Considering on going to Afghanistan as a civillian worker

[Tiggerlove]

Several of my family members, including my father and brother, have or are currently in Afghanistan working along side the military with the company Halliburton and their subsideraries.

 

My father has urged me to go over--he says its perfectly safe, and he thinks I will grow up and learn more about who I am. My brother has urged me to go over too, and says that I'll meet some life long friends while I"m there.

Even my mom is telling me to live my life and do what I want and to quit worrying so much about everyone else.

 

But, I worry about my boyfriend. We've been together for 4 years...and he says he wouldn't like it, but he'd support me. He says he wouldn't go over..even if it means we'd have plenty of money in a year together, to have a wonderful wedding and start for a family. I told him, that if I went, I'd have the money to have him meet me in southern Asia on my vacations. I guess thats my luer to get him to feel better about the possibilty of me going overseas.

 

I don't have a job currently, so thats part of the push of going over. I'd be there for a year or longer (if I'd like), and when I get back, I'll have tons of experience that I could probably find a decent job when I get back.

 

Thing is, I'm nervous to do it. I've never really been on my own. I wouldn't be at the same base as my brother or any of my cousins who are over there now.But, like my dad says, it would be a time to "grow up". Thats what I need.

 

I'm just scared to be away for one full year. I trust my family when they say its perfectly safe where they are..and the other bases in Afghanistan.

None of my friends want me to go..they all try to talk me out of it. Its only my family who are urging me to do it.

 

Perhaps the reason I'm writing this is to see what the outside world thinks. Maybe this is my way of talking myself into it. A lot of people dislike Halliburton and such, but thats their opinions. All I know is that I'd be working 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I'd even work on Christmas! but I would get 2, 2week vacations and one 3 week vacations. I could see a lot if I took a flight to Europe or Dubai or anywhere!

 

Unlike the military, I do have a choice here- to go or not to go.

 

Does anyone have any encouragement, or any non-encouragement advice?

 

Thanks!

[jhurtinct]

do what you feel is the right thing for you after putting everyone else's opinion aside because the one that matters most is yours.

 

Is this the type of thing you can come back in a month or 2 if you don't like it or would you have to stay for a whole yr?

 

make a list of pros and cons, none of which involve anything but your personal feelings on the matter. thats a really biggggg life change you need to be ready for it, no one can make a dicision like that for you nor should you let someone:)

 

good luck and think long and hard:)

[Tiggerlove]

Thanks for your advice.

Its a government contract company.I'd be signing a 1 year contract--up to $80,000 I earn would be tax free, UNLESS I break the contract--by quitting. Ofcourse, I'd definitally automatically have taxes taken out incase for WHATEVER reasons come up that I come home, I won't be owing all the money back to the goverment. Then, if I'm there for one year, I will get a nice refund.

 

I've made my lists, and I am currently attaching a resume with an email to my dad who could help me get over there. It will be a life changing experience, for sure, but I think in the end, it would be worth it.

[jhurtinct]

well best of luck to you and your family and in your final dicision making.

I hope everything works out.............

[Tiggerlove]

Thank you for your support.