How much of your transition time do you spend finding what you are passionate about?

2016-02-24T12:56:45-05:00

Statistics show that those who just find a job out of the military tend to switch jobs more often than those who found their passion first and found a job that supported their passion.

Response by Cpl Mario DiPasquale made Feb 24 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-02-24T13:02:31-05:00

It actually took me quite a while to figure it out. I changed my major three times (early on thankfully). Now that I realize my passion has always been right in front of my face this entire time, I've adjusted my life goals in order to make it a reality.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Feb 24 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-02-24T13:02:56-05:00

Very little. I immediately transitioned into a job that I am passionate about. I went from being a financial manager (for Army hospitals) to teaching financial management for the Army (mostly to DoD officers) to teaching financial management in a private university. I really enjoy mentoring young professionals and jumpstarting their careers.

Response by Vikki Nicometo made Feb 24 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-02-24T13:09:06-05:00

I LOVE that you asked this question!! This is what I have been trying to preach here on RP (and, well, anywhere else I go!) If all transitioning service members did this, they'd waste a lot less time finding great civilian careers!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-02-24T13:14:11-05:00

I think most retirees and or separated personnel usually spend most of their time searching for their next career or at least a job that can pay the bills for the time being while you search for your dream job or passion effort.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Feb 24 at 2016 2:35 PM

2016-02-24T14:35:31-05:00

I am active pursuing how I can help active and veterans alike in my next career.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Feb 24 at 2016 5:09 PM

2016-02-24T17:09:38-05:00

Doug Macdonald I think it depends on a lot of variables. Your current family situation, where you are located, where you are going after your ETS out of the service, what you really want to do (labor, professional, service, self-employed, etc.), so it depneds a lot on the individual and their level of motivation. No one can take you by the hand. Youhave to want something and desire soemthing so storngly that you will put all of your heart and soul into obtaining it. Good example, when I left active duty I knew that I wanted to be an officer and be in management and to get there I had to go to school to get a degree, take my supervisory exeprience in the military and translate it inot a supervisor job in the civilian world, which meant at the time taking a normal position and providn my skil set as a leader to become a Supervisor of the Sears Credit Central Floor Approval Section over a number of people with the ability to approve large lines of credit for individuals in the entire mid-west, then took leadership positions in college, and went to OCS all at the same time to increase my leadership capabilities for corporate America. Thus, I've been a Commander at every level of the military up to Brigade and have been the President of two companies, started two companies of my own and VP of several companies. To me its all about drive and self-discipline to make it happen; and constantly searching out the tough positions. Don't wait to be asked, ask for them! Just an opinion! There are a lot of other thoughts on the porcess and others that have just as solid success with other ways of achieving their end goals. This is just one!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 7:48 PM

2016-02-24T19:48:34-05:00

Not enough. Need dedicate more to myself but baby steps

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Feb 25 at 2016 12:34 AM

2016-02-25T00:34:02-05:00

I don't know about retirees, but I would hope that soldiers have a plan in place before they start the transition process.