Former CIA officer reveals what life inside the agency is really like

Fast cars, fancy suits, beautiful women, secret targets and covert operations. For the elite and mysterious beings who are called upon to be spies, it’s all part of their daily work. At least that’s what James Bond would have us believe.

But if you’re hoping to join the CIA and live a life of luxury, you may be sorely disappointed. The reality seems far from what 007 and others have portrayed. In fact, you could be driving a Prius, making an average salary, deployed to war zones for months on end, and wondering why your childhood dream of becoming the next 007 never saw the light of day.

A former CIA case officer has given the public a rare and authentic glimpse into his career by inviting people online to ask him questions. Douglas Laux is the author of the memoir Left from boom: As a Young CIA officer penetrated The Taliban And Al–Qaeda, and his questions and answers generated more than 3,000 comments.

Bored panda has compiled the best questions and answers to clarify what life in the CIA is really like. Spoiler alert: Hollywood lied to us.