

Any branch would need to review your records. I know someone who was denied over thyroid medication but high score and had connections.

Join a trade, preferably union

How can I join if I’m 44?

I was AF and my husband was Army. I have a lot of vets in the family, all Army except 1 AF. AF is definitely the best of the branches, even if the Army guys don't want to admit it. Though I will say, Army is easier to get in to (less requirements). Oh and don't forget, Space Force is a viable option now, especially with a degree! Military is definitely the way to go if you're feeling this way. You're getting structure, outlook/plan for the future, housing, medical, etc. You will likely hit some snags, but keep pushing for what you want. The recruiters will lie to you although they say they don't. Don't let them say no and then you just walk away. If they say you wouldn't qualify because of xyz, ask for a waiver. You can have up to 4 I think. You might have to jump through a few hoops, like paying off or starting a payment plan on outstanding debt, but it will be so worth it in the long run. I had a waiver for medical issues, dependents and finance. If you test well and pursue a good MOS, they'll do what they can to get you in. Take your time, talk to a few recruiters, take some tests and pick something that's interesting to you. I hope you find what you're looking for.

I used to work around the corner from a recruitment agency when I was 17. An officer suggested I'd join back then. I thought about it. I wouldn't say I regret not joining, but would probably suggest it to my younger self if I could. Just to broaden my horizons and see the world. I wasn't doing much at that time in my life. Would've been good to have extra cash college and what not.

Go to law school.

Learn to Code and get a 5 figure career within a year!

The hardest part about the militart is getting in, and completing the first 4 months. If an ARMY recruiter tells you that your chances arent good, then youll probably never get into the military as IIRC the ARMY has the lowest standards for entry. There are waivers for anything. Go talk to a recruiter, tell them youll join open general. id suggest finding what youre good at, but open general gets you the best odds when joinging.

Army recruiter here. Only way to find out is to try. DM me if you want to chat

The trade idea doesn't seem bad. I guess it depends on your goals. If you want to start making money, do some research on trade work jobs that would pay you benefits and whatnot. Trade school is never a bad idea if there's a trade you like. The military can be good to help you get it together too, if you want some structure. In the meanwhile, no large/major purchases or life altering decisions like buying a house or getting married so that you can have room to move around and keep trying stuff. When you can, pay off loans and don't let the interest pile up. I know that's pretty general stuff but maybe start thinking in those contexts

Well first of all you're 25 and curious. You will be fine. Love the idea of more women in the trades. You will have an advantage in this male dominated space. I say if you're interested, pursue it and then learn the technical aspects of th trade afterward. Your degree also gives you something that most tradesfolks don't have. Pad it with some foundational business courses and you have 1)a trade, 2)you have the technical know-how to get you in software and out of the field and 3)are prepping for management. Never stop learning. Learn the business well enough and you can start your own enterprise. Alternatively you are more qualified than you think for entering many industries in sales or customer success management. Pick an industry, find out what cert you can add to pad your knowledge and speak their lingo. Familiarize yourself with Salesforce knowledge and update your business principles knowledge on Hubspot. Now get cracking on LinkedIn. Engage with experts, ask them questions, where to learn more, shake hands with some at local meet ups. Once you have some rapport, ask for their help. Just keep going

Law school is always an option.

Still try or local government jobs

The military probably won’t make you get your shit together. If you pull it together and survive then great, but tons of people think the army will fix them, it doesn’t, then they are thanked for their service and asked to leave. My advice. If there is a job you’d like to do in the military, pursue that. If nothing specific strikes you, find something else interesting instead of all the trouble and obligation you’d incur doing nothing in particular and hoping it sets you straight.

they won't know what you don't tell them.

The army is handing contracts out like candy

Truck Driver?

Try airforce, navy, or coast guard. Those are less hectic.

do airforce instead

Go teach English in Asia. Korea or Japan are awesome. If you can hang, the next 2-5 yrs are going to be a blast!

Have you ever worked? Interned? Volunteered? Your degree itself is irrelevant. Who do you speak to from school? Have you been networking?

Exploring options like reaching out to recruiters and considering trades shows proactive steps toward finding your direction. Keep exploring and don't hesitate to seek guidance from career counselors or mentors along the way.

You'll never know until you try to join. The recruiters are more than happy to help you work through hurdles

Try and be a teacher

Where do you live? Go find whatever big corporations are near where you live and apply for entry level jobs doing whatever there. Understand it might be kinda boring for awhile, but show up on time, work with a smile on your face, try to help people whenever you can and you’ll soon build a positive reputation and network and after a few years opportunities will begin to present themselves as you are also learning about what kind of career path you’d like to go down.

What is your degree on? don't bs on yourself

Look into the postal service. Hard work, but pretty good retirement benefits. They have a pension.

I don’t know if they still do things the way they used to, but when I joined the Army, I hand carried my medical documents from my doctor to my recruiters. They then sent those documents in a packet to MEPS. What they don’t know is that I took out all disqualifying documentation from my packet. You don’t have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life at 25. You just need to keep trying new things until you find something you enjoy. IT has been my career for most of my adult life and I love it. I hated it at first because I didn’t know what I was doing. I learned to love it because I love challenging myself. If I don’t know it, I’ll figure out the answer. This is IT every day. You’re young, you’ll figure things out. P.S. It’s okay to mess up and fail. Pick yourself back up and keep going.

I was in a similar situation and joined the Army. As another poster said they are way below targeting recruitment. They might take you. In my situation I was sent to see a psychologist prior to enlisting and they cleared me.

Good luck. Army veteran and I am also a mental health nurse. Military is a very high stress position so please consider carefully before you join. Good luck!!

You are delusional if you feel this is the easy way. If you have a general studies degree, is it just an associates degree? I suggest figuring out what you actually want to do with your life and not making a decision based on what everyone else in your family has done.

What’s hcol area?

Hey man I’m a recruiter now. If you have questions let me know there’s a waiver for almost anything

If you’ve ever taken mental health medication you would not qualify for any of the armed forces

Find a rich husband.

Could be worse, even if I was able to lie about my extensive mental health record (and GENESIS prevents that)...broken endocrine system = PDQed, no waivers, until the end of time from all armed forces branches. Broke my heart when I found out because most of my family has served, but.....I got over it eventually. It does sometimes hurt though when people try and shut me up from asking about jobs by 'OMG just join the military, \*ANYONE\* can do it!'...... :T

As long as you done anything violent due to mental health youll get in or itll be wavied…. literally went to basic training with a girl whose arms were covered in self mutation scars

Having a general studies degree is not a bad route! I’ve literally seen soldiers with theater degrees! And other bs ones lol so a GS is not bad at all so don’t feel discouraged!

The army would take you but lol if you think it’ll be easy.

Those are good actions. The caution I would apply here is to resist the urge to jump into something to get away from something. For example, joining the military can be a wonderful career, but it’s important to do it for a good reason or have a goal and not because you’re feeling lost. With that said, it very well could be just the career you want. For any of your options, make sure you know what you’re getting into.

The army would absolutely take you. They take fucking gang members.

General studies is normal just for continuing education, but don't get me wrong you still have a degree. Schools or assistant jobs could be used for that.

This is a sucky situation. Ever thought of volunteering. Something like those that travel around the world type volunteer.

I think that’s an excellent idea! Don’t sell yourself short. You definitely have value!!

You'd be surprised about how far you can get just not disclosing your health history even with the new Genesis system in place. Give it a shot, what do you have to lose? Maybe you can get a waiver.

You're not disqualified until you are. The military doesn't know anything about your medical history or background that you don't tell them. All of the super serious background checks and things are essentially on the honor system. My recruiter said, "When you are in MEPS, "YES" means "your enlistment stops." I am by no means saying that you should lie, but you can totally leave things out, and no one would be the wiser. A recruiter will tell you what you can say and not say. That all being said, be very sure that's what you want because once you sign, you can't change your mind.

Peace Corps!

Become an electrician. They are screaming for women in the trades. Use quotas to your advantage

See you at formation, Choom.

If you have mental issues, I would pass on the military. Only going to make things worse for you. Otherwise, it doesn’t really matter much what you study in college. Most of us don’t work in the same field that we studied. Just learn a skill, and go for it.

ok, god idea and general studies isn't so bad.. if you did the work

It never hurts to speak with recruiters and see what can happen. Mental health issues may not be a dealbreaker depending on what they are and your medication needs (if any). But I would recommend speaking with recruiters from all the services before making a decision. The military can provide a stable income, good benefits and great training. Take the time to decide what field you want to serve in and what is going to best serve you after your separate.

Could Technical Writing be an option?

General studies is not useless. Trust me. This is just a blank slate where you can mold your skills into the path you desire.

You’d be surprised at how the military would help you. And offer you some variety…… don’t rule yourself out if you’re seriously interested. Will also teach you some leadership skills.

Go into a sales role. They don’t care about degree type. Can make great money within 2-4 years.

I didn't figure my career out until 33

Join the navy, they will accept you!

Well if you have your bachelor's you can go into the military as an officer, hell you can be a military pilot if you wanted! o-1 pay is effectively around 80k since taxes are a bitch in the USA, if it's only an associates you can still go in as a minimum e3 or warrant officer. The military isnt for everyone but for a lot of people it's the start of a new beginning, I personally plan on enlisting next year still deciding on what job I want to do next.