Out of my mind ?

shanto

shanto

Joined
Oct 16, 2009
Messages
247
Hey everybody,
I need some input from you guys, I think I'm going through a midlife crisis.
I've been thinking seriously lately of joining the Canadian Forces again at almost 42 yrs old ! I did a three year stint way back after high school. I enjoyed it alot and excelled, but I was too young and dumb to see it through as a career. Since then, I've never felt like I belonged in civilian life, always felt like I was meant to be a soldier. I'm married with a great wife and three fabulous children, and I'll be 42 in November. Would it be a foolish choice at this point in my life ? My wife doesn't seem to mind the idea , I don't know how my kids would handle me being away for extended periods however, we are a very close family.
Maybe I just missed the boat , damn ! life can be confusing ...
Thanks for reading this
Cheers
Shant
 
My cousin just joined the U.S. Army at 38. He has a two year old son.
I've got a 3 year old and a 4 month old. I wouldn't leave them for an extended period if it could be avoided.
I say you'd be out of your mind to sign on to that kind of commitment right now but I don't really know you so maybe I'm wrong.
BTW, I'm 36 and sometimes have the same feelings wishing I was back in the Marine Corps but it's easy to forget the bad stuff and only remember the good. I'm thankful to be a free man, I did my service.
 
shanto said:
Thanks bro, I really don't know if I could be away from my kids .
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The only reason my cousin joined is because he was out of work for so long.
I don't like to waste a minute I could be with my kids.
If you're making a decent living be thankful for the time you have with them. You may be sacrificing your dreams but IMO the children are worth it.
In the end, only you and your wife know the best way to balance your dreams with your responsibilities and your sanity.
Good luck with the mid-life crisis. :D
 
Thanks Hoopster. My time with my kids is very imporatant to me right now, probably the most important thing in my life. And I know they enjoy me too. I think I might be feeling unfulfilled, whatever that means. I have a decent enough paying job, so that's not an issue.
Maybe I'm searching for more meaning in what I do for a living, then again , it could be a helluva lot worse. I guess the most important things in life are right in front of me, and I should be more thankfull for that ! Maybe in the next life I'll be that warrior I wish I was....
 
That's great that you're searching for meaning. I'm amazed at the number of people I know that seem to care less whether there is a meaning to life or not. Think eternal is the advice I have.
 
Wise words indeed my friend. I recently heard someone say "Always seek those who seek the truth". Somewhat along the same lines I think.
Cheers
 
shanto said:
Wise words indeed my friend. I recently heard someone say "Always seek those who seek the truth". Somewhat along the same lines I think.
Cheers
Click to expand...

With that in mind, PM me anytime you want. I love chatting with folks on bladeforums but may not always keep an eye on this thread.
Let us know if you rejoin the forces. :p
 
I would suggest something that would involve your children, do you have boyscouts or the canadian equivalent? I would suggest becoming a troop leader.
 
Thanks Hoopster, and thank you Sam, that is good advice. My two boys are in hockey, and one team is looking for assistant coaches, I think I will sign up for that :) We do have Boy Scouts here, I'm going to talk to my boys about that.
Have a great weekend guys.
Shant
 
Scout leader is a good idea... The meaning/ fulfilment you seek can be found in teaching and guiding younger generations.
 
There are oceans of brave men and women willing to serve their country. You have 3 little people (and a wife) who need you at home. I can't think of a single soldier who would say it's a good idea for you to enlist at this point in your life. Not because you are unable... simple because you have unfinished work raising those young men.

The Scout Leader suggestion was outstanding. There are many ways to make a difference if you are willing.

Good stuff.
Rick
 
Hoss, you do what your heart tells you. Talk it over with your family and friends, then make a decision.

I am 63 years old and got out of the U.S. Air Force in 1973 after spending over 7 years with them. If they would just let me come back, I would go tomorrow.

It is too bad they don't have any use for old fools like me. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the good times and camaraderie. I always felt that I was helping in some little way.

Robert
 
I have felt the same way on occasion recently. I saw my stepson's graduation from USMC boot camp about a year ago and felt a pull that I had not expected. I have a wife and 5-year old son myself and felt guilty about even considering it until I checked and found that their enlistment age cut off at 35-I was 36 at the time and felt both relieved and forsaken at the same time.

There are other branches that I could probably get into if I were determined but have decided that it would not be fair to my family to do that now, even though I believe my wife would agree if I said it was what I wanted to do.

I decided to support the ones that are in harm's way, as a substitute for upending my life to go over myself. My wife and I have been sending care packages over for a while now and I also been able to serve vicariously through my knives. I know it dosen't equal quality time with automatic weapons and high-grade explosives but it is meaningful to the guys who recieve them, and so it is to me, too.
 
I was 27 when I joined, my son was 2 1/2 and my daughter wasn't born yet. I was the third oldest in my basic platoon with the second at 35 and the oldest 41. Now that Im 41, I would have no regrets about joining again. My kids are now at an age where they understand what I do and that I go away to help people and protect my country. My newest was just born and though I will miss him when I go away next, I will still go away and do my job. Its why I joined and why my kids are proud of me and why my wife loves me in my uniform. Do what you feel you need to do and don't regret your decision either way.
 
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