I'm just over a year from retirement. For recent retirees, what information did you learn that best prepared you for the transition?

2016-05-31T23:16:13-04:00

I've begun the SFL-TAP process having already completed the Financial planning, MOS Crosswalk, and Transition Prep Classes. While I'm fairly certain my next career will be similar to my current career, I am, for the first time in years, actually nervous about the transition. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Response by SSG William Jones made May 31 at 2016 11:22 PM

2016-05-31T23:22:21-04:00

Keep up with any and all paperwork that could impact your history. I learned that if it's not documented, it didn't happen!!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 11:34 PM

2016-05-31T23:34:52-04:00

If you haven't already, get going on your medical.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 11:38 PM

2016-05-31T23:38:40-04:00

Also understand when it's time to break contact with the office. I and a buddy of mine were loyal to the end spending more overtime in the office in hopes of a smooth transition for the next guy. My Command dicked around and didn't get the new guy in until 2-3 weeks before it was time for me to start Transition leave. Suffice it to say, I lost out on 5 days of Transition Leave because because my command took advantage of my loyalty and dedication to duty.

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made May 31 at 2016 11:52 PM

2016-05-31T23:52:17-04:00

One thing my TAP class failed to prepare us for was taxes. Make sure you use the IRS calculator to factor in all your income and remove all the necessary deductions for each source as they are each calculated as if they are your only income. In other words, if you claim yourself and each family member for your new job's income, as well as your retirement, and your spouse does the same, each of those deductions through the employer are calculated for those salaries alone. By the time taxes come due, you'll be paying a huge amount. My fellow civilians and I like to say it's a nice problem to have (i.e. we make a lot more money), but getting a 5 figure tax due is not fun.

Also, if you go Civil Service after retirement, note that you have one and only one chance to negotiate your step level. I've known several Civilians who did not know this and accepted a GS grade with the offered step one when they could have received a step 6 or higher. This is a significant amount of money. I can't guarantee they will agree, but again, you only get one stab at it.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Jun 1 at 2016 12:07 AM

2016-06-01T00:07:49-04:00

If you are married, get a good briefing on the Survivor Benefit Plan. Talk to five or six retirees and ask them if they made a good decision on it or if not, what they think they should have done. That was the hardest decision I made in reference to retiring. Second what is your next job going to be? Where? Do you need to relocate for it? Good luck on a smooth retirement process.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 1 at 2016 1:09 AM

2016-06-01T01:09:56-04:00

Understanding what (not enough) it will buy you. Make plans to create other cash flows.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made Jun 1 at 2016 1:14 AM

2016-06-01T01:14:18-04:00

~ You will receive NO pay for at least a Month PLUS, depending on the date you retire. Plan for that now.
~ Make a personal copy of your Medical records. EVERY piece of paper in it.
~ Lock your cell phone in an ammo can or at least screen your phone calls for your first few weeks away from the uniform. DO NOT ANSWER a call from your Unit. TRUST me on this one.
~ As a Leader, while sporting the Uniform we meant something to a LOT of people the SECOND we walked into a room. You are now just a random face in the crowd. You will learn to enjoy that.

Welcome to Retirement Land! Underwear is optional!

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Jun 1 at 2016 5:51 AM

2016-06-01T05:51:35-04:00

Make sure all your medical records are up to date and complete

Response by LTC James Bozeman made Jun 1 at 2016 7:01 AM

2016-06-01T07:01:31-04:00

As a VA employee, I advise everyone in the 3 year window to look at a few things. First your medical records - as MSG Pat Colby says - make a copy. Look at your ailments - for example did you injury your foot - then go to the VA Schedule Ratings of Disability (VASRD) and look up that condition that closely matches your disability claim. Go to your medical records and highlight where that is closely associated. When you submit your VA disability claim put that record with that application that links your military record to your disability claim. This makes it so much easier for the claim reviewer and doctor to see the "Service-Connection" of your claim. Complete your claim early - you can start at 180 days prior to transition, and as late as 1 year. After that they will be less accepting. Second thing, as you hopefully learned in the Finance planning, have at least a three tiered approach to financial freedom including Savings (3 or 6 months if possible), Retirement Investments (if you started TSP or retirement - I am assuming as a CW3 this is retirement), Insurance (look at all options), and I would add the Long Term Life Insurance for a fourth pillar. Prior to your transition, build your network through RallyPoint, LinkedIn, and other Veteran Groups, Specialty Groups, Schools, and others if you have them. If you don't have a job you are transitioning right into do as many "Informational Interviews" and job fairs as possible. This is where you make an appointment to find out more about a company from the HR or Outreach team. Bring various copies of a polished resume with you highlighting why you'd be a good fit, so if you hit it off and they casually drop hey we are looking for a "logistics specialist" you can throw them a resume and try and set up an interview. Finally let friends and family be your best salespeople. My wife spoke to one of her office colleagues, who mentioned me to her friend, who in turn hired me for my first post Army job all because of an innocent inquiry and their relationship. Best of luck Chief.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 7:54 AM

2016-06-01T07:54:28-04:00

Be yourself and use the strenths that have worked well for you in your past.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 8:09 AM

2016-06-01T08:09:25-04:00

CW3 Jared Hickox Having just recently retired everyone has been hitting on the big topics. Couple of other items:
-Be prepared for civilian life. They don't operate at our "speed" and OPTEMPO. That's been my biggest challenge so far. I've got to learn to slow down, and avoid the proverbial "throat punch" that I wish to administer...
-Resume, resume, resume, and interview skills. My first interview was done by a 20 something year old. See above in reference to "throat punch" reference..lol.
-Get a hobby. You've got to have something to do when you're only working a 8 HR day now..lol.
-Medical records. Defenitely can't stress that enough.
-Finances. DFAS runs at their own speed. The audit they do all depends on if you have any pending or they owe you. Some say a month, and some have said no issues and 2-3 days later they received their last check.

A lot of good points in all the messages so far. Couple of points I don't agree with, but hey it's your retirement you handle it on your terms.

Congrats to making it to finish line! Now get in the corner with the rest of us "old" has-Beens....

Response by TSgt Craig Crews made Jun 1 at 2016 8:12 AM

2016-06-01T08:12:05-04:00

Network, Network, Network. Every job I have gotten since my retirement in 2003 has been through a direct contact from someone that I know or have known throughout my career. That is really the man advice that I can give you. The other advice would be if you know what Career area you are going to or want to go with find out if there are any certifications or special type classes you might need and knock those out if you can before you retire.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 8:16 AM

2016-06-01T08:16:10-04:00

Pay attention to the SBP. I work for DFAS in Retired Military Pay. In my opinion SBP is absolute garbage, use a civilian life insurance policy. Here's the thing, you have to deny SBP coverage, if you don't you will be AUTOMATICALLY enrolled. It's really messed up. I've never seen a program so complicated in my life and at the end of the day it's just not worth it. DD form 2656.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 1 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-06-01T11:33:28-04:00

The advice from other RP members in this string is very good. I didn't have medical issues when I retired, so I've never encountered the VA health care system. Take their advice about medical records and the VA. If you're married, look at SBP carefully with your spouse. I made three transitions: military to private sector; private sector to civil service; and civil service to retirement. Here's my general advice:
-Take time now to decide what you want your future to be like and set goals for yourself that will get you there; track the goals
-Use your VA education benefits to help you prepare for the future you want
-Use you post-retirement household goods move wisely; you may be able to leverage it to help you reach the future you want in the location you want
-Decide early how you're going to handle health care so you can gauge the importance of employer-provided health insurance as part of a compensation package
-Live near a military installation
-Everything costs more
Recommendations about the working world:
-Learn the rules by which you agency or company operates, both formal and informal, because it may look similar to the military, but it isn't
-Stay away from the Federal Employees' Unions
-If you aren't officially a supervisor, don't try to be; if you are; do it well
-Apply all the good things you learned in the military to make yourself the best employee in your organization (timeliness, public speaking, analytical thinking, respectfulness, etc.)
-Civilian bosses give orders, but they don't call them that; learn to know the difference between required and optional taskings
-Required fun is called a company benefit; e.g., the Holiday (Christmas) Party
-Keep your "I love me" wall at home
-Your previous rank ain't shit

Response by Michael Sweat made Jun 2 at 2016 4:48 PM

2016-06-02T16:48:24-04:00

I'm not a recent retiree, but have hired hundreds of recently retired military members over the years.
You're getting some great advice. I couldn't agree more with TSgt Crews about networking.
A few notes from "the other side of the fence":
1. Take credit for what you know and what you've done. Don't be afraid to take reasonable credit for what you know and what you've done - no one else will do it for you.
2. Learn to translate your military skills, knowledge and abilities into civilian equivalents. Don't assume employers will be able to do this on their own.
3. Don't take your first offer......unless it turns out to be your dream job at your dream compensation.
4. Look at compensation as a total package including bonuses, benefits, time off, etc.
5. Learn about future opportunities as part of THIS job. If I take this job, what would a normal career path look like?
6. Remember that every discussion is a negotiation. Don't settle to easily.
7. Be confident; not cocky.

Good luck!