I joined the Scottish Rite about 3 months after being raised. Probably a little too soon, but, I had several lodge brothers who belonged and they wanted me to join. Never regretted it at all. I waited about 2 years before joing the Shrine. Quite frankly, I thought that the Shrine was too rich for me and I couldn't go on all of the excursions. At that time, I called them the partying Masons. Now, I have been a Shriner for over 30 years and understand what we are all about. I have sponsored several kids to our hospitals.
I joined the Royal Arch just a couple of years ago. This reason was because I found out that my Great-great grand uncle was a charter member of a Royal Arch Lodge in Orilla, Canada. He had come from Ireland to Canada which eventually led to coming to America.
I will say that every time that I have progressed in my Masonic travels, I have grown.