I'd like to add a couple of observations here as well.
It is worth noting that you would be very likely to end up working a shift system of some sort - these may not allow you to plan regular social or sporting events outside your working group; i.e. don't expect to be able to go to play football every saturday, or take the kids to tennis/judo/dance class.
However, a regular pattern does allow you to plan ahead to some extent.
And note also that it tends to be a sedentary job; that and years of shift working can have an effect on your health and well-being. In my own later years on shifts, I felt more or less permanently fatigued. Guess it affects different people in different ways.
Nevertheless, I don't regret joining - worked with some great folk in some wonderful places !