How long did it take you to find a new career when you transitioned out of the Military

SFC Charles W. Robinson — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 12:22:12 -0500

I was lucky, I found a new career as a Director of Human Resources for a non-profit in July of 2012 and my retirement was 1 August 2012. I worked with this great organization for 18 months and then decided to go back to college full time. I just could not pass up our awesome education benefits. I am using the old GI Bill, Illinois Veterans Grant, and Pell Grants. What about you? How long did it take you to find a new career when you transitioned out?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 12:46 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 12:46:00 -0500

SFC Robinson,

This was many years ago so it may not be relevant today. But, like you, I found employment immediately after transition as a civilian nurse; however, I stayed only a year because we were not respected as in the military and our scope of practice was very constrained versus our role in military medicine. So, I returned to government service with an organization that needed people like me with medical skills and native language skills to make friends in country. They provided additional language, technical, physical, and other practical training then sent me back in country to try to make a long term difference developing friendships that have lasted for many decades. My experiences in military and related organizations were deeply personally rewarding and kept me engaged even though I am nearing retirement age.

I am not certain I ever want to retire as long as I can make a difference.

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 9 at 2014 1:20 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 13:20:59 -0500

My answer may have to be taken with a grain of salt, as I have not yet retired, so therefore I have not had to look for a job. With that being said, I feel that 2 years out from projected separation (retirement) is THE time to start looking down that road. Not sure on the Army, but the Air Force has an Outstanding Transition Assistance Program (TAPS). I will be taking this 1 week program at 24 months out from retirement to start planting the seeds of knowledge. At the 12 month mark, I will take it again. This will allow me to validate the planning that I have done to date, re-fresh my memory on details, and pick up any new information. This is also the time that you need to start working on a good resume or CV for post military. You will want to include all the great accomplishments you have done, but you will need to de-militarize the terminology so it can be understood by the hiring authority in the civilian world. Use terms that are common to civilians that acceptable to your military duties. an example would be (for me), instead of Flight Commander, Unit Manager or similar. They mean the same thing in reality, however Flight Commander means almost nothing to HR in a civilian setting. If everything works out, I will start interviewing for employment about 6-9 months prior to my actual retirement, and will have landed a job prior to leaving, allowing me to step from one job to the next with minimal break.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 26 at 2014 1:39 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:39:07 -0400

I started a job 7 days after official retirement date, then changed jobs 5 months later, then took a huge pay cut when offered a Federal Position. Been in the Fed ever since.

Response by MSG Jim Gawne made Mar 27 at 2014 9:58 PM

MSG Jim Gawne — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 21:58:34 -0400

I went on Transition leave the Friday before Memorial Day 2001. I started working as an HR Specialist (Recruiter) on July 1, 2001. My official retirement date was July 31, 2001. I was in that position for 3 years and 1 week, then went to a non-profit in membership development and then tech support. I was laid off from that organization in August 2012 and started with my current employer in Hospital IT in October 2012

Response by SGT Michael Swaggerty made Mar 28 at 2014 3:54 PM

SGT Michael Swaggerty — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:54:38 -0400

I was networking while I was still in. I had secured a job within my field before my terminal leave was over.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 28 at 2014 7:12 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 07:12:52 -0400

SFC Charles,

I have been retired now 18 years this year and I am still changing jobs, and career fields, but one thing is common; life long learning in higher education. About every 2 or 3 years, I end up moving somewhere, except this time I have been settled for 8 years in one place. Maybe its age or maybe something else.

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Jul 10 at 2014 6:35 PM

SSG Michael Noll — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 18:35:54 -0400

I too was pretty lucky, I took the postal battery in 2000. Stayed on the list returning any job offer I received as interested but not available. Started terminal leave in June 2003, a letter showed up in July, interviewed in August and hired in September. However lost that position as my retirement date was 1 OCT 03. Ended waiting another month and started in November 2003. Worked out pretty well. Plus I can transfer almost anywhere. Looking to head to NM soon.

Response by LTC Mario Cervantes made Jul 15 at 2014 12:49 PM

LTC Mario Cervantes — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:49:52 -0400

Best response I can share with you is to find a job while you still have one. This advise I acquired from others, worked extremely well for me. I you have a job, two things are working for you, the luxury of being choosy about your next job giving you an advantage for your future, and having the security of a job if you are not hired. How long did it take me? I walked from my uniformed Army job to a contractor role with a signed contract to assist a company not related to the work I was performing. Often you will be restricted by the military embarking on a job that was related to your work and specialty, particularly if senior. Best wishes, visit us at http://www.c3ibussupport.com
V/R
Mario A. Cervantes

C3I-Capability-Briefing

Response by SrA Joe Henderson made Jul 15 at 2014 6:30 PM

SrA Joe Henderson — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 18:30:48 -0400

It took me about two months before I found a civilian job. I tended to have a little issue with civilians being able to show up late and management not caring about it. On a good note I was on terminal leave when i got my job.

Response by Cpl Jonathan Nicodemus made Jul 15 at 2014 11:32 PM

Cpl Jonathan Nicodemus — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 23:32:14 -0400

Seven years out, and 8 (or is it 9?) employers later, and I'm still looking for a career.
My hat is off to all those individuals who have successfully started new careers upon re-entry to the civilian world. I truly wish I had prepared better for the transition, career-wise.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jul 16 at 2014 3:23 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 03:23:51 -0400

Job was pretty fast, career was almost 10 years. I tried electronics but had to many layoffs. Finally went into medical lab tech. Its been good, I bought a new Audi S6 last year. :)

Response by SFC Scott Crouch made Jul 16 at 2014 9:31 AM

SFC Scott Crouch — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 09:31:37 -0400

I understand this is several months old, but like many others have already said...I was networking a good 1 1/2 year out from retirement. Although, I did not get serious on job hunting till about 6 months from my retirement. In the end, I was working in my civilian job while still on terminal leave.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 20 at 2014 10:24 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 22:24:37 -0400

2 months after retiring from 21 years of service and 2 months after getting laid off from a High Tech Firm along with all the other folks over 40.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2014 9:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 09:21:37 -0400

It took me one year with a lot of leg work. I seek professional assistance, what I call "Smart People". Twenty two years in Law Enforcement and love it.

Response by CWO3 Donald Dunn made Aug 4 at 2014 10:48 AM

CWO3 Donald Dunn — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 10:48:36 -0400

6 months prior to retirement. I was fortunate that the company was willing to wait on my departure from the Marine Corps.

Response by SGT James Raschke made Aug 4 at 2014 5:30 PM

SGT James Raschke — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 17:30:46 -0400

Veterans Administration is always hiring veterans. Go to their web site. Look for jobs that your qualified in. VA. also has Vocational Rehab. for disabled vets. It is Chapter 31.

Response by TSgt Trevor Vander made Aug 7 at 2014 4:23 PM

TSgt Trevor Vander — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 16:23:25 -0400

I got out and transition to the Reserves in 2009, I got a job in Weeks, BUT, the verification process for Department of State was almost 3 months. So I didn't actually start working at the position till Feb and I got hired first week in November ! Was a stressful time, Resume gets you in the door, the interview gets you hired!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 8:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:58:57 -0400

I am hoping to have the same luck as some of you, where I can start working while on terminal leave. I recently completed my Masters in IT Management (plus the 5 years experience in IT duties in the Army). I also have management experience that I gained prior to joining the Army (retail management, i.e. consumer electronics). I'm hoping to land a career with a technology-driven company in a management position, or local and state IT management opportunities. Staying in Texas, which is very Veteran friendly. I have applied for a leadership development program with AT&T, but have not heard anything yet. I have also been networking on LinkedIn and by attending virtual career fairs. There are plenty of jobs that not only interest me but I am well qualified for, but I still have, at the very least 9 months left (My ETS is actually November of next year but the Army has a Voluntary Separation Program that I intend to take advantage of if I can secure employment within that time, which could have me out as soon as next May).

I have also become interested in helping other Veterans and transitioning service members secure employment. Don't know exactly how I can convert that into a paying job, but I'm keeping my options open with that.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2014 7:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 19:48:00 -0400

Did you have experience in HR? i

Response by CPT Maria Burns made Aug 18 at 2015 12:28 AM

CPT Maria Burns — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 00:28:12 -0400

Still working on it.

Response by SFC Rick H made Dec 9 at 2015 1:03 AM

SFC Rick H — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 01:03:55 -0500

I served 24 years with the U.S. Army and currently work for the U.S. Government - 14 years in now. It took me three (3) stressful months to land a position with the Government. Having a well written re`sum`e - I wrote myself, lots of patience, keeping my nose to the grind-stone, my wife screaming at me on a daily basis- chuckle and lots of luck, I finally landed a position with the Government.