To fight or to write -work dilemma!

Former Member

Hi guys

Basically, I'm a Royal Marines Officer candidate, which means that in a couple of years, i shoul be going into the Marines. Good so far? I've always wanted to do it, but theres other things I want to do as well. At Uni, I've been lucky enough to start writing reviews and articles for the BBC, which is wicked. Thing is, I'm considering my options for writing as a career.

What do you guys reckon? Go for the safe option with the Marines, or take a risk on a writing career?

Hmmm...

Cheers,

Rob
<IMG SRC="confused.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Former Member

How much a career is the Marines? I mean, how far can you go/are you likely to go, what are your prospects if you leave etc?

With writing you know you've got a marketable skill, and one with which you can enter the job force if/when you ever leave the Marines.

So on that basis, I'd go for the Marines. <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Former Member

for the safe option with the Marines

would have thought you were safer behind a desk mate....

Which do you enjoy most, I think it should be that simple.....

Former Member

ITs fair to say you'll be very well looked after in the marines, thats not just any old soilder, early retirement, huge pension and should you leave the employers will fight over you <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

The army is also a unique but great lifestyle, loads of laughs <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

But if you prefer been behind a desk 9-5 then go for that <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Personally I don't even see its a decision, the marines would win without consideration <IMG SRC="wink.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Former Member

Only the best people are writers <IMG SRC="wink.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

I don't think it would be that much of a risk to write really...you already have a headstart in the industry as you have been writing for the beeb - great for your CV. Follow your heart, but if you do choose journalism make sure you write about something that interests you.

Susie <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Former Member

Originally posted by Susie:
<STRONG>Only the best people are writers <IMG SRC="wink.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

</STRONG>

I second that emotion... <IMG SRC="wink.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

I don't think you should base your decision on the future prospects of the job, necessarily - as Susie said, follow your heart. Having a good salary and a pension plan isn't all that if you're miserable and always looking over your shoulder. <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Former Member

I don't want to sound dumb, but couldn't you do both? You could carry on with the marines - let's face it, you'll always have a job - and do freelance writing in your spare time. There'll probably be a website or a paper interested in an article once a month about life in the marines or something.

Former Member

I think it would be a lot easier to join the marines, write (maybe not even commercailly) in your spare time and when you come out see if writing is still something you want to do.

It would be fairly easy to do this, but nearly impossible to do it the other way around.

I cannot believe i'm saying "join the marines to keep your options open", but thats what it amounts to.

Good luck for whatever yuo decide.

Former Member

id say join the marines. you wont have the opportunity to join forever as I would think they have a cut off age, like the army do. whereas writing you could do at any age.