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Pink...?BRONZE Member
Mistress of Pink...Multicoloured
6,140 posts
Location: Over There, United Kingdom


Posted:
Ok as some of you may know i had/have planned to join the Royal Navy. But now i am having doubts as the time of my entrance is nearing.

I am having so much fun at the moment and don't want to leave all my friends "behind". I also feel like i may have rushed into the decision, i mean i thought about it and signed up with in a week, now i feel obliged to actually go in from pressure from my "supporting" family. I feel that if i don't go in i would have let them down as they have been helping me out with all that needs to be done to get in.

But is this all just cold feet? Will i regret not going in if i dont go in and then have to re-apply next year and go around in a vicious circle? If i do go in and dont like it i have to be in there for 4 years minimum which is quite a long time to do something you dont want to do.

Therefore i am stuck about what to do. If i dont join what can i say to my family? I really don't want to let them down.

Any ideas or views?

Alice

Never pick up a duck in a dungeon...


DentrassiGOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia


Posted:
werent you looking for some new friends? maybe this is a good opportunity

seriously, if its something that youve wanted to do - go for it! it is hard leaving your friends, but its a chance to do something new and completely different. you will learn and grow so much from this experience.
friends will move away as they follow their respective carrer paths as well. ive had 2 completely fresh starts in my life, and its made me into a completely new person. its tough moving away from friends and family, but you will keep in touch with those you love. 4 yrs isnt really long when you look back.

if you hate it you can always join a village people cover band with your sailors outfit

good luck, and take care

"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.


mechBRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
6,207 posts
Location: "In your ear", United Kingdom


Posted:
ok....so your not sure, have you talked to your family?

its hard to tell cold feet from regrets, try and weight up why you wnated to go in, against why you want to stay out, so your mates against traveling the world and being important for example!

and while you may be having fun now, in 3months you mates may not e ther some may havegone to uni or moved away for difff reasons, and you may beleft alaon, or with less mates.

Maybe you are havingso much fun because you knwo you'll be leaving soon and so you are enjoying yourself a bit more!

if i have a choice like this i flip a coin, i aint joking, i leave it to "fate" to decide!

end of teh day talk to some one and try to expplain both sides to them, your best mate, a family memeber and try to get through it!

i knwo this message aint helpin but i dont knwo you well enough, and the background of yoru choice to say go, no go!

later days

Step (el-nombrie)


Sir_Sheepold hand
725 posts
Location: Chester, UK


Posted:
It is a big decision - to move away from your friends, from what you know, from the routines you've made, into something new and scary. But ultimately you should do this for you, not because you feel under pressure to your family.

But if you don't go, you'll always have that 'what-ifs'. You'll always wonder what could have been, if it would have been a better chance, a better choice, the oppurtunity of a lifetime....

Think about what you want to do. Make the decision based on what you want. It's you afterall, that has to live with the decision.

But don't be afraid of the unknown. How many people feel this same sort of thing before heading off to uni for example? Don't back out of it due to cold feet. It may be the best thing thats ever happened to you.

And your friends will always be there for you. Thats the brilliance of friends. And you'll make new ones, plenny of em.

Best of luck with your decision.

Spoiling Christmas for small children since 2003.


polytheneveteran
1,359 posts
Location: London/ Surrey


Posted:
If your main concern is friends and family, my advice is don't worry. Technology means that it is very hard to lose touch with people these days (just remember 'homeofpoi.com' -piece of cake )

Your true friends you won't lose touch with, anyone who does isn't a good enough friend to worry about losing. (so there.)

Commitment-wise, yes 4 years seems like a long time, but it goes reeeely fast- my degree is 4 years and I start my final year in September (how the hell did that happen?!?). I think you'll be pleased with your achievement and glad of your experiences. Even if, worst-case senario, at the end of it you decide to have a complete career change (as I am seriously considering- d'oh) you'll probably still find it useful for more things than you thought (I thought my degree was specialised, glad to find out I was wrong). I think you should go for it.

The optimist claims that we are living in the best of all possible worlds.
The pessimist fears this is true.

Always make time to play in the snow.


PeleBRONZE Member
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA


Posted:
Hey there sweetie....

Reminds me of wedding jitters...that tinge people get about a week before the long walk.

And while people here have offered wonderful advice I would like to add into the pool of things to think about, if I may..

1. What things made you want to join the Navy in the first place? Are they still present?


2. The fun that you are having with these friends, is it because you are living as if it is your last summer home? Or is this something that you can maintain for a long while to come?

Sometimes when we know we are going to be facing a big change we, either subconciously or conciously decide to really live it up. Is it possible that this is what you are doing?

3. What else do you have to fall back on? If you do not go, if the fun runs out, other than friends and family, what is there for you?

Right now you are saying that you have your friends, and you should miss them, most certainly.
However the Navy will give you an education, monetary support, career options...things that can establish your future life as well as refocussing your present one. What type of prospects do you have in staying for a job? An education? A place to live? (and if the answer to the last one is living with your family, then I would say they are very supportive..)

4. What are your goals outside of having the never ending summer of fun? What do you want to do with your life and will the Navy help get you there? If not, will your friends help you better?


There is alot to be said for the "comforts of home" and familiarity. One of the hardest things to do in life is make choices that seem to effect our entire worls. To face your fears and doubts, to take that leap of faith and redefine not only yourself but your whole life takes a tremendous act of courage. It is courage I know you have within you Pink Poi. Just really think about this from an honest perspective to yourself. Friends and family will always be there. The fun does eventually run out. Where will you be in 5 years without the Navy? Where will you be in 5 years with it?

No matter which decision you choose sweetie, I know you will do what is best for you. The Navy will be there if you decide not to go and change your mind. And your loved ones will be there if you do go.

As for hating something...well..no one can know that for certain. It is something we all face sooner or later. But, the situation is as bad as you make it too. That is one of the greatest powers we, as humans, have...the ability to shape and mould our lives and ourselves. Keep an open mind. Stay your warm and lovely self and enjoy each opportunity for what it is...a lesson, a challenge, something you will only regret if you choose not to learn and grow from it.

Best of luck to you Pink Poi. Keep us posted as to your decision, and in fact, your thoughts as you try to decide if you feel the need.

Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK


Raymund Phule (Fireproof)Enter a "Title" here:
2,905 posts
Location: San Diego California


Posted:
Pink Poi,

There are something you need to know, and I am sure that they are universal for all militaries.

1. Dont read too much into another persons experiance. Your experiance will be different from theirs 100%.

2. 4 years isnt that long, I hit my 3 year mark Oct 1st this year, it really doesnt seem like I have been in the Corps that long. hehe 2 more to go, and those will go by fast too.

3. If you decide not to go in, ask a lawyer if you can still back out. I dont know the laws of your country, but for the US, untill you step on that bus, you can still back out. Once your there at Basic training/boot camp/whatever it gets a bit more tricky.

If you get there and decide you dont want in, maybe you can get out, I dont know once again, if you have doubts contact a lawyer. They will be able to tell you for sure and you wont suffer the BS a recruiter will give you (I know those guys are the same no matter where you go)


3. I have made new friends, new enimies, seen exotic places, experiance new things... like Poi. If you do decide to go in, you must, and I mean must, make the best out of any situation.


4. Go into your training with enthusiasim, bareing, tact, motivation, hustle. Remember, you can never do something fast enough or show too much motivation.

5. Write letters, always always always write letters. It helps so much.


6. It ends! Thats right, basic training can be hell... but it ends. Something that we are tought very soon after getting off the bus... boot camp is not the Marine Corps. MOS school, is not the Marine Corps, once you get into the fleet, everything changes.

7. Learn your job, you can have fun later, there is nothing more important than being the best at your job.

8. Never be afraid to try, never be afraid to fail, never quit, never allow someone elses actions to effect yours.


I hope this helps.

Some Jarhead last night: "this dumb a$$ thinks hes fireproof"


[Nx?]BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,750 posts
Location: Europe,Scotland,Both


Posted:
why did you decide to join?

is that still relevent?

forget about friends, and forget the pressure from family, its your own happiness here, do you want to do it?

4 years is bearable, and you will have a good grounding, but is it the grounding you want?

I can see you being a fine sailor, is there anything more imporant to you to do instead?

i guess this isnt really going to help, but unless youve got something you really really want to stay for (like true love or a fantastic job) then do it, and if it goes wrong, they can only imprison you

T

I wouldent, but then, your you, am im me.

This is a post by tom, all spelling is deleberate
-><- Kallisti


Pink...?BRONZE Member
Mistress of Pink...Multicoloured
6,140 posts
Location: Over There, United Kingdom


Posted:
Thanks you guys you have put forward some interesting questions and points for me to think about.

Firstly i dont know why i wanted to join - probably because i loved being a Sea Cadet, love the sea and it was what everyone expected from me.

But then again did i enjoy Sea Cadets for other reasons? The people there and the activities rather then the Navy aspect of it?

I am trying not to think about friends here.

Also i am worried about not having my own time, sleeping in a room with 5 other people. I like time to myself. Raymund what has been your experiance with this?

Also i'd be going in doing Mine Warfare - not something that is relevent in Civvie life. But then again it will give me a GNVQ in Engineering. But if i came out into Civvie life then i wouldn't want to do Engineering.

I have been thinking about what to do if i dont go in. I think maybe something on the River Thames like Port Of London Authority or the River Police?

If i dont go in i can always join up till i'm 32!

Thank you for your input more views are definately welcome i need as much different things to think about here.

Love you all! Don't know what i would do without you lot

Alice

Never pick up a duck in a dungeon...


Pink...?BRONZE Member
Mistress of Pink...Multicoloured
6,140 posts
Location: Over There, United Kingdom


Posted:
OK so fate has decided it for me.

I'll start from the beginning...
5 years ago i was pushed down some stone steps and F****D up my knee badly. I had 2 years of physiotherapy on it and it healed.

Friday it started playing up again. I had my Pre-joining fitness test planned this afternoon, went to the doctors and he said i can't do any physical activities with it and booked me into a Othopedia-something or other.

I phoned up the Navy and told them, they said i can't go in now, and have to wait till 4 years after it's healed before i can even think of applying again.

I know i was doubting going in but i liked having the choice, now i can't go in i realise all along i did want to go in..it was just cold feet.

Now i dont know what to do with my life

Sorry for moaning on, just i'm quite depressed - and it's my Birthday "happy birthday you're plans for the future are f****d" And it hurts a lot and i can't do much spinning.

Alice

Never pick up a duck in a dungeon...


AnonymousPLATINUM Member


Posted:

Think you need some hugs!

RoziSILVER Member
100 characters max...
2,996 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia


Posted:
this plan may not be working out right now, hun. But there are so many more things that you can do, and it is also not a door that is closed to you forever.



If this is really what you want, there are other paths to get there. This might involve studying, travelling, training for physical fitness, basically building all the skills you will need when you do get there, so it is easier.

Or maybe now is the time to do something totally different.

Whatever happens, the world is still completely open for you.

It was a day for screaming at inanimate objects.

What this calls for is a special mix of psychology and extreme violence...


Magnusmember
279 posts
Location: Bath, UK


Posted:
Friends are just the people who happen to be around us - you can make new friends in the navy, and you'll still keep in touch with those you leave behindIn my life, I am trying to improve the freedoms I have (ie more money, less tied down to commitments, etc) and for me, joining the armed forces would conflict with thatSea Cadets is VERY different to the Navy... For a start you might actually have to push a big red button that sends a missile to kill people.


quote:
I know i was doubting going in but i liked having the choice, now i can't go in i realise all along i did want to go in..it was just cold feet.
I think you only think that because you've had one choice taken away. Try to be happy with what fate has dealt you - fate knows what it is doing.

Do the Thames thing, and the Sea Cadets always need CI's and officers.

I suggest putting it all to the back of your mind and enjoying your birthday!

Magnus... pay it forward


jemima (jem)SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
1,750 posts
Location: london, United Kingdom


Posted:


think i know how you feel, i hate making decisions, i guess its the fear of the unknown, is it best to take you time on making the "right" decision? or just go for it and if it doesnt work out, try somthing different.

took me a long time to decide whether to go to uni in september, but i relised if i didn't go i knew i would regret it soon after.

i wouldn't give up on the idea, if you really want to do it do everything you can to achieve it, even if it does take 4 years !


ahh yes HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEARY !!!!!!

Never assume
Always Acknowledge


Blu-glowmember
27 posts
Location: NODNOL


Posted:
Hello sweet heart you did'nt tell me it was your birthday Why Why, any way just for you
Non-Https Image Link
( pink fireworks)
I hope this cheers you up as friends are always there when you need them what ever you decide to do okay Tam

cant think of anythng :-<


jemima (jem)SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
1,750 posts
Location: london, United Kingdom


Posted:
oh my god ! its tammy on hop?

Never assume
Always Acknowledge


DentrassiGOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia


Posted:
sorry to hear that, especially on your birthday.
heres hugz


be happy in that you do have friends and family who will support you in whatever your ambitions are, and will support you when life doesnt always go to plan.

take care,
ed

ps. heres one more hug

"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.


brodiemanold hand
1,024 posts
Location: london


Posted:
sorry to hear of all the trouble that you have been going through, and i do hope things work out for you, im sure they will.
the navy is still going to be there in 4 years and look at it this way your life experience in 4 years will most likley make you better at what you want to do, it will also make you more dettermined.
im going into uni this year its soMEthing i wanted to do when i was 18 after i left school but i was kicked out when i was 16. it took me 4 years to get back on my feet and into the position where i think i can afford it. im now 22 but where i think if i went into it when i was 18 i think i would probly quit, i im soooooo sure its want to do and i think im truley ready. time makes us better people.
any ways
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR PINK POI HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.

Raymund Phule (Fireproof)Enter a "Title" here:
2,905 posts
Location: San Diego California


Posted:
Alice, my sister tried to get into the USN 3 times, all three times she was rejected mainly due to weight problems. (She has had 2 kids and is still 5 lbs under the weight limit for a waiver, in other words the weight limit is I think 95 lbs, and you can get a waiver for 85, so ya she is a tiny person, think Cassandra tiny )

It just wasnt ment to be... ohh well she has moved on.

The point is, she kept trying.

So dont think of this as a set back, think of it as an oprotunity to get some college in you and perhaps get in with a degree. The life of an officer is much more plush than an enlisted guy.

Some Jarhead last night: "this dumb a$$ thinks hes fireproof"


Pink...?BRONZE Member
Mistress of Pink...Multicoloured
6,140 posts
Location: Over There, United Kingdom


Posted:
Thanks you guys

Love you all

You really dont know how much you have helped me

Alice

Never pick up a duck in a dungeon...


brodiemanold hand
1,024 posts
Location: london


Posted:
hope you had a great birthday and ate lots of cake, and drank lots of alchol

mechBRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
6,207 posts
Location: "In your ear", United Kingdom


Posted:
quote:
Originally posted by Pink Poi:


You really dont know how much you have helped me

ok possibly but can i guess....
1) 3meters 39cm
2) six foor 9
3)about £4.50

are these right?

Step (el-nombrie)


DentrassiGOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia


Posted:
hmmmm. you are feeling particularly random today arent you mech?

"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.



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