Is signing on purely for money worth it?

Hey Anon, to me I feel that as a fresh grad, this is your time and opportunity to start looking around and explore on your career options. It would be very much reccomended if you could be decided on one before you reach your thirtes!

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If you feel that after the 5 years sign on contract is up and you still have enough time to explore, then by all means go ahead!

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Pros:

• Sign on bonus
• Relatively stable Income
• Possible for a good SAF career progression

Cons:

• Some might feel that if they commit half their lifetime to the army, and when they finally decided to do something different afterwards, they might find it hard to transition back to the civillian life/career path.
• A risk if you find that this is not for you because you will be bounded for 5 years. If you do indeed feel this way, you might be risking 5 years of your youth when you could've kickstarted on your desired career path already.
• Not for lazy people

It seems that you are only contemplating this due to the rough employment market now. In that case, I don't think you should sign on. Take up that $2.5k job and gain some working experience. When the market picks up, your experience will open more doors for you. As an ex-regular, I have seem many of my peers struggle after retiring from active service. Imagine starting from square one after your 5 year bond. Since you have no financial burdens, why sign on for the money?

I guess only you can answer whether its worth it or not. i dont think its useful to talk through pros and cons without knowing what you like or want. And the best way is to try. not sure about SAF? Tty SAF-Volunteer Corp. Got areas you think you may like or are good at? Go try them.

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Although thats one con of military life, you cant really try much on the sidelines unless you dont earn money. But there are so many pros too. it's stable, you learn stuff, you grow, it gives you opportunity to leave after a few years if you have bigger plans.

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Point is, keep exploring until you find it! and you wont be wasting time doing that, because its better than doing one job and sticking with it only to realise that was a real waste of time.

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SAF pays their regulars really well, and that's for a reason. Dedicating your life to serving the nation can be really monotonous and dreadful at times, especially if you're posted to a unit or role that you don't enjoy.

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Practically speaking, it is a great idea to sign on. High and stable starting pay coupled with big bonuses that are structured so as to make you stay way past your 5 years contract. In simple terms, signing on will guarantee you a stable and comfortable life.

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However, life is worth so much more than stability and money. Is forgoing your passion and interest worth it? How about being stuck in a toxic environment or job with people that you dislike? This is definitely painting the worst case scenario. However, that is the part we have to consider before signing any contract.

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In such a scenario, I would encourage you to sign on. Experience the culture, the lifestyle and make your decision. I believe the SAF allows you to break your contract before a certain point in your service. Until then, you can talk to regulars, friends and even superiors to help you make your decisions. I have friends who broke their contract after going through OCS/SCS because the lifestyle was not what they wanted.

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Ultimately, unless you have a job offer waiting for you, youll be spending at most 1 year exploring this job option. Even if you decided not to carry on, there will be invaluable lessons and experience you'll carry on with you. All the Best!:)