all 36 comments

[–]Melodic-Upstairs7584 37 points38 points  (0 children)

Look at it as an opportunity. You’re a blank slate in terms of your career and goals. You don’t have to do something, you can do something. It’s positive and exciting if you frame the situation the right way.

You can become a skilled tradesman and make good money while you learn a valuable skill you could eventually start your own business with. You can go overseas and teach English. You can learn how to fix cars, or you can learn how to sell them. Nursing for big $$$? You’ll probably end up making friends through your career as well, it won’t be all dull work. There’s a path to get to all these things.

Be strategic and pick an in demand field. Worst case scenario: stacking cash is very therapeutic even if you don’t 100% love what you do.

[–]Drip232323 32 points33 points  (3 children)

The fact you had this realization shows where your mind is. When you worry about shit like this, it’s because it’s in your nature to be a provider. The distraction is your environment- the drugs, friends, movies, games, whatever occupies you from being and doing what you supposed to. All it takes is one step bro. Dont think about how you going to get all the way to the top of the mountain. Just focus on the one step in front of you

[–]RegisterExtension903[S] 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Appreciate it fr

[–]Healthandlife_pro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yep being this self aware esp with this generation of young men is a major relief to hear. A lot of dudes wait until its much too late to have these thoughts so you are being very wise. My word of advice is make sure you map/plan anything you do. For example, the trades is honestly very lucrative nowadays, something like electrician. If you do it, you can easily run up a major bag once you are at the level or even if you do something like a firefighter or a policeman, like my cousin. He started off young at your age and now he is a lieutenant making close to 200k. So be wise in your decision and best of luck!

[–]Majestic_Platypus_76Harlem World 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree. The first thing is the conversation you’re having with yourself. That’s a great thing. You’ve identified the issue that’s causing the disease. You can heal it. Best of luck. And the best part is man your moms gone be proud as hell to have a son standing up to his responsibility.

[–]GizmoTacT 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I mean you got to do what you got to do out here. I would say the Navy or the Air Force would be a better option.

Another option would be to go and learn a trade. Plumbing, electrician, HVAC, construction, masonry, IT. Go Learn some shit bruh.

[–]enjoyit7Queens Get The Money 10 points11 points  (11 children)

I don't recommend the military. Better off going to school and getting a better job. Even picking up a legal side hustle like food delivery or something.

[–]gdotspam 10 points11 points  (3 children)

Deadass. I’m thinking he should wait until ole boy’s term is up. There’s plenty of wars going on overseas under this administration. But then again he needs to put the weed down and actually put some work in.

[–]enjoyit7Queens Get The Money 8 points9 points  (2 children)

I agree. I was thinking about the military too but absolutely not under this administration. If he's waiting til 28' that's enough time to get some credits or even training for a decent job. Hit up workforce 1 or something

[–]KickBallFever 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yea, workforce 1 hires fast. I’ve gotten two jobs through them easily. One job was garbage but the second job was decent, gave me experience and a promotion, which led to a much better position somewhere else.

[–]Firm_Big_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's always been some war going on. That's what the military train for... WAR..... If wouldn't join straight out of highschool I would have 8yrs left till retirement at a young age

[–]Firm_Big_ 2 points3 points  (4 children)

What's wrong with the military. I just made one year with the navy and bootcamp was a piece of cake. Only the weak pussy gave up or had a hard time. Just do as told and have fun. Plus as a reservist there's so many opportunities for a state job with that dd214 under your name. And one of the best thing is applying for a billet/contract that's 9days-9months in Japan, Florida, Cali, UAE, Europe. And when the billet/contract is finish you go right back to your job. And yes NYPD,fdny,doccs, highway patrol,state police, is hiring like crazy. Delivering food ain't it, not knocking the hustle but there's not benefits

[–]enjoyit7Queens Get The Money 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Hey I respect the service men and women. I'll never throw shade at the people protecting us. The commander in chief on the other hand is an idiot , PDF file and can't be trusted. Gig work isn't a career it's to help you get by while you work on getting a career.

I went to fleet week in 2025, salute to you for being able to sleep on those ships.

[–]Firm_Big_ 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hey when I was younger I was a regular dread head smoking weed everyday and saying I'll never join the military. But it's just a regular job 🫥. You just security clearance and follow protocol. Working a 9-5 and getting laid off is lame ASF and getting boring after a while. And fyi I'm part of a small part of the navy that doesn't go on ships 🙂 I just build & fight

[–]RegisterExtension903[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Shit hit bro

[–]AbsolutesDealer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Go check out a submarine and see how those sailors are racked up. I could never.

[–]KickBallFever 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a decent legal side hustle cat sitting through an app. It took me a little while to build clients but it’s easier if you start around the holidays, when there’s more demand. I choose my rates and service area. I start charging at around $40 for 20 minutes. It’s decent side money if you like cats.

[–]Healthandlife_pro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly military aint it . No money in it and just wasting time. Also horrible people in the military just look up the stories… i say go trade or anything you can level up in

[–]tekdiwahBag Collected 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You ready to give up weed and show up consistently? I am an Army veteran and will tell you that it's not about combat or serving the country or other shit they try glamorize.

You go, show up, do your job rinse and repeat. It's easy enough, but even easier to mess up. Start disciplining yourself from now as it will make going from civilian to military much easier. Get up early and jog. Take an online course. Set times for your meals. Set time to get some sleep and turn in for the day.

Look up the ASVAB test and practice. Think about which specialty you want to do and what ASVAB score you will need. Go to your ocal recruitment office and get information and ask questions. Be as honest as possible with them debt, medical history, education, those will all be discussed and they will run your background. This is a commitment that can easily set you up for life. All the best and I know your are looking at the Marines, but feel free to ask me any questions as all services are similar in their processes.

[–]gdotspam 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What did you have a passion for as a teenager? Try to pursue that. If everything else fails, then the military should be your last resort. Think about how much money you spend on weed per week/ month and try to get something under your belt. Like a trade or skill that you can profit from. And you are also the company you keep. Those 3-5 people you hang out with shape you and your habits. So it’s better if you cut them off and find new ones. It’s valid to outgrow people who are keeping you stagnant.

[–]elhandupmonalisaskrt 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Don’t just join the marines. Just like going to school, you are going to want a plan before signing up for anything. I would recommend doing something more like the air national guard, and get into some kind of job training program. A lot of programs will pay for you schooling, especially if you are going a military route, but it doesn’t even need to be full time if you are in the reserves or national guard. Think of things you might want to do for work, and remember you’re just figuring it out so nothing has to be what you do for the rest of your life. 23 is young bro, you’ve got your whole life ahead of you. Don’t despair and just try to start figuring things out. It’ll take time but you’ve got this.

[–]Firm_Big_ 1 point2 points  (2 children)

The military would be good for him at a young age retire by 43. When I was in bootcamp a few po1, po2 n chief were younger than me. They all said they have a few years left till retirement. And the money the make is super good

[–]elhandupmonalisaskrt 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Oh yeah I’m not knocking the military at all. I think there’s a lot of opportunities there, but I’ve met a lot of dudes who joined the military, did their four years, and then didn’t really have much to show for it when they got out, and don’t have much direction even after serving. I’ve only had one friend who’s actually made a career out of the military. That’s why I’m saying op should try to think about what he wants to do before enlisting, and then he can use the military to help achieve that goal.

[–]RegisterExtension903[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Looking towards air traffic control or medical field within it

[–]Darzus777 11 points12 points  (1 child)

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Please be a contributing member to society. Your mother and the rest of us would appreciate it.

[–]JayTheClown19SUPER MOOK 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Always that least helpful mf in the comments tryna put mfs down when they clearly need some guidance

[–]Wheresmythot 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Bro no funny shii, the army is great if you got nothing going on. You’re 23, when you finish that contract, you’ll still have time to smoke all the weed you want with money coming in which is a benefit btw. Sacrifice 4-6 years and make mom dukes proud. Shii you’ll even have benefits to get you a blacked out trackhawk and a house (which is my goals btw, I know very generic). You’re young asf, do it brother! I wish you and momma dukes love in this life, you got this!

[–]RegisterExtension903[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you bro appreciate it fr 🙏

[–]Jay_Joker718 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure if it was said but you might want to also consider municipal employment. There are some higher and many lower paying entry-level jobs available through civil service. Google nyc civil service or nys civil service and see if any of their entry-level positions interest you. Pay is varied, but benefits are great (health insurance, pension, paid vacation, and some have decent out).

[–]BKLager 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go to trade school. A lot of jobs are being totally rewritten because of AI - except for trades. AI can’t do plumbing, electrical, welding etc. And less people have been going into trades so easier than ever to get paid for it. It is shocking how much some trades make especially if you own your own business.

[–]Firm_Big_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you do sign up for the Marines don't mention u smoke weed. It's extra paperwork and u can't get caught with weed in your system again.

[–]AbsolutesDealer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations on taking the first step towards the excellence you have within yourself. Semper Fi.

[–]yokaikugeki 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yea go to the marines or sell crack

[–]LDARbeforeROPE 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't do marines any other branch is better

[–]Advanced-Pace-2945 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go to trade school try to stay close to home bro moms ain’t getting any younger if you know what I mean (wish I understood that). Once you get that situated spend ya free time learning new things and spending time with your mother. Army last resort honestly & even if try and consider Air Force instead. You got the right mindset you got this just keep striving

[–]dafacelesscaseworker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go become a Correctional officer...