To be fair, I'd probably ask this same question in a military forum too. You're going to get biased answers here.
My main questions are more important:
- Do you TRULY ENJOY the hustle for your web design stuff so far?
- Do you want to lead or be led?
-- If you want to lead, do you have an eye for finding talented people, and the balls to go for it?
I enjoy the hustle to the point where it's unhealthy. I spend my weekend's working because there is nothing else I'd rather do. So much so that my wife and I have set aside "family time" to be sure that I don't neglect them in my passion.
Leading is something that has always come natural, and I've always wanted to be the example. In environments where I am being led, I've proven myself capable of being left alone and performing at the top 10%.
I have no idea if I can spot talented people. In fact, I'd say my bullshit radar needs some calibration. I can tell you that in the military, I've been forced to train retards, and in most cases, I've discovered unique ways to max their potential. If anything, that's worth a look.
boatBurner: What's your MOS and rank?
I'm a Corporal (E-4) and a Field Radio Operator (0621) for our TACP (I'm sure you know what that is).
I think I self-actualize pretty well. I'm stubborn, I do wild shit in the name of getting things done, a bit hardheader, but I learn very quickly. I can sell face-to-face, I can articulate like a mother fucker, I can explain complex ideas to simpletons. I know I have a lot of qualities that would make for a good businessperson. I'd say the strongest lesson the military has taught me is accountability. Where I used to blame others for things fucking up, now if I had any remote form of involvement, I accept nearly all responsibility for a mishap because I've seen what a missed opportunity to fix a fucked situation looks like, and how to call it out / never do it again.
Time and obligation are the problem. And as a reminder, going to school wouldn't even be in this equation if it weren't for the $1,400/mo coming my way from Uncle Sam. Because of that, it's a worthwhile decision.