For those of us who have left the service, what was it about the job you do now that drew you to it?

SGT Myles Taylor — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:25:07 -0400

So here's my question to those of us that have left the service or about to leave.

What was it about the job that you now do that drew you to that job and causes you to love it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 12:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:31:00 -0400

Advancement opportunities and flexibility are what drew me. I wanted to be in an environment where I would not be bogged down by a 9-5 day in day out kind of job. I also wanted to have a job where I would be able to not miss out on family activities like sports and school functions. Family is very important to me and the job I am in now has multiple job opportunities within the DJJ to advance or move, so I will never be faced with complacency, which I feel like veterans face a lot nowadays because the civilian side is A LOT different.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 13 at 2016 12:35 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:35:21 -0400

Pay, benefits, working hours, the fact that I have nights and weekends and holidays off, no overnight duty, no deployments. And I work at the VA so even though I'm a contractor and not working in a health care provider role, I still get to serve veterans.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 12:38 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:38:13 -0400

An offer with the money I was looking for.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 13 at 2016 12:46 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:46:03 -0400

SGT Myles Taylor - Here's my "short list:"
1.) Empowerment - Everyone at every level is empowered to make decisions. Sure, we have some parameters. But, decision-making rights are pushed to lowest level. We don't waste time waiting for answers. Make the decision, move forward.
2.) Teamwork - Nothing is out of my scope. This combined with a tremendous amount of cross-training, makes every employee a "LEGO" --capable and ready to assume the tasks of any other on the payroll.
3.) Initiative - If you don't have it, there's no spot on the team for you.
4.) Vision - The owner has a sign above his desk: "Price, Quality, Service: Pick any two." We'll get it done for the customer.
5.) Integrity

I look forward to coming to work every single day!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 13 at 2016 12:49 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:49:40 -0400

Motorcycles have been in my life since I was a young man. I had built a side business building, modifying, working on, repairing and storing them before I got out. I simply extended those opportunities 10 fold and then additionally contracted into a like business of teaching others to ride.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 13 at 2016 1:12 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:12:39 -0400

I was drawn to my post-retirement job by a regular pay check. With a family to care for, my first priority was a good paying job with a reasonable expectation of continued employment. Fortunately, a government contractor offered me a position which fit my needs. (At the time the "double dipping law" was in effect and taking a Government civilian position would have cost me about half of my retirement check.) I liked working in an environment that supported National Defense. I always felt like I was continuing to serve, but without the uniform. I stayed with that company for 16 years.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 13 at 2016 1:52 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:52:26 -0400

I'm doing the exact same thing I did in the military. I enjoyed my MOS. I didn't want to get out, but lack of boat spaces forced my hand. I also have the added benefit of working with Marines on a daily basis. So I get the full Marine Corps experience without some of the crap that comes along with it.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 13 at 2016 2:31 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 14:31:52 -0400

For me, it's the company. Everything else comes after. (Of course, if I need a job, I need a job, I won't be picky).

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 2:34 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 14:34:26 -0400

Honestly, the availability of the position. I needed something that was able to have me take care of my family and other financial obligations. I didn't really have anything available for me for my rate in the civilian world so I took what was available.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jun 13 at 2016 3:07 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:07:45 -0400

I see the deep fight, close fight, how to fight, and how to support the fight.

Response by SPC James White made Jun 13 at 2016 3:17 PM

SPC James White — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:17:57 -0400

My mentors in college, the professional associations they recommended I consider joining. In that journey, I discovered either continue climbing that ladder, or possibly, finding a cascade effect to another related ladder to climb. Either way keeping professional options in the community open doors, and allows folks, many who themselves ar "vets" still believe deeply, "We leave No-one Behind" includes unemployed to employed attitudes. Surely, we are the smallest alumni family out in the cities, urban metros places being vets..yet sometimes in associations it only takes on connector, advocate or catalyst to bridge a solution and career move. Salutes Sgt Taylor! jpw, sf,ca.

Response by SGT David T. made Jun 13 at 2016 3:51 PM

SGT David T. — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:51:29 -0400

I chose to be a Federal Civilian employee because I still wanted to serve in some way, but not wearing the uniform. I was drawn to my current position because I always had an interest in Project Management work and I love the organizational culture of USACE.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Jun 13 at 2016 4:02 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:02:17 -0400

war wounds I'm disabled

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 13 at 2016 5:07 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:07:24 -0400

Goats got hay, grain, water, and shelter - they're happy. Humans... not so much.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Jun 13 at 2016 5:31 PM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:31:07 -0400

No! I personally got tired of the POLITICS and the A$$ Kissing! Those 2 Things are becoming more and More Progressive in the Military!

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jun 13 at 2016 7:25 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:25:13 -0400

Hopefully there are many who have had the luxury and privilege to be able to consider between two or more job offers, all equally attractive and be able to philosophically consider the pros and cons of each and which ones to reject as not meeting higher values than merely putting bread and beans on the table, keeping you from becoming homeless, living on hand-outs, panhandling on street corners or turning to a life of crime. After an extended period of unemployment I was grateful and thankful beyond recompense to accept the first offer which came my way and did not ask about compensation, retirement or savings plans, medical/dental insurance, etc, let alone consider if I would now finally feel self fulfilled.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 7:29 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:29:27 -0400

Well, I am nearly 12 years into total retirement. Why? Each week has six Saturdays and one Sunday.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 13 at 2016 8:11 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 20:11:54 -0400

SGT I had decided what my end goal was prior to my retirement. I knew I needed some school to attend so then the challenge to find the job. As lucky would have it the job came to me. The company was recruiting in area schools. Eighteen and a half years later I retired again.

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made Jun 13 at 2016 9:33 PM

MGySgt Rick Tyrrell — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 21:33:14 -0400

Easy, I wanted a stress free job with Marines that allowed me self satisfaction along with the feeling of still contributing to the team. I got that and more i work hard by my choice and truly love my job!

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jun 14 at 2016 12:33 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 00:33:22 -0400

I was looking for a job where I could bring value to people through service. I enjoy planning from boy scouts until now. I am always intrigued and studying about the financial industry as a do it yourself type. The door opened to become a Financial Planner for a small family firm. I walked through the door and I am learning the ways of the force. I still have some time before I become a Jedi. Bonus, "No PowerPoint Slides"

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 14 at 2016 2:27 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 02:27:54 -0400

I got out because of an impending RIF; the job(s) I took were just to make a living. Some were better than others.

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made Jun 14 at 2016 8:49 AM

Sgt Christopher Wenzel — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 08:49:26 -0400

A GS-13 in D.C. starts at $92K doing the exact same thing that I did as a Lance Corporal.

Response by SP5 Stacie Acevedo made Jun 14 at 2016 4:37 PM

SP5 Stacie Acevedo — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 16:37:51 -0400

I do what I have always done. Serve Soldiers. I was a 92Y in the Army and I do something similar now.

Response by SPC Cora Lubke made Jun 14 at 2016 5:56 PM

SPC Cora Lubke — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 17:56:09 -0400

Quite honestly it was and is a paycheck. its not in my field and i am searching for something that is. Its hard though lukily i have a good support network

Response by PO3 Max Ramirez made Jun 16 at 2016 7:48 AM

PO3 Max Ramirez — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 07:48:59 -0400

Not being broke was a good start. But I haven't really found that good job that I love. Even after 4 years out. Good luck and don't take the first thing that comes your way, unless you really need a check.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 16 at 2016 8:50 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 08:50:33 -0400

I am in EMS. Same as what kept me in service for 20 years. The comradeship and the support. I (no shame here) feel that I need to be part of a team. Everything I have achieved I can rightfully say was because of the mentorship of others, the assistance of the team I was a member of, and knowledge that the job I do is important. My make-up is not one that allows for 'just a job'.

Response by PO1 John Elliss made Jun 16 at 2016 9:01 AM

PO1 John Elliss — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 09:01:40 -0400

I drive a truck now. Near the end of my military career, (Retired Navy) I worked for Officers that would not follow their own directives. I had to find a job away from office politics.

Response by 1LT James Teener made Jun 16 at 2016 9:04 AM

1LT James Teener — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 09:04:15 -0400

I had my degree in electrical engineering and had co-oped with engineering firms while in school, so it was a no-brainer to go into design engineering, a field I still enjoy, forty years later. For those still in service, and looking to either leave early or retire, I suggest getting a degree as soon as you can if you don't have one. For those who have a bachelor's degree, get a masters. Get it in a field you enjoy, if at all possible. And if it's in a field in which you presently work, or otherwise related to your MOS, so much the better.

Response by SGT James Hammons made Jun 16 at 2016 9:06 AM

SGT James Hammons — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 09:06:07 -0400

I was natural at Technology in the military and when I got out I gravitated towards technology. I imagine you find what you like in to do and you go for that job.

Response by SPC Lance Davis made Jun 16 at 2016 10:02 AM

SPC Lance Davis — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:02:31 -0400

I floundered around at first not finding what I really wanted. I became friends with an individual who is now my best friend and mentor in life, he kind of pushed me towards what I am doing now and I love it.

I always had a passion for helping others and that is what I do now, I'm a vocational rehabilitation counselor and help individuals with disabilities get into or back to work. The reward is seeing their smiles when they are hired.

Response by PV2 Kenneth Booth made Jun 16 at 2016 10:13 AM

PV2 Kenneth Booth — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:13:14 -0400

When I got out I ended up gravitating toward the closest thing to my MOS. With my experience in NBC it was just a natural fit for me to go into HAZMAT. It's a great career and the pay is excellent. I've cleared up to $120K a year. True it's mostly Level A work but if you don't mind the heat it's a great follow through for any NBC person. Hell I've even had my picture in the newspapers several times. More recognition than I ever received in the service.

Luck be with you guys.

Response by SGT Louis Bender made Jun 16 at 2016 10:34 AM

SGT Louis Bender — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:34:30 -0400

One of my M.O.S.'s was food service specialist and l always took pride that l was one of the best in the field in the state of Indiana. l currently am in the sanitation field for one of My Posts holdings. l do take pride in the quality of my work and that l make a difference for the company. It has been the direct result of the improvements l have made that has brought in new business. Prior to this job l had worked at a bakery in the deep cleaning department and l am a trained allergen specialist. Whether it is in either the military or civilian world, everyone has to eat.

Response by Sgt Gabriel Hernandez made Jun 16 at 2016 10:40 AM

Sgt Gabriel Hernandez — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:40:32 -0400

Well I've been working in the oilfields in west Texas since I got out. In this job I'm getting paid for long hours and it's pretty much like the military with the comradary, trash talking and heavy drinking to relax after a few weeks in the field!! Real good benefits for my family

Response by CPO Bill Canada made Jun 16 at 2016 10:44 AM

CPO Bill Canada — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:44:48 -0400

The hunting, fishing, camping, sleeping in no formations no stress. Going where i want when I want, no standing in line, not having to be anywhere, no deployments unless I wish to.
I love retirement.

Response by PO3 Corey Poindexter made Jun 16 at 2016 10:46 AM

PO3 Corey Poindexter — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:46:15 -0400

The regular hours drew me to my current position.. It allowed me to complete my degrees. Transitioning out was difficult as the only training and education I had was through the military. Civilians need to see certificates rather than actual experience.

Response by Sgt Ken Crouse made Jun 16 at 2016 10:51 AM

Sgt Ken Crouse — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:51:08 -0400

I'm now 40-years downrange of active duty and remain in contact with several of the Marines I served with during the mid-70's. In looking at a variety of paths, the most rewarding (at least to me and some of the others) are jobs - either as a small business owner or in a small firm - that provides a lot of independence. Its a means of having a job that offers room for taking initiative and receiving the rewards for doing so. Those individual paths have varied among stock brokers, farmers, entrepreneur / grinding wheel manufacturing plant founder, dentist, real estate appraiser, wireless cell tower developer, a couple of international pilots and a host of other positions. Several of the guys spun military service into federal or other law enforcement agency positions (both local and federal - including one Dep. Director of FBI @ TEDAC) while others went into teaching, truck driving and nursing. The point being is there really isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to the question. The key is find something you are passionate about and pursuing it. In the first couple of years right out of active duty I did a regular office job and then attended night school on the G.I. Bill - that provided some breathing room (paying the bills) while working towards a business degree. Best wishes...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 11:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:00:13 -0400

As an accredited Veterans Service Officer I came into my job via networking within one of the VSOs that I volunteered at. They saw something in me that I didn't so I applied for and was accepted for the position. It drew upon my wanting to actually assist veterans in a meaningful way.
Yeah, there are days when I get frustrated, but even on the worst days, knowing that I had a positive impact upon the life of one veteran or their family member makes it worth the effort.

Response by MSgt Raymond Stettner made Jun 16 at 2016 11:02 AM

MSgt Raymond Stettner — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:02:13 -0400

Actually the job I have now is my second job. My 1st job was in my career field, Pharmacy. After 10 years dealing with the politics I quit and my wife and I settled on the coast of Washington. I now "cook the books" for a local motel and when someone tells me to go fly a kite, I do!

Response by SPC Kera Porter made Jun 16 at 2016 11:05 AM

SPC Kera Porter — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:05:31 -0400

I still get to feel like I am fighting for something.

Response by SFC Zohn Tennyson made Jun 16 at 2016 11:11 AM

SFC Zohn Tennyson — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:11:27 -0400

As a career combat mos NCO, I was going to be relegated to a desk due to a deployment related P3 profile, so staying in wasn't an option. I don't do well with fluorescent light. So, getting back into Federal service as a civilian was a Godsend, especially since much of the civil service leadership has a great and sincere appreciation when it comes to disabled vets coming in.

Response by PO3 Jade Crowsmeadow made Jun 16 at 2016 11:23 AM

PO3 Jade Crowsmeadow — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:23:33 -0400

It's GS, I more than qualify, it's with the Navy, and I got hired. I am the poster child for settling and underachieving my potential. I just happen to like my job, it is secure, and it's back with the people I understand and can talk to. Civilians just don't get it, most of the time. Sadly, I am saltier than almost everyone I work with. Then again, I work with corpsmen.

Response by 1LT Daniel Bongiovanni made Jun 16 at 2016 11:57 AM

1LT Daniel Bongiovanni — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:57:48 -0400

helping Vets and soldier families make long term investment decisions for lowest cost possible, and pay / benes ( and a great cross-section of smart ,well-intentioned co-workers )

Response by SGT Jason Keefer made Jun 16 at 2016 12:05 PM

SGT Jason Keefer — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 12:05:56 -0400

I had completed my degree while serving and was actually in my masters program for teaching when I applied for a manufacturing supervisor role with DISH. I applied mainly because it was weekend shift and I could continue to go to school mon-thurs. Well, when I was accepted and got my offer letter from DISH, it was more than I'd have made as a teacher with a masters degree and tenure, so it was an obvious choice.

In general, manufacturing supervisor roles are pretty cut and dry NCO type stuff. You have a task, you assign people to that task and you hold them accountable.

Response by CPT Dennis Stevenson made Jun 16 at 2016 2:20 PM

CPT Dennis Stevenson — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:20:35 -0400

My senior year as an undergraduate did it. I fell in love with computer science, scientific computing, and computability. Was no way that I'd get any such assignments in the Army. Secondly, it was clear that as a bachelor I would be ping-ponging back and forth to Viet Nam.

Response by 1SG Thomas Sewick made Jun 16 at 2016 3:58 PM

1SG Thomas Sewick — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 15:58:37 -0400

I am doing about the same. I am a nurse, getting a job was easy but lack of structure made it rough at first, I get to take care of a lot of vets and retirees but at a civilian hospital . I am also in charge many days which I like and try and run a smooth shift. I enjoy sharing my skill and knowledge, which the most part taken very well except my supervisor feels threatened by me because of my knowledge in leadership and cohesion. It really is not a job but a calling

Response by SSgt Tom Ditch made Jun 16 at 2016 6:00 PM

SSgt Tom Ditch — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 18:00:25 -0400

I wanted to do something I never had a chance to do in the Marines. so when I go out I went for it now 30 years later still doing it look for something you love to do and make a life around it.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Jun 16 at 2016 6:19 PM

PO3 Michael James — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 18:19:16 -0400

Sgt. Honestly, at age 22, I was offered a job with General Motors, the only thing that I could think of was a Corvette !! After approximately 5 years I realized just how lucky I was.. Very good pay, paid holidays, and a (Medical) benefit package, that kept me alive when the VA totally failed... VA offered Nothing, GM paid for all 10 operations, now, Medicare has kicked in, and the last 5 operations Medicare and G.M. have covered the costs.. Total: 15 operations... Yes, Cam Ranh Bay, USS Okinawa LPH3, 1971 and USS Juneau LPD10 1971.. both ships listed VA "Exposed Ships List" ?? Whatever, But, thanks to G.M. I am still alive and not living on the streets like so many other Veterans ..

Response by SPC Amanda K. made Jun 16 at 2016 7:12 PM

SPC Amanda K. — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 19:12:02 -0400

The creativity, slower pace and ability to hone one skill. When I was in the Army I was given the chance to recreate and expand a product, and it played into a strength I had and wanted to explore more of but I still had to do all the other jobs that came with the MOS and position. Now, I am only doing the one job not having to flip flop around from day to day. There is more team work with this job as well, no well we need every one else to do this so you are on you own. The set schedule is also nice, I don't have to worry about well, you might have to work this weekend because so and so is getting promoted or changing command.

Response by LTC Matthew Robinson made Jun 16 at 2016 7:54 PM

LTC Matthew Robinson — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 19:54:05 -0400

Well, I'd always planned to teach after the Army. Now, I find that teaching is much like being a platoon leader again; many of the same skill sets apply. I love my new job in the same way I loved being a soldier, NCO, and officer.

Response by Cpl Leonardo Lopez Jr made Jun 16 at 2016 10:00 PM

Cpl Leonardo Lopez Jr — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:00:36 -0400

I work with DHS and I love working outdoors! We track people and arrest them. I get to carry a side arm and my M-4 almost on a daily basis! I drive off road and walk trails at any given time plus we rotate shifts, morning/afternoons/midnights! The pay is great compared to my previous job, county jail! Plus we get medical, dental, vision and life insurance! We get sick leave and annual leave bi-weekly! There's opportunity to move up the ranks if that's what you desire and also details to learn other field operations!

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Jun 16 at 2016 10:42 PM

SGT Stanley Bass — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:42:26 -0400

What led me to what i do now was schooling:
After getting out of the military, what led me to school was the program which was directly related to the last job i had in the Army, which led me to a couple of Associates degrees. Which led me to being a Vendor selling military items to other Veterans and active duty personnel

Response by SGT Paul Fraser made Jun 17 at 2016 1:11 AM

SGT Paul Fraser — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 01:11:20 -0400

The opportunity to work with people had your back and would do everything possible to make sure you went home. Mathew camaradiev in the firehouse is so similar to life in the barracks.

Response by Sgt Jay Neubauer made Jun 17 at 2016 8:59 AM

Sgt Jay Neubauer — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 08:59:33 -0400

a an 03/11B with small unit experience, it seemed fitting I become a police officer. I had spent a lot of time and energy learning a skill-set, and that seemed the most likely place to use a portion of it.

Response by LCpl William Perry made Jun 17 at 2016 9:07 AM

LCpl William Perry — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 09:07:25 -0400

I first found myself in Manufacturing quality as an in into an industry that was paying well, but then found that the quality field fit right in with my beliefs of preventing occurrences before they happen and if something bad made it through react fast and contain the problem. It also resulted in helping to correct the real cause of the problem. As I had been a grunt reacting to bad situations and containing the problem fit just right. Good luck in your future endeavors SGT.

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Jun 17 at 2016 9:10 AM

LTC Thomas Tennant — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 09:10:46 -0400

Back in 1970 ... I joined the ROTC/VTNG dual membership program to escape the draft and possibly going to Vietnam. I stayed because of the leadership of NCO's and the fact they grounded me in a very liberal college. Then I had the moment of insanity where I accepted a commission and went on active duty.

Response by CPL James Zielinski made Jun 17 at 2016 9:24 AM

CPL James Zielinski — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 09:24:17 -0400

As for me, I left the service after being put into the Army's Chiropractic pilot program as a Migraine headache patient. After a lifetime of failed treatments and doctors who had no answers for me, I discovered that Chiropractic care not only completely resolved my migraine issue, but also had a rational scientific explanation fro what caused my migraines. As well, as I had played Rugby in the Army (and previously) for about 13 years I had amassed a rather respectable collection of aches and pains and chronic injuries, most of which improved tremendously under Chiropractic care. Because of this it occurred to me that my greatest contribution to the military community would be to become a military Chiropractor. As most (studies show about 80%) of military health issues and chronic issues are musculoskeletal, Chiropractic is the ideal solution for a large part of the military community's health needs, even though that is not well known. at that time there were no Chiropractors in the military, only civilian Chiropractors at select Military Hospitals, but Congress had passed laws 3X to begin commissioning Chiropractors, I separated with the intention of returning with my Commission (or Warrant), to serve the military community as a Chiropractor. It seems, however that the military has decided to fill all those positions with Osteopaths instead (?), and now I am a licensed Chiropractor and too old to re-enlist. My goal now is to get a job with the VA as many VA facilities are employing Chiropractors, which will still allow me to do something similar to my original intentions. What I love about my job is that it is service centered and performing service to others is the only true measure of career and life fulfillment. Do something that serves mankind, that's where you will find the same sort of satisfaction that you get from military service.

Response by SFC David Davenport made Jun 17 at 2016 12:35 PM

SFC David Davenport — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 12:35:07 -0400

Hmm without going into a story - need. The person who convinced me to take my current job showed me how much my peers needed help in a certain area. Then he demonstrated how me taking the job would allow me to help them.

Response by SPC Diane Price made Jun 17 at 2016 12:50 PM

SPC Diane Price — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 12:50:24 -0400

Easy enough. I trained as an admin specialist in the Army. I was assigned to an Army Postal Unit in Germany. I took the postal test after returning to "the world". I've been working for the USPS since 1984. I had almost 3 years experience in the postal field. It was a world I was familiar with and knew my way around. I bought back my military service and I'm currently credited with 35+ years of federal employment. I do enjoy the continued service aspect of my job. The USPS is the second largest employer of military and veterans after the DOD. I have lots of military brothers and some sisters to work with.

Response by SPC Stephen Riddle made Jun 17 at 2016 1:07 PM

SPC Stephen Riddle — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:07:11 -0400

Honestly I am not entirely sure what I want to do for a living so I settled with something I was interested in doing when I was in high school. The reason why I am all right with it is because I set my own hours and the amount I work depends on how much I can potentially earn. Some days I work all day others a couple hours and I can always take a break or a day off to spend time with my family. I don't really love what I do now but I am content with it.

Response by SrA Joshua Johnson made Jun 17 at 2016 5:43 PM

SrA Joshua Johnson — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 17:43:27 -0400

I wanted to work with satellites and spacecraft when I joined the military, so I did SATCOM, when I got out I still wanted to do that, but more hands-on so now I build them.

Response by SP5 Glen Tucker made Jun 17 at 2016 8:53 PM

SP5 Glen Tucker — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 20:53:16 -0400

went into the local union of operating engineers have good pay, retirement, health , coverage. I was in the corps of engineers in the Army so the transition was not that hard.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 12:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 00:24:05 -0400

When I first retired I was looking for anything that would pay enough to match what I was earning at the time. I heard from a friend of friend (networking is critical) that they were hiring people to help on a help desk that was supporting a software transition. I started working there a few days after I started my terminal leave and got to draw two pay checks for over 2 months (that was nice). From there I just kept my ear to the ground and kept volunteering for more challenging positions.

I love what I do now because I get to advise the Army on how to save millions of dollars each year and sometimes they even listen to me. I get to help soldiers and I get to help ensure that their communications are secure.

Response by LCpl James Robertson made Jun 18 at 2016 8:19 PM

LCpl James Robertson — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 20:19:13 -0400

Coming out of Vietnam in 1973, a group of Marines were asking what are we good for, the answer were we can either be "Hitmen" are Police Officers, because of our Infantry skills, I choose the latter.

Response by CPL Chris Mensinger made Jun 19 at 2016 11:00 AM

CPL Chris Mensinger — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 11:00:09 -0400

Pay, benifits, and job security. Truly thought I was stepping into a career field on the opposite side of spectrum, however 22 years into and I'm seeing too many similarlities!

Response by Cpl Eduardo Estrada made Jun 20 at 2016 10:01 AM

Cpl Eduardo Estrada — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 10:01:58 -0400

Quite honestly I did not find work for over a year and a half. It was hard but I drew unemployment as soon as I arrived back in my hometown. I had saved some money and sold back a months worth of unused leave before my EAS. My 'retirement' went bust as I had invested in Enron as the hot company at the time. Sadly by the time I arrived in the US from Japan my stocks were worth mud. But my main objective was to stick with my plan to get back in college and finish my degree. I got out in December 2001. I was hurt from a sprained neck and herniated disk in my lumbar from combat soccer in July of that year. Working long hours and the meds made everything worse. I was burned out of working 12-14 hour shifts supporting the Afghanistan mission providing telecomm.

I love what I do. Helping people and new technology are part of my field. The increase in pay once I entered the job market had me living like a king once I went into contract work for DOD and then big oil companies. Over the years I had many jobs: cook, dishwasher, labor, Marine, computer tech, systems analyst. I did what I needed to pay bills, keep a roof over my head, and feed my family. I kept a positive attitude and pushed forward through whatever life threw at me. I knew many friends that went back in within their first year out because it was too difficult dealing with civilians, the VA, , studying for college, or finding work. I did not have that option due to my injuries and it was a hassle trying to get my disability pay for my back (not until 2015!). I have walked away form big oil jobs making up to $96k due to them brining up politics at work, hostile environment/management, or simply put that field does not like promoting non-whites. I work in government now. My salary is not as lush but the environment is stress free and laid back.

Response by SGT Theresa Edmonston made Jun 21 at 2016 1:15 PM

SGT Theresa Edmonston — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 13:15:31 -0400

Post-Military life (Medical Retirement) has been rather difficult. I tried to go back to the civilian sector and found two things, I miss my Soldiers and the Pharmacy life gave me back a sense of purpose. After having trouble adjusting to a company change during my absence, I quit. I decided to go back to school so I could become a Pharmacist and working on going to the Army Hospital or the VA Pharmacy. I just received a call from the VA Chief Pharmacist saying, she would love to have me as a work study. Through all the trials my last couple years as an NCO looking at the premature end to my career, I found myself to be stronger than ever. My mission : 6 years 6 figures. My last Frago was: it may take longer but this PhD is worth it.

Response by SP5 Michael Cates made Jun 22 at 2016 1:17 AM

SP5 Michael Cates — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 01:17:06 -0400

It was to help children grow! In Nam I just could help them very much! When another young man died in my place one afternoon! I learned that he was going back to work with children and so when I had the chance to become a School Teacher in Los Angeles, Ca. I jumped at it "I am him and he is me"! Helping people! Just trying my best to help children grow! Cates

Response by SPC Dawn Appelberg (Johnson) made Jun 23 at 2016 1:46 PM

SPC Dawn Appelberg (Johnson) — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 13:46:26 -0400

COnsidering I get to work from home as an independnt owner of a business, (Razor's Edge. LLC) homeschool my three kids, and ensure they get massive ojt for office management it is a win win for me! I am a business consultant and veteran's advocate.

Response by CPO Michael Callegri made Jun 23 at 2016 3:45 PM

CPO Michael Callegri — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 15:45:33 -0400

Well, my current job kind of found me. I know work for the County as an Eligibility Supervisor in Human Services (Welfare). While I was waiting for a permanent position with the county, I ended up doing a temporary position at my current job as an Admin Assistant. After two months I got a permanent position at our County Hospital and the atmosphere was no where near the same. I know the thoughts and ideas behind what I do, but I see them all, those that are truly in need and the scammers. Helping those that are truly in need and seeing them years later with improved lives makes it worth it. Plus I only work Monday thru Friday, and if this job ever stressed me out (which I doubt), I can retire from here also.

Response by LTC Matthew Robinson made Jul 1 at 2016 6:20 PM

LTC Matthew Robinson — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 18:20:14 -0400

I had planned to teach high-school for quite some time after retiring from active duty. What I did not expect was how similar teaching would be to being a platoon leader. I find that the skills needed to bring good order and discipline to a small unit create a positive learning environment in the classroom. I also find that leading students to learn is much like leading soldiers to complete a mission. One final thing that I will mention, like the Army, no day is the same in the classroom.