Another option to possibly do the specific job you're trying to get is w/ the Reserves or Guard. You wouldn't be able to walk in the door as a full timer but in the meanwhile you could do your weekend a month / 2 weeks a year to supplement your income and have a few limited benefits. Depending on what unit you were with, there might be opportunities to work extra days as well. You'd still be vulnerable for a deployment to the Middle East and such and some of the negative aspects already pointed out on this thread.