Great topic... I'm new to this forum, but have been following it for some time now... I just feel compelled to share some of my story, most of which is unwritten.
I'm 22, back when I was 16 I told my parents I wanted to join, they said no, that was it. The urge has been getting greater and greater for me though, and as soon as I finish up my two years of college, I'm going to be enlisting in the regular forces. I'm going to hopefully do reserves while I'm at school. My girlfriend of almost 3 years isn't too pleased with this, and it mostly seems like she thinks I'm not 100% serious about it, I guess she'll find out when I sign up. She has told me on more than one occasion though, that if I really want/need to do it, she won't stand in my way, we can go our separate ways, life is good. For this reason, I'm trying to win her over on it, and believe it or not, it's almost working. But the CF life is the one for me, it's taken me some time to find out 100% for sure, but I know now. There are the few who don't approve of it (the ones closest to me, it seems), but everyone else I've talked to about it seem to be behind me on it. I'm sure my dad will come around too, I find it hard to believe he could stay ashamed of me for finding some direction in my life.
Anyways, from what I've experienced going through a somewhat similar situation myself, you have to do what makes you happy. As I heard once from someone, can't remember whom, Life is full of regrets, the object is to make that list as short as possible. The only regret I've come up with thus far is that I haven't joined sooner. If that's the biggest of my problems, I'd say I have it pretty easy.
That's my $0.04 worth (based on quantity, not necessarily quality).
P.S. Anyone else going through this that keeps getting the ridiculous questions and remarks about how it (A'Stan) doesn't affect us over here in Canada? I'm getting tired of fielding these, and rarely justify them with an answer anymore. Sorry if some of this is off-topic, just thought I'd share.
Take it easy, and to all those serving, past, present, and future, thanks, and see you shortly!