Unsure if I should try to become a RCAF pilot or get a normal job when graduate university
I just turned 21, I’m set to graduate with a BA in media production in 2029. I’ve always been curious about being a pilot but it was always just a thought in the back of my mind until I found out I could do it through the military. Combine that with the rocky landscape of employment in the media world and the RCAF doesn’t seem too bad. I don’t wanna be Tom Cruise or anything, I’d ideally be flying multi engine. (I think I’m too tall to be flying fighter jets anyway) I plan on doing my BMQ this summer and joining the reserves to feel out the military lifestyle and simply because I feel like it could teach me a lot. I think it’s worth mentioning that I’m definitely above average when it comes to media production and it is something I have a genuine passion for but at the end of the day I’m pretty money oriented so idk if it’s for me.
If I were to join it would be immediately after I graduate (At 23) which from my understanding would be possible through the reserves. I’m pretty confident I could pass the CFAST thought I don’t expect it to be easy. The 3 years of training and 10 years of service is a big commitment and I think I could handle it but I would be curious to know if anyone joined and regretted it. As someone who has only lived in major cities, the idea of living in small towns like Portage au Prairie and Trenton is a little weird too.
At the end of my mandatory service I would probably switch to commercial, mainly to be able to move back to the city and honestly to get payed more eventually but that’s so far down the line who knows what I’ll feel like by then.
I’m curious to know what people with experience in the forces think. I also want to understand the competitive side of things better so I’d love to hear about that. If you read this far thank you!