I was in the ANG/RES/AD conundrum with a happy wife/happy life with my current job as a commercial lender in a small community bank. Bottom line for me was doing what I loved (I was a CFII that barely kept my IFR currency by begging flights from friends with planes). I knew I wanted to fly, and ANG was the best fit for me.
Best career decision of my life. If you go AD, you’ll have a wider array of options for pain and pleasure. If you join ANG/RES, you’ll have no gamble on what you’ll fly, but some career options will be closed to you (certain assignments and programs).
I understand your place and thoughts. I pressed and never looked back. Having been a key player in a small, profitable bank, I am often mind-bottled at the not-for-profit way the AF support world functions. Good luck with that!