glitchfire

Wow! It's been a while. While doing a bit of Google searching, I came across this thread and realized I was the OP. It's strange to revisit this thread six years later. It's funny how an internet forum can serve as a journal of your life in some ways. Anyways, quick update - I actually decided to go into finance after college. This isn't the coolest or most endearing story to tell - but I optimized for the most amount of money that I could make coming out of college. My family didn't have much financially growing up (I was a pell grant recipient in college) - so when I got into an top school I felt like I needed to try to maximize my earning potential and set up my current + future family for success. I actually then transitioned to the tech industry recently in a finance-related role. I'm happy with where I am at now. But obviously (since I'm here right now!) there's a part of me that wonders "what if?"

Thanks for the advice. Seems like everyone's mileage varies. Guess at the end of the day it really is a gut decision. Good to have my expectations checked, after reading this thread I'll have a more realistic outlook no matter what I choose. I'll try to remember to report back in 2 years or so.

thats insane. so he had enough time to go through flight training while doing neurosurgery? and was still young enough to be eligible? did he have a clone?

Are there guys out there that are flying F16s a few days a week, and then commercial the other days of the week? If so, that seems like a very nice lifestyle. Or do ANG pilots work full-time?

Interesting. Any insight on the navy?

This is something I've thought about. I have had trouble wrapping my mind around what the pros and cons are. If you become a pilot-physician, what are your career prospect like after the military? Having a long-stable career is one of the more appealing parts of medicine, and I wonder if becoming a pilot-physician negates that (as you have specialized in 'flight surgery')?

I've looked into this a bit and it seems very interesting. I have no idea how something like that would play out though. I wonder if there's a little "jack of all trades, master of none" going this route.

At the end of your commitment for flying for the Air Force, do you think it was worth it? What were some of the other career paths you considered? What was the peak experience of your career? Right now I am a premed who has a good shot of getting into med school. But I think I would always regret it if I didn't go for a UPT slot and try to fly for the military.

Thought some of you all might enjoy this, regardless of political views:

Very interesting, thank you. I fear our current president has recessed too far, when the pendulum swings back -- it might get ugly.

*actively ignoring all of this as i apply for OTS*