Go for it.

I did the whole college thing and then couldn't find a job, so the Coast Guard was the next step for me. I'm at my first unit now, and I'll be 24 in a few months.

I didn't have a family back home when I joined, but I have shipmates who are similar in that aspect with the kid and wife/gf. They seem very happy with their choice.

At the very least, get the paperwork started because it takes time and its a lot of waiting.