There was that civilian led plan to create a new continent that Picard was thinking of leaving Star Fleet for.
Plus a lot of the guest scientists that go on the enterprise to study particular stars and planets or go to DS9 to study the wormhole seem to be mostly non Starfleet.
Most colonists of new colonies are also civilian. Jake Sisko’s future fame shows artists are celebrated in their lifetime.
So lots of civilian opportunities, we just don’t see them on screen a lot.
I think prior to the Borg near capture of Earth and the Dominion War, Starfleet life is seen as more of a civil service life. Something that’s nice if you have a calling for but it’s not the only way to enhance your life and humanity.
There was that civilian led plan to create a new continent that Picard was thinking of leaving Star Fleet for.
Plus a lot of the guest scientists that go on the enterprise to study particular stars and planets or go to DS9 to study the wormhole seem to be mostly non Starfleet.
Most colonists of new colonies are also civilian. Jake Sisko’s future fame shows artists are celebrated in their lifetime.
So lots of civilian opportunities, we just don’t see them on screen a lot.
I think prior to the Borg near capture of Earth and the Dominion War, Starfleet life is seen as more of a civil service life. Something that’s nice if you have a calling for but it’s not the only way to enhance your life and humanity.