Air Force may be perfect job for teen on the move

DEAR ABBY: I respectfully disagree with the advice you gave to “Wants to Enlist” (Dec. 29). She is the 19-year-old woman who burns out of jobs quickly and is thinking about enlisting in the Air Force. You discouraged her.

I served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserves and the Air National Guard for 14 years. Experience taught me that if I didn’t like my current assignment, it was easier to tolerate it for the time being knowing it wasn’t a permanent assignment. Eventually, I received orders to go elsewhere.

My military training was the best foundation for me. It taught me discipline, instilled confidence that I could handle any situation, and provided me with skills that enabled me to work with people under various circumstances.

“Wants to Enlist” needs to be honest with the companies/organizations she applies to. During the interview, she should be upfront in saying she is willing to commit to a set period of time and/or to accept a part-time position, lower pay and a flexible schedule. The employers who hired me under these terms have written me letters of recommendation, proving they benefitted from our arrangement. — FORMER FLY GIRL IN NEW MEXICO

DEAR FORMER FLY GIRL: Thank you for offering a solution that worked for you. Responses I received to that letter provided interesting insights that “Wants to Enlist” may wish to consider. My readers comment:

DEAR ABBY: I, too, wasted years of my life job-hopping. It seemed I couldn’t stay in a position longer than six months. It wasn’t until late in life that I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. With therapy and medication, my life finally took on some semblance of “normal.” For the first time, I finally had purpose and direction. My final job lasted 17 years. I don’t mean to suggest “Wants to Enlist” suffers from the same disorder, but it deserves some consideration. — B.P.D. IN TENNESSEE

DEAR ABBY: Once a job became routine, I lost interest. Eventually I found my way to higher education and a position where there are always new challenges. I now have a long-term and successful career. Perhaps this 19-year-old should consider attending college even part-time — to satisfy her intellect while preparing for a more varied and challenging future. — BEEN THERE IN LAS CRUCES, N.M.