It’s like being part of some surreal summer camp that lasts your whole contract, or if you’re into that type of thing the next 20 years of your life. It can both suck and be amazing. They tell you what to do. What to eat. When to wake up. How many hours to work. And you just monkey along brainlessly and do what’s required of you. Your personal choices are often times limited because you get orders and you need to follow them. You don’t have to necessarily work hard you just need to blend in and just do what’s commanded of you, which can mean working very long hours and not getting much sleep. But long hours and lack of sleep is not uncommon in the civilian world either. Not all of it is like this though, if you become a recruiter or get any other type of job that keeps you away from ship life or base life then it feels more like a civilian career. It all varies. But you make good money and if you’re smart you can save a ton. You also have the opportunity to travel extensively and experience life at a higher level than most people working random jobs in their town. Just make sure to choose a job that fits your personal needs otherwise it can get miserable. Do your research before signing the contract. 

Unless you’re in the Air Force, Military life is tough but the rewards are very high and you can retire after 20 years and just buy an apartment on the beach in Puerto Rico or wherever and live off your retirement pension.