So I am currently finishing up year 12 in Australia, and am coming to the time where I need to make some big decisions about my future. Around June, I applied for what is an Australian Defence Force Gap Year program; a program which gives you a snapshot of life in the ADF. The program is over 12 months, and is split into 5 months of training, a month of which basically cuts you off from all contact to the outside world. The remaining 7 months you are posted around Australia, and work on base in your specific field. For the year, you get paid around $60,000, you live for free on base, get free healthcare, and get access to free facilities, such as a swimming pool and fully equipped gyms. The gap year is said to be an amazing experience, and looks great on a resume, plus if you decide to stay on, they pay you $10,000 more just for doing so.
Currently, I have passed an aptitude test with flying colours, passed medical in the top tier, passed the psychological examination, as well as the one-on-one interview. I have been deemed fit for service, though I was told that I only just passed, and would go on with guidance.
Though I have really been thinking about my decision to go through with the program. Looking back at it, I put in my application a day before they closed, and really think that my only motivation at the time was that $60,000 paycheck, which is a lot for a year 12 graduate with no qualifications. I've also had time to think about myself, with questions like 'is it the right time?' To this, I think I need time to reset and figure myself out. The past few years have been quite off for me, being on an emotional roller coaster, now into my third relationship, having had to recover from surgery for a year and a half, and going through my parents separation. And I think that this gap year program is not going to give me time to do so. It might even get into a worse position, as I would be away from my loved ones, including my girlfriend, and would have to try to establish a new friendship group for the year. I also am unsure if I even want to do the job, as I think I am chasing a childhood dream which I do not like. I have never done cadets and have no understanding of what a military lifestyle is like, and what it would be like to follow orders.
I'm really concerned about this. I think that my parents both back any decision I make in my life, obviously to an extent, but both also think that this is a great opportunity, and I would be stupid to give it up. I talked about it with my girlfriend, who thinks that the financial gain of the program would be great, but backs me in any decision I make, and just wants to see me be happy. I have been told that the gap year would be a great opportunity, and looks great on a resume, but I think that I am going into it with the wrong motivation, and at the wrong time. Granted, I might not get in because there are no positions left, or might not be offered a position because the level that I passed at. I just really need some help and guidance as to what to do.
Thankyou so much!
Currently, I have passed an aptitude test with flying colours, passed medical in the top tier, passed the psychological examination, as well as the one-on-one interview. I have been deemed fit for service, though I was told that I only just passed, and would go on with guidance.
Though I have really been thinking about my decision to go through with the program. Looking back at it, I put in my application a day before they closed, and really think that my only motivation at the time was that $60,000 paycheck, which is a lot for a year 12 graduate with no qualifications. I've also had time to think about myself, with questions like 'is it the right time?' To this, I think I need time to reset and figure myself out. The past few years have been quite off for me, being on an emotional roller coaster, now into my third relationship, having had to recover from surgery for a year and a half, and going through my parents separation. And I think that this gap year program is not going to give me time to do so. It might even get into a worse position, as I would be away from my loved ones, including my girlfriend, and would have to try to establish a new friendship group for the year. I also am unsure if I even want to do the job, as I think I am chasing a childhood dream which I do not like. I have never done cadets and have no understanding of what a military lifestyle is like, and what it would be like to follow orders.
I'm really concerned about this. I think that my parents both back any decision I make in my life, obviously to an extent, but both also think that this is a great opportunity, and I would be stupid to give it up. I talked about it with my girlfriend, who thinks that the financial gain of the program would be great, but backs me in any decision I make, and just wants to see me be happy. I have been told that the gap year would be a great opportunity, and looks great on a resume, but I think that I am going into it with the wrong motivation, and at the wrong time. Granted, I might not get in because there are no positions left, or might not be offered a position because the level that I passed at. I just really need some help and guidance as to what to do.
Thankyou so much!