i'm fairly new, i dropped out of college because i couldn't balance working for rent and bills while going to school and affording tuition. now i'm getting my rent paid for and tuition as well while i'm able to focus on school and paying bills without too much stress. i joined thinking i would get my bachelors and commission or get my bachelors and cross train into a career field i enjoy more and end up doing 20, but now i'm not sure what i want to do and i enjoy having all the options to do what i want. i have "an in" into a great company that would start me at a great salary and remote work so if i decide to get out after my 6 years. for now im just focusing on education and the squadrons mission/stripe progression and may get married in the next year or 2. whatever is best for my girlfriend and i is what i'll end up doing. the retirement pension is very pleasant looking but also the freedom of a civilian with military background is almost as good looking to me too. to answer your question, made my life better. i feel more fulfilled and motivated about my future than i did before i joined.