Posted on May 23, 2014
As a veteran ..what has been you biggest challenge to find a career after the military
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I have been retired since September 2011 and have had difficulty "moving on" and finding that next career that gives me the fulfillment that I had in the military. I was medically retired so my separation was not as much of a choice as I would have wanted it to be. OK to put it simply I did not want to get out and if I could go back tomorrow I would. Since I never planned to get out of the military I also never received a college degree and now find it hard to acquire a career that truly gives me the sense of worth I had in the military. Yes I know I should have gotten a degree while I was in the military but the fact is I didn't and I refuse to spend money to go to school now without finding the true career path I desire. I know I want a physical career like labor, construction, law enforcement, etc. What are your thoughts and experiences? I have always been told by civilians that I should have no issue finding a great career because of my military experience but it seems to me once you have retired or separated from the military no one really cares what you use to be. Any thoughts on careers that have paid training or headhunters that work well will veterans?
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Posted >1 y ago
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You're right SFC, no one cares what you did before (whether you're a veteran or not), unless you make them care. That can be done with a well written resume and some strong interview prep. Businesses have to consider how much it will cost to get new hires up to speed, and like it or not, many veterans are going to need some training that civilians won't. Sell the soft skills you've learned in the military: decisiveness, accountability, judgement, ... because these are very valuable and very hard to teach.
That said, I think your problem is much more common than one would guess from looking at message boards and the news. Most young service members leave the military without having had any other career. Or any exposure to any other career.
As such, it is very difficult to know what you want to do. I would suggest joining a local veterans' organization (VFW, for example) and talking with vets that have been in the world awhile. There are also some Chambers of Commerce with programs to help veterans find what they want to do through internships (I know of 1, in San Diego, but I imagine there are more).
Finally, pick something that looks somewhat interesting and throw yourself into it. You're not signing a 4 year contract. If you don't like it you can always look for something else knowing, at least, what you don't like.
That said, I think your problem is much more common than one would guess from looking at message boards and the news. Most young service members leave the military without having had any other career. Or any exposure to any other career.
As such, it is very difficult to know what you want to do. I would suggest joining a local veterans' organization (VFW, for example) and talking with vets that have been in the world awhile. There are also some Chambers of Commerce with programs to help veterans find what they want to do through internships (I know of 1, in San Diego, but I imagine there are more).
Finally, pick something that looks somewhat interesting and throw yourself into it. You're not signing a 4 year contract. If you don't like it you can always look for something else knowing, at least, what you don't like.
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