15 Sep 2015

When one door closes, another opens. The optimism of 20-somethings is a beautiful thing. They focus on themselves; at 17, deciding on a major or trade and dedicating the next four years to being the best in their respective industry. At 21, graduates flood the job market with their beefed up resumes and competitive edge from internships and work experience, gap years and travel escapades.

The perfect resume, cover letter, interview handshake, and first impression are crucial stepping stones for careers. The issue, then, seems to be the feeling of unrest that is left with most after the hype of entering ‘the real world’ wears off.

Everyone wants a career doing what they love and using the skills they’ve honed over the years, but many overlook the most obvious option.

Australian pride runs deep but is an underestimated trait and often overlooked by many when choosing a career path.  Intelligent, mature Australians are often circle pegs trying to force themselves into square holes. They may give up their love of travel for a desk job and the sense of security it provides; they can sometimes shave their creativity and individuality to fit the mold of a stable 9 – 5 career.

They burn out too quickly.

There’s a big difference between a job and a career. A job is something you do to in the short term to earn cash. It’s filling a work role within a business exchange for money. A career though is a long-term pursuit of a lifelong ambition. Deciding on a career is to decide that you don’t want to keep chasing your dreams, you want to achieve them. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is an open door for many Australians eager to travel, keen to learn, and tired of the glass ceiling dictating their job growth.

Unlike other job offers, the ADF will provide you with all the training required to become the expert in your field. In addition to this, you will receive a competitive salary during these training periods and gain nationally recognised qualifications that are transferable to civilian life.

ADF soldiers, sailors, airmen and women operate and maintain the Australian Defence Force’s advanced military equipment and operating systems, including ships, jets, tanks, missile systems, telecommunications networks and more. It’s more than just gaining a trade qualification though. Entry-level positions are available across a range of fields including Business, Administration and Education, Combat and Security, Logistics, Medical and Engineering, and more. No matter the field, a career in the ADF is ideal for individual keen to get out from behind the desk and explore a career unlike any other.

For more information on the range of careers available in the Navy, Army or Air Force visit defencejobs.gov.au or call 13 19 01.