So the subject line says everything.
My parents don't want me to be a pilot after graduation. They are literally dead set on me NOT being a pilot, and apparently they don't care what I do in the Air Force as long as I'm not in the field. They want me to work in an intelligence type of field, and I already know that I want a computer science degree as it would be pretty useful for the later future.
But, I've thought about it and I really want to be a pilot after graduation, just for the journey of that kind of life and because I love being around planes in general.
I think what they're worried about is me not being able to get a job after retiring from the military other than commercial pilot (which they are even more against than being a pilot in the Air Force). But even then, I tell them to look at all the benefits of being a pilot and they are just having none of it.
With all this being said, I know I could probably become a pilot anyway and they wouldn't be able to do anything about it, but I really don't want to be that guy.
So, I have a lot of questions:
After serving as a pilot, what jobs can I get in the civilian market that is not commercial flying? (This is the reason for the Computer Science degree)
And how else can I convince my parents that being a pilot in the Air Force is a good thing?
The fact that my parents don't want to even hear anything related to this is really messing with me right now, so I would really appreciate any advice regarding this whole thing!
Getting out of the service with say 12 years of USAF officer experience, and a highly marketable degree from a great college, you'll be able to articulate the systems/ technology you've worked with from any airframe to pursue a position that would utilize your education, years of experience, I do think technology/ management consultant/ general management to lead personnel are areas which they seek people with your leadership experience, technical acumen, organization, leadership abilities, ability to convince/ champion for direction. You'd also be recruitable to Boeing et al. Search linkedin for USAF grads/ AF Officer alum and see where they landed - reach out to them about their career paths - see who responds.
There is a lot out of your control at this time, regardless of what you want. AFROTC scholarships - no SA or ROTC scholarship for that matter, are guaranteed for 4 years. Air force is known to yank scholarships after 2 years for people meeting grades, standards, fitness standards, etc. Much is is ahead of you that you don't need to decide now - if you don't want to be a pilot, declare that, and if you have a CS degree, I see no worries and you'll be sucked into cyber or CS like fields - air force has many non pilot/ non rated positions for leaders. It's often the opposite where people want that pilot slot but don't get it.
I have children your age and there is so much pressure on y'all to define your next 25-40 years at 17. You don't have to do that. LEARN about careers, get trained, see what appeals to you through training, and try a flight lesson or 5 to see if you have any interest in flying- eventually. For now, breathe, get your college apps in, enjoy your senior year, and good luck to you.
Overall, I would encourage you to keep discussing concerns with your parents, and work together to define how you'll treat each other when all of you are adults - which is soon. It's a hard transition for some, but they've given you a platform and you're likley off to a great start - soon you'll spread your wings and fly and make mostly your own choices. It's your life. Good luck with working that out - know your parents likely just love and care for you and want the best, but at some point the cord can be cut and you'll be pilot in command of your airframe/life.