[Midnight Policy]

First off...
1) I am 19
2) Employed
3) In a long term engagement
4) Living at home with parent

I have been trying to move out for some time now and every job I get does not pay enough to save up after bills and other expenses. I am at the point in my life were my single parent (my mom) is getting annoying, well rather I say we both need our own space. I am pursuing a musical career and the stress is affecting my abilities at that. The town I live in does not offer much for good jobs, I would have to commute about 40 miles down the highway to get a better job ( I mean better as a factory one). I currently have a moped because that was all I could afford so the highway just might as well be a broken bridge.

I have tried different solutions like saving the little money I could, but that gets wasted when something major happens like my bike needing repair or my mom needs help. I have pondered the Navy and got all my paperwork in for that but I wanted to wait to see if there was any other way around doing that, as it would put my music on hold... for me... that's my life and what keeps me going when I wake up, simply put, My Passion.

My girlfriend is going to college across seas and I will not only be able to save up to see her, I won't be able to get my own place. Romantics is my lifeline with my music, I can't go without either for too long, its my curse I think.

What should I do?

I thank anyone who reads this.

Sincerely,
SjR

[Wondergirl]

Well, the U.S. Navy is a four-year commitment, but you will earn money while being trained for a career, will be able to attend college and earn degrees, will be able to see the world, and will have health care and housing benefits. One of my library volunteers was 25 when he enlisted a year ago, went to Great Lakes IL for boot camp (and lived to tell about it, plus graduated #2), then was sent to Pensacola FL for training (graduated as #1), and is now stationed in VA Beach, VA where he will stay (probably) even with the war going on.

Maybe the Navy will give you all the things you don't have right now including opportunities to share your music with a lot of people. Whaddya think?

P.S. And you'll look darn cute in a Navy uniform.
P.P.S. Your writing style is terrific with perfect grammar, etc. so I betcha you'd advance quickly and make a name for yourself. The Navy can use men who are smart and mature like you seem to be.

[RubyPitbull]

I know it may seem as if a 4 year commitment is a long time, but you need to think about where you will be in 4 years if you stay out of the Navy. If decent jobs are scarce, you just might find yourself in a holding pattern, still living at home with Mom and struggling financially. Without a college education, you are going to be hard pressed to find a decent paying job anywhere while you pursue your passion. I think joining the Navy is an excellent solution to your problem for all the reasons Wondergirl points out. Your music career goals won't suffer from it. There is no guarantee now that you will hit the big time within the next 4 years. The Entertainment Industry is a very tough and difficult field to break into. Besides the money you will be able to save up, and all the opportunities for education that the Navy will provide you, it will also teach you how to persevere, and stick to the goals you have set for yourself. I think right now, you need to get yourself out of your Mother's house to save your sanity. The Navy sounds like it will provide the best option for you. I also agree with Wondergirl regarding your writing. You seem to be very bright and grounded for someone your age. Making the right choices for yourself now, will definitely pay off down the road. Just staying where you are now hoping things will improve, isn't a good use of your time.

[Midnight Policy]

Thank you all for the nice comments :) They really help.

Wondergirl, you sound like my bride to be (Valeria). She made me get my hair cut before she left to see how I would look, it had grown out when that picture was taken.

Ruby, thank you for the insight on where I could be later on in life. I have thought of that allot lately and it makes perfect sense. I realize how hard the entertainment business is and it was very hard to get noticed, I met Dj Blurr (if you don't know who he is, he was the TOP Dj for The Elixer, Koby, and many other VIP dance clubs) and we hit it off really nicely. He hangs with Motley Crew, Drinks with Mini Me (lol) and his best friend is the Dj that does Timberlakes beats. Long story short I have built some bridges and got exposure. So the Navy and waiting out the music thing are the fork in my road. I'm leaning towards the Navy.


My brother is in the Navy, has been for 4 years now, and loves it. I would get a nice bonus since he referred me to the Navy (he said he would split his with me, about 2k extra for me). After doing the math I would have around 4-5k when I leave boot camp. Talking to the recruiter he said I could do 2 year increments if I wanted to and when I went to college the Navy would pay for, I could be in the reserves and still get benefits.

You have all helped me with decided with what I want to do and I greatly appreciate it, I really do. I have gotten a call this morning from a company I did not think would hire me so later today I have to ride over there. I would be getting paid about 400 a week not counting overtime. I have decided to go house hunting (rental house) this morning and use the money I have saved now to move in before it gets spent on mediocre things. If this job does not work out the Navy IS my next step and hopefully the prologue to the beginning to the rest of my life.

But thank you all again for the help, getting a 2nd or 3rd opinion always helps. If you like dance music check my site out, I am on the verge of releasing 2 more mixes.

MySpace.com - Midnight Policy - SOUTH BELOIT, Illinois - Experimental / Trance / Zouk - www.myspace.com/midnightpolicy

Peace,
Sam