As some of the commentators mentioned, 15 years is a long time. When I was 18, I wanted to be a fighter pilot more than anything in the world. The 11 year com

As some of the commentators mentioned, 15 years is a long time. When I was 18, I wanted to be a fighter pilot more than anything in the world. The 11 year commitment to do so seemed like a no brainer. I went to college, got commissioned and made my way through flight school. I spent 8 of those 11 years in the cockpit doing pretty awesome things. But I was ready to leave and try something else around year 8. My civilian peers were trying out a whole bunch of cool work with the freedom to move at will. Now that I'm 35, I don't regret my decision, but I realize how much time 11 years really is. I did something I loved, and reflect fondly upon, but am thrilled to be doing something else. A lot will change between 25 and 40. You have a very small window to get in earlyish on an emerging tech. If it fails, the government will still be around - and with experience in the Valley, an immense number of opportunities around the country will be at your beck and call.