Missions are 2 years for men, 1.5 years for women. It's optional for both men and women, but men are expected to go. I went on a mission to Peru for 2 years. I

Missions are 2 years for men, 1.5 years for women. It's optional for both men and women, but men are expected to go. I went on a mission to Peru for 2 years. It was amazing, I have no regrets, but I wouldn't do it again. It was incredibly hard. In contrast, I've started two modestly successful companies (one bootstrapped, one backed by $16M in VC money) and I'm working on starting my third. Startups are grueling, but not as grueling as a mission IMO. :)