I did ROTC vs a service academy. I didn’t have a longing, but did have a sense of obligation. I was mentally prepared for 4 years of privation in college followed by several more in active duty. I had no intention of making it a career, and I didn’t. What did happen, I did not expect.
I enjoyed it. College gave me an education, the Air Force gave me a sense of purpose far larger than myself.
As far as the money goes, people have considered the financial aspect since Xenophon told the king of Persia to go pound sand. BUT, as an officer you are under obligation to the soldiers under you. If you can accept what that entails, I wouldn’t sweat any residual mercenary angst.