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I say go for it. I hated my first year of college and when 9/11 hit in September of my freshman year my mind was made up. I have zero regrets and now I go to Mizzou for free. One bit of advice is to make sure and get a guaranteed job before leaving for Basic Training. I mean that, no matter what your recruiter says. Get a guaranteed job. Also, don't be a cop (security forces.) Someone said earlier that the Air Force only works 4 days a week, I don't know of any career field that does that other than the fire department. They work insane hours for those 4 days and their job is one of the harder ones. They may even do 3 24 hour shifts then 3 off or something like that.
Most jobs, at least in maintenance where I was, work 5 10s, and then are on call every 3rd weekend or so. You'll be on call a lot your first couple years.
I only served at two bases, each base is slightly different so my frame of reference is limited.
Honestly the Air Force isn't that bad of a life, it's hard work and you will get zero respect from other branches (even ass hole army/marine/navy dental assistants who think they are bad asses and have never seen what an active duty flight line is like.)
Despite what you hear, you will not be riding bikes and taking nature hikes for basic training. It's not as bad as the Army or Marine Basic, but it is still a huge pain in the ass. If you aren't in at least decent shape, I would work on that before going. It will make life a whole lot easier.
Yes, as far as your first couple years you'll live in a barracks, but AF barracks are similar or better than most dorms at major universities. Hell my first two years I had my own room, which had a kitchen, living room, my own shitter, and a separate bedroom. More of a studio apartment than a barracks.
After year three at most bases you'll be given the opportunity to live off base, and you'll receive extra money for rent and food. This is great, except you have to start paying for your meals at the chow hall if you want to go there for lunch. Air Force food is actually really good, even after eating it just about every meal for 3 years straight I will admit the food was good.
Someone earlier mentioned that rank is slow in the Air Force. This is extremely true. I made rank as fast as it is possible and I still didn't make E-5 until 2 months before the end of my 4 year enlistment. And that was even with making Senior Airman (E-4) below the zone (basically you get promoted 6 months before you have the time in service to qualify for it.)
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