Break the Cycle (Part II)
continued …
The job fair was your typical run of the mill event. Employers from banks, fast food joints, and the local small businesses, all looking like hungry used car salesmen, trying to sell you on an entry-level job into their companies. Everyone one of them shared the same kinds of information, but none of these potential employers offered anything that would help me grow long term. None of them seemed to have my future self in their best interest. Perhaps these potential employers were just terrible salespeople, or maybe they realized I was just a high school kid with zero experience. Either way, I really had no interest in anything they had to offer.
As my enthusiasm and patience started slipping away with every lame sales pitch I had thrown at me, I finally arrived at the booth with the recruiters from every branch of the military. They were all the way at the end, perhaps strategically, looking very sharp, in-shape, and professional in their uniforms. These service members were all motivated and eager to speak to whoever walked by. As I slowly approached their booth, the first person that greeted me was a Petty Officer in the Navy (unfortunately I don’t remember his name). Now, I don’t know what the higher ups teach these military recruiters in recruiting school (if that’s such a thing), but this guy knew exactly what to say, how to get my attention, and how to sell me on joining the Navy. He hit every point I was looking for in a future employer: a guaranteed job, tuition assistance, ability to travel, ability to get promotions, and most importantly, money for college (the Montgomery G.I. Bill). I had never considered joining the military before, but after I spoke with that Petty Officer, it seemed like the best option for me moving forward.
Side Note: It’s funny to think back to that day and say that no one at that job fair except the military had my future self in their best interest when in reality I’m sure they didn’t either. The military recruiters were just much better salespeople than everyone else. They knew their target audience, they knew how to solve my problem(s), and they could show me the results they’ve achieved solving other people’s problems like mine. That, ladies and gentlemen, is called Selling 101.
With my new sense of direction, I excitedly went home and sifted through all the informational flyers I collected that day. I spent a couple hours comparing and contrasting what everyone else had to offer to the information I received from the Navy recruiter. Honestly, no one else’s information, packages, and/or offerings were even remotely close to what the Navy had to offer. For me, the Navy checked off all the boxes I was looking for my future self. After deliberating for a few hours, it seemed like all directions pointed to joining the military. I was certain of it. Now, I just had to find a way to tell my family and my friends about my future plans that didn’t include them… (to be continued)
Disclaimer: I started this blog as more of a therapeutic journal to document and share my life with others who are interested in listening. My blog posts will solely be based on my thoughts, opinions, and experiences as I work on my own path towards Mental Wealth. As I acquire new information along the way, my stance may change to reflect the new things I’ve learned. I, too, am a work in progress so please be patient, be kind, and bear with me. Thank you. - CM