It might just depend on what you want to fly or what role you think you would enjoy. If the answer is modern fighters or strike/attack aircraft you really have no choice. If you think you might enjoy flying freight or pax then you could do it on your terms as a civilian but only if you can afford the training.
I joined the RAF to fly, flew fighters for more years than I like to say and, on balance, enjoyed it all. Would I do the same again today? Wish I could.