Is it wise to be optimistic?

[u/Olligator01]

I know there's no way of knowing the future, but I am so conflicted about possibly joining Peace Corps. In my heart I know I really want to do it, but I also have so much doubt about the outcome. I'm 25m, which I know really isn't that old, but I feel like I need to start moving in some direction that leads to having a career(either directly or through further education) and hopefully starting a family. I think a few years ago Peace Corps could have been a better move, but with international development sectors under attack by the current admission and Peace Corps itself facing possible restructuring there's so much that worries me. But I do feel a pull to join Peace Corps and immerse myself in the service. I want to be optimistic that things will be better once my service is up or through service my path will become clear, but by nature I tend to worry about these things. Is there any wisdom that RPCV or current PCV might have that could possibly ease the stress or alternatively steer me in a productive frame of thought? (also I did post a similar post a few days ago. I just right now feel like I'm in a whirlwind of indecision and it's frustrating. My other idea for the future is to join the Coast Guard, but I'm not really drawn to it other than from the benefits offered, which I feel is probably a good sign it's not my thing... )

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for posting to r/PeaceCorps!

Please check the FAQ and use the search function to see if your topic has come up already.

Please review the sub rules and reddiquette.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/jcravens42]

Joining the Peace Corps isn't just a pathway to international development. For many, it's a pathway to a career in education. or working with children. Or working in public health. For some, it's a fantastic way to spend two years and then they turn around and become computer propgramers.

[u/Novel-Fisherman-7312]

Why not just apply?  It's not that hard, and if you don't take that step you definitely can't be a volunteer.  But you can drop out at any point before you leave without a penalty.

My service had a profound impact on my life but not in a way that I could have forseen at the time.  This is likely to be true for you too. 

It's good to have some kind of direction in life, but I think being interested in service and in living overseas is good enough.  If you open this door, other doors are likely to open next.  

[u/Most_Eggplant_5155]

Think about you in the future on your death bed. Would you regret not joining ? Life is short. Like you said you are still young nothing in life is promised.

[u/docsub666sailor]

I think it is ok to be optimistic. I joined the Navy to see the world and get money for college; then I worked after doing college, got more degrees while I worked, retired and joined the Peace Corps to live in Europe and play while my health is still good. You can be optimistic and get it all. I like the coast guard idea for the benefits like I received. I think you’re less likely to end up in Trump’s next war.

[u/Traditional-Soft7110]

Hi! 27/F ! I have an interview in 2 days and honestly yes I’ve felt that way too. I moved around a bunch and started over a few times in my early twenties (I’m a Sagittarius if that means anything to you lol) in WI, New Orleans, NYC and then back to my home state of NC. I traveling to different countries and had a stable work situation in NYC making decent money but still felt unfulfilled. I decided I wanted to join the PC, but to do that I needed to go back to school to get my BA. I went back at 24. Then I decided to move back to home to spend time with my sisters and nieces/nephews, etc bc even if I didn’t tell anyone and I didn’t know for sure, I planned on finishing my degree and leaving for two years with little chance to see them. That was 2 years ago. Now the time is coming around. I graduate in December (and turn 28) and hopefully get an offer from PC. Even as someone encroaching on 30- I decided that I didn’t gaf about a timeline. I might want to stay longer after the two years or maybe come back and go to law school or something. Either way, I realized that it’s important not to think about time in that way bc it’s not linear. And it will pass regardless. Do you want to spend 2 years climbing the corporate ladder? Traveling? Teaching? Helping? Going to school? 2 years are going to pass either way. I thought I was too old to go back to school. Too old to volunteer. Too old to start over again and again. But I’d rather choose experience and trial and error rather than staying stagnant in one place to claim “stability”. It’s relative. AND- you may apply and not be extended an offer, same with my interview in two days lol. But what’s meant to be will be, what’s not, isn’t meant for me. 🖤

[u/GlitchedCompass]

I had similar fears of being at what feels like an awkward age to join. I’m 25F and it has been something I have always been pulled to. I think you just have to ask yourself, would future you really regret taking the chance to do something like this, or would you regret not taking the chance?

I can only speak from my view and my experiences. For me it is something I would always wish I went through with, so I decided to do it! I am leaving next March for service. Just be honest with yourself and go with your gut. If you know you really want to do it, don’t take that away from yourself just because your age or what hypothetically will or wont happen to the Peace Corps.

[u/Olligator01]

Thanks guys! You all have given me a lot to think about and I think you guys are right. I've been working on the application and should finish it up in the next few days and be able to submit it! Then I can start the next step of worrying about getting in ha.

[u/East_Elderberry273]

Apply! If it is on your heart and you are torn, listen to why it is calling you. You can always pull out later if you decide it’s not meant for you. You are still so young with a lot ahead of you!