I didn't think the govt. was hiring...

I'm ex-military. If I were still young and single with a degree from UC Berkeley, my last choice would be to join the military. It's scary out there right now. Career fields once thought to be safe from deployment aren't anymore.

Seahawk,

Do you mean, you think you know what I would want and do not recommend it for me, specifically?

Or, do you mean, flying in the Navy was right for you, and you do not wish to impose your life path on someone else? (Maybe "impose" is the wrong word - I think I know what you are getting at here.)

I've thought about something in the military...to be honest, I don't really know where to look for opportunities in the military. I wouldn't want to be an infantryman, but I would consider something involving technical/tactical expertise, analysis skills, learning a language, or flying a plane, defense, operation research. Who might I talk to? I would hate to be "recruited" into something that was not the right fit.

I'll re-iterate my thoughts re- grad school:
-I think it *can* be valuable.
-I will not hesitate to go to grad school, given that I know *exactly* what program I want to enter and I understand the value for money it represents.
-I want to do something other than grad school *right now*.

I have attended Berk. for 5 years. I took the first 2 full years of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science curriculum, including some upper div math/stat courses, and courses in CAD/design (mechanical E). Then I switched over to Cognitive Neuroscience because it was more concerned with philosophy, mind, linguistics/language processing, computational models of mind, biochemistry, neuro-anatomy, etc. Having the extra time allowed me to indulge some other interests like Econ and satisfy the breadth course requirements with Music, PoliSci, Astronomy, etc., electives. I am sure my 5-year undergrad education has left me at least as, if not more, prepared than if I were a grad student. Certainly more well-rounded. I have a few grad student friends and they will be programming in the basement of Soda hall for the next 4 years (to get a phd). I think that's cool, but I would rather be exploring the world than sitting in the basement of Soda Hall playing with computers.

TOTALLY incorrect. There are a variety of federal retirement plans dependant on when a person was hired/retired. In a best case scenario someone with 20 years service at age 62 would receive 40% of the average of their highest 3 years earnings. More likely around 35%. Special exceptions for law enforcement/firefighters/ATC's. Federal retirment benefits are generally capped at 80% of high 3 average and that would be someone with 40+ years of service retiring at 62 or older.

Still nothing to sneeze at.

I went to Cal.

It really is your life...I never recommend the military as a way forward, not my deal. The commitment, even for a tour or two, requires an understanding I can't help you with. You will be asked to be responsible for people, which is not just a job.

You're smart, you'll figure it out.

PM if you think I can help.

Government
You'll be bored stiff working for the Government. Sure, it will be a "safe" job with lots of spare time, but you will waste away 8-5 which is still the majority of your day. I'd save this for later when you may want to feed a family reliably and settle down with little stress at work.

Military
Not sure if this is your cup of tea, but that would be a little too structured for me. I like to put myself through challenges but I'd rather do this on my own than with the help of a drill sergeant. This may be nicer with an advanced career but then see above "Government". Seeing the world won't be at your pace either.

Gradschool
How about grad school in an engineering or science field. But not to the lab down the street. Go find a grad school project that is somewhere else. A large science project - telescope, particle accelerator experiment, nature study etc. This will not cost anything and certainly will put you ahead with specialized knowledge that should land you a decent job either in academia or engineering.
I hear what others are saying about grad school not making a difference in their professional lives. This may be true in some areas, but certainly not in science and engineering. Look at engineering job ads - most the six figure salary openings specifically ask for an advanced degree. Getting a degree in a technical area proves that you have stamina and can independently focus on one project for an extended period of time and finish it.

Own Businesss
Entrepreneurship is a hard one these days too. Be it the small business in basic service industry or the venture backed tech start up. There is less money spent by consumers today and venture capital has dried up pretty well. No way you'll get a foot in the door with VC unless you have extremely good connections on top of a fabulous business idea.

Automotive
What happened to the engine rebuilding hobby? Why not take a job at a major hot rod shop in the Bay Area or L.A.? Work for a while 3-5 years, learn and then start your own thing? A lot of the tuning business has gotten complicated enough where you will benefit from a technical college background. This can be a Porsche place, a race team, Ferrari / Lambo specialist etc. I would think that being an apprentice there would be fun and pay the bills for a while until you decide on how to proceed. Many of the best mechanics and specialty shops in the Bay Area are former race team mechanics. They all look to have fun and make a decent living.

George

Hun?

Perish the thought! Twas Lawrenceville.