How can I tell my upset mother that I am joining the Air Force?

My mother disagrees with me joining the military. I have brought up the conversation several times and mentioned that I was interested in it. The only response I can get from her is ';no'; or ';please don't do that';. I would really like to get her support. I feel like she's being selfish and just doesn't want me to grow up even though I've been on my own since I was 18. I want to work for the CIA as a cryptological linguist. The military seems like this would be the best way to achieve this. I am 22 years old and have been plugging away at my classes one or two at a time since I graduated, but I have no financial assistance for my school and I work full time (about 50 hours a week) so needless to say this is taking a REALLY long time. I have been really interested in the military ever since I found out about all the opportunities there are for linguistics. Also, I have heard that it's nearly impossible to get a job at the CIA when you graduate from just any college. This has been a dream of mine since I was in high school and I want to do whatever I can to get it. How can I get my mother to understand that without being too harsh? (I don't have the guts to tell her what I really want to, so I'm looking for any other advice.)How can I tell my upset mother that I am joining the Air Force?
I was in for a few years... Navy.



Bottom line is that you have to do what you have to do.



The Air Force is the least combative, the safest of any of any of the branches. It's as close to being civilian as you can get.



';Mom, I think you've done a pretty good job raising me. And one of the things you've taught me is responsibility. I have to make my own decisions. I can't expect you to make them for me forever. Will I make mistakes? Probably. I'm human. Will I make decisions you're not going to like? Probably. I'm not you. It doesn't mean I don't love you. But I have to do what I feel I need to do.';



You can hit her with, ';I'm never going to get through school at this rate. When I get out of the service I'll have the GI Bill. And I might even have a chance to pick up a few units while on active duty.';How can I tell my upset mother that I am joining the Air Force?
As a mother I too would be very worried. Just explain to her that you love her very much and you understand why she would be worried. Try telling her again how much it means to you and how you want and need to follow your dreams.



We really need linguist (Arabic languages) to aid in keeping this country safe. If you are good at it you can write your ticket in a job.
I think if you can make her understand that it is your life long dream, she will probably fainally agree that it's something you're destined to do.
What languages do you speak? Language courses are fairly inexpensive at different places, I was taking a class for 250 a quarter and thats like nothing. Honestly, if your mother is anything like mine, she will never be ok with that because she would be worried about your safety all of the time. If your good at languages they are looking for, you won't have a problem getting in as a civilian.
I was basically in the same situation as you are in now. I had always wanted to get a Criminal Justice degree, my Masters in Computer Forensics and work for a Federal Government agency. However, I was working full time to afford college and just couldn't ';afford'; it anymore. I had always wanted to join the Air Force so I decided at 21 better late than never.



At first my mom was really upset. But, I had to make her realize that although I loved and respected her I wasn't looking for her permission just her support. (I too, like you, had been living on my own since I was 18). I took her down to the recruiters with me so that she was free to ask any and all questions she may of had. It put her more at ease with the situation and she felt like more of a part of the decision. I know this may not have been a ';normal'; way of approaching the situation but I have always been close to my family and wanted them to be a part of my decision.



Good luckin your decision!
Why do you need your mother's approval? you are 22 years old. You should tell your mother that you respect her opinion, but you must do what you think is best for you. The Air Force is a great stepping stone, because they will send you to school and get great experience. In addition, they will pay for your top secret clearance. I joined the Air Force when I was 23 years old, because my mother didn't want me to. But, I also needed money for college so I did. I got my BS in Computer Science and I work In communications and I love what I do. My mother eventually came around and understood my decision. Do what is best for you, life is short. The only thing i regret is waiting until i was 23 years old to join.