Opportunity Cost

According to National Center For Education Statistics young adults between the ages of 25 to 35 make around $50,000 with a bachelor degree and around $30,000 without it. Most people would choose to get higher education if they have a choice, to have an opportunity to have more financial security and a comfortable life style.  Merriam-Webster dictionary states that an opportunity cost is the different cost of the use of resources that have the same value or profit. I’ve decided to join the Navy because my education expenses will be paid for and I can show my experience in the field of aviation and I also get to travel.  However, because I am in the Navy I would have to move around as I am needed.  I would have to be away from my family and friends, miss birthdays and holidays if I’m deployed.  I would also lose my freedom because I would have to be discipline and highly trained because I am held to a higher standard for 24 hours a day.  If I didn’t join the Navy I would get to enjoy my freedom and be with my family and friends.  However, I might be in debt with student loans that might take more than 4 years to pay off which is longer than my contract with the Navy.  I would also not have the highly trained experience that most company look for in their employees.  I believe that I made the right choice by joining the navy and my benefit for the future out weights the opportunity cost.