Was anyone else worried about becoming a civilian after 20 years? I don't know where to start to keep supporting my family. Any good advice?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 15:44:56 -0400

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 8 at 2016 4:02 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 16:02:25 -0400

Much depends on you financial status. Don't rush into anything unless you have difficulty making it. I actually went to school and drew unemployment (the only time ever) while looking. After about a year, I got nervous about my employability and took a civil service job. Biggest mistake ever, it was like being in the military, without the good parts. Take your time and find a job with growth potential. Good luck! I never looked back.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 4:28 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 16:28:52 -0400

You are not the only one. You have already started though, keep building your network. Reach out to those before you and ask them. I was fortunate to land on my feet but at some point I took that leap you are about to take. There are plenty of folks down here willing to soften the landing. Networking is key!

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 8 at 2016 4:51 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 16:51:22 -0400

I was a little nervous at first. The "fear of the unknown" gets to all of us at some point. I chose to get involved with something I enjoy and had an interest in. For me, that was Emergency Services. Had I known then what I know now, I would have started planning and training while I was on active duty

As the "Famous Dead Guy Quote" says... Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Apr 8 at 2016 4:51 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 16:51:39 -0400

It is all good. It is nerve racking and a tough transition for a career military man, but after a little while you will get in the groove. My suggestion is, if you are able, to take a little time and decompress and get out if the morning PT, formation, etc stuff. Sleep in, fish, ride a motorcycle (if you do that) and just take a little time for yourself. Sounds a little selfish but it is what you need to make the transition. Don't rush into a job right away to get a paycheck. Find something you are passionate about and then go for it. If that is the case you will do just fine. I have not looked back a second...that chapter closed and I could not have imagined how good this chapter would be. Put down roots with your family and let them get settled and make friends. It is nice to have lifetime friends living nearby instead of uprooting every three years.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 5:09 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:09:26 -0400

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Response by PFC Alexander Oliveira made Apr 8 at 2016 5:11 PM

PFC Alexander Oliveira — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:11:14 -0400

i wasn't in for 20 years but I was in and I did transition out. I always tell my friends who are getting out to stick to the career field from when they were in. you've got experience, government experience, employers love that more than anything. before you get out, start job hunting months in advance. set up everything months before you get out. I don't have kids but im sure youre smarter than I was with money when I got out. everything will work out as long as you stay on top of your shit

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Apr 8 at 2016 5:11 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:11:16 -0400

Stop worrying
Have a exit plan.
Don't walk out blind

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 8 at 2016 5:19 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:19:13 -0400

1) Inventory your assets - Time, Money, Education, Skills & Talents, Contacts & Allies, Passions & Interests. (Things your good at or enjoy that seem like they do not pay. If you need cash for a hobby, someone is making money on the peripheries of what you do for fun), Spouse employment potential, Real Estate etc.
2) Inventory your liabilities - Debt, health issues, Future Obligations (care of parents, children's tuition, etc)
3) Decide what MISTER Pellerin's perfect world looks like 10, 5, and 1 years from EAS, in that order. Employed, Self-Employed, conventional work environment, unconventional work environment. What metrics will you use to measure success or failure?
4) Contact people who are where you want to be in your perfect world snapshots. Ask them their advice to get on that road. It doesn't matter if you know them or not. Be up front tell them what you want, what your circumstances are and that the only thing you can offer them is a cup of coffee and a doughnut. Most will help you, willingly.
5) Take their advice where you can. Ignore them when they say you can't. Cut the distractions and dead weight. Formulate a plan that fits you and your circumstances. Beware opportunities that are dead end or distractions. Never stop scanning for opportunities (position, education, contacts) that support the plan. When you've got your plan go back to the coffee and doughnut contacts for a reality check.
6) Regularly assess your progress. Commit the reserves to reinforce success. Do not spend assets to repair failure, move on.

If you hate your job, you will never feel well-compensated. If you love your job, you'll find a way to get by.

Response by SPC Eddy Rojas made Apr 8 at 2016 5:20 PM

SPC Eddy Rojas — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:20:05 -0400

Worried after 20 years? I was worried after 4! LOL Yes, it is scary and yes, I had a family but about a year out I started working my civie contacts and home contacts for work..... especially in the field I wanted to be in (tech). Ultimately, I joined a small PC manufacturing company that I found through a friend and progressed on my own from there by proving myself and adding that experience to my Civilian resume and looking for better positions in other organizations..... Your loyalty is no longer the "company" (we, at least I, have a strong sense of loyalty to our Branch (ARMY NAVY MARINES.....)) it belongs to your family now and you owe it to them and yourself to attain the most $$ at a position where you feel fulfilled. Be persistent and work your network; you will succeed. Also, unless you're talking to a vet, most of our jargon is meaningless to them so the faster you drop the acronyms the better. Learn their culture and ....this is what hurt me tremendously in the beginning "WATCH YOUR SIX!". I trusted Civilians, at first, like I trusted my ARMY brothers... what a mistake that was. Just saying ..its is different out here.

Response by PO1 Bill Daugherty made Apr 8 at 2016 5:45 PM

PO1 Bill Daugherty — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:45:37 -0400

Scary .....yes. Doable definitely. After 22 years I was worried but there are a ton of companies who want ex military

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 8 at 2016 7:07 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 19:07:41 -0400

SFC. Thousands have got out and went to the civilian world. Most had skills that can be useful outside. In some cases military vets are what people look for. Where i worked after i retired military vets at one time ( before tight job market) could just about apply and get a well paying job. The company knew that vets could be counted on to be there and on time, with fewer sick days. So don't sweat the small stuff. As for working civil service, my son retired for the Navy and is now working on the same thing, but in the Air Force. He loves it.

Response by SFC William Gallagher made Apr 8 at 2016 9:28 PM

SFC William Gallagher — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 21:28:52 -0400

I retired after 26 years, and it was definitely a different world....but I had 14 days permissive TDY to move my family back home, and had saved 60 days of leave to assist with my job search. The separation class/seminar I took 180 days prior to separation was pretty good, but was only 5 days long The program did put my resume out there and I did get some calls, but I had never used my post 9-11 GI Bill so I went back to school to get a second bachelors degree in IT. (My first was a BA in business). I applied to many places on Monster - but had the best success with USA Jobs.gov. I currently work for the Border Patrol as a financial analyst, but had a job with the VA for the first 5 years as an outreach specialist. Keep your resume sharp, and be vigilant with your searching...and remember, employers want you! Good luck with your choices!!

Response by SSG(P) Ell Pizarek made Apr 8 at 2016 9:39 PM

SSG(P) Ell Pizarek — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 21:39:17 -0400

Not sure I can be of help, but will try. When I retired, the transition program was offered in your last year. I started a year our and took the classes and started sending out resumes. I was invited to an interview where the company was looking for military leaders and was offered a job 10 months out from retirement. I had banked up as much vacation time as possible so that when I retired the income would still be present for a couple of months. I retired on a Friday and started work the next Tuesday. Two big pitfalls to avoid. Don't move in with family if you have a pet, and rent for the first year. After the first weekend my wife was begging to get out and we rushed into buying a home. I would also recommend taking one of Dave Ramsey's Financial courses. I believe he has one focused on the military.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Apr 8 at 2016 10:23 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 22:23:06 -0400

The quickest job for a lot of military in many states is working in corrections. You will probably be able to negotiate a higher salary and get health insurance for your family at a reasonable rate, so to speak. Use it to pay the bills while you look for something else or if you like it, you'll have an interesting career in more ways than one. If you find that you don't like, just give 2 weeks notice and walk away. I did 24 years after 7 in the Marines.

Response by SFC Bill Graham made Apr 8 at 2016 10:29 PM

SFC Bill Graham — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 22:29:42 -0400

It's easier to find a job while you still have a job.. start looking at leat 6 to 12 months out or more.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Apr 8 at 2016 10:41 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 22:41:08 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member roger that, listen to this link: I am listen to it now and I am retired. https://soundcloud.com/robertg-50835767/life-post-military

Life Post Military

Robert, Scott, Mike, Rudy, and Kat discuss the challenge separating military encounter when they transition to the private sector and back to home life. The team shares tips on how to quickly assimila

Response by SGT J M Porters made Apr 8 at 2016 11:46 PM

SGT J M Porters — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 23:46:58 -0400

Remember there are several jobs set aside for ex-military. Check the USPS. You have 90 Days to apply after discharge.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 11:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 23:57:02 -0400

Map out the next 5 years. Decide on what you want to do and take steps forward. Retirement will pad your income and make it a reality. Do not rest and be complacent your life is only beginning. choose your next steps wisely.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 2:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 02:52:25 -0400

Determine what you want to do. Build your resume and have at least 3 people read it. Use VA, VFW, American Legion job hunting services. Be prepared to take a few months to find the right job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 5:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 05:19:27 -0400

Absolutely! Just like all the others that have transitioned before you, you will be fine.

Response by MSG Randy Rucker made Apr 9 at 2016 9:11 AM

MSG Randy Rucker — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 09:11:52 -0400

Well, I took some time off. Because I had a disability rating, I went back to college using the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program with the VA. I have a masters degree and work for the VA. But, I knew what I was passionate about (taking care of Veterans), so I focused on what it took to get the job and now I have it. Not bad for a retired E-8 with a GED. Also to get the VA job I had to move across the U.S.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 9 at 2016 12:21 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:21:24 -0400

EVeryone is worried whether they had a job lined up or not, preparation is the key to a smooth transition. Civilian life is much different ensure that you are fully aware of your Retirement benefits and what the VA has to offer as well, they too have an education/hiring program. I hope you have not waited until the end to ask this question. I hope you have amassed some level of civilian education, and I hope you have been surfing the web for sites that support the hiring of Vets, retired or otherwise. You bring many skill sets to the private sector, but you have to realize those in a collective manner. Go to your guidance counselor at your duty station, each Garrison has an office to help you review where you stand and assist with resume's etc.

Good luck!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 12:52 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:52:11 -0400

I also served 20 years. I thought I was the only one worried about becoming civilian after 20 years. I start clearing end of April and documented all my medical records. I did get a job offered but I have to move if I want the job. Im not moving, my son still has one more year of high school and I have a borderline austic 4 years old and 11 years old. My husband is going back to work since he is stay at home dad. Im currently selling my home, its expensive to live in AK. I have my own handyman business and I plan to work part-time. Im also planning to work for a taxi cab, can make $200 a day or more during tourist season. I will have my M9, pepper spray and knife with me. Im not scared of nobody. I wish lyft or uber is here. I dont like the sound of 9-5 or still getting up at 0430 to go to work. I been taking up trades all the free class offered by IBW. I do have a degree. I know oversea job like Kuwait always has military related job like S3 operations that if you are willing to move. My last resort, moved back home and stay with my parents until I get on my feet. If you get 100% disability, you might not worried about work, you pocket 7-8k a month and can work as Walmart greeder and still be ok. You can also claim ssn if you cannot work might add up to maybe over 10k a month.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 9 at 2016 2:08 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 14:08:46 -0400

What was your MOS?

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Apr 9 at 2016 3:15 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 15:15:07 -0400

I was not worried because I built a plan a few years before retirement. To my surprised, I signed on terminal leave on 30 DEC 2015 at 9am without a job. I had an unexpected job offer at 11am the same day. Last week was my first day on the job. I took two months off on my own dime to finish graduate school.

Networking - In my situation I made network my focus during my last 16 months of service. As a volunteer with Boy Scouts and Project Management Institute, part of a Community Organizations in Anchorage, I joined a Toastmasters club, swim team and so on. All things that I wanted to do. Networking opens doors. I also kept a strong on-line presence.

While volunteering and becoming involved with several organizations I get to learn what others do, their jobs, their company, and affiliations. The city becomes smaller. Depending on how good your Soldier for Life center is, you might get some additional opportunities. They recommended me for a 3 minute TV spot to talk about veterans and transitioning last veterans day.

Networking takes time and it is like SPC David Rosenlund said "You are basically starting over". Have a plan as SFC Kenneth Hunnell mentioned. A recommendation for you is to read What Color is Your Parachute.

Best of luck.

Response by Tyra Lynne Wahl made Apr 10 at 2016 9:31 AM

Tyra Lynne Wahl — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 09:31:34 -0400

My husband started working on his exit strategy a full 2 years in advance of actually separating.

He started poking around into the certifications, licensing and requirements needed for the career paths he was interested in (finance). When the time came that he had a good idea of not only what he wanted to do, but with whom, he reached out and connected with the recruiter for that company in our area and started the process. It took about 6 months to get through the whole process but he literally retired on Nov 31st and started with his new company on Dec 1 and rolled right into studying for his Series 7 that day.

So, a smooth transition can be had but it is going to take some work on your end. I would start by figuring out what it is that interests you, then explore the education, certifications and licensing you may need.... then start reaching out and asking questions of companies in that field. If you're unsure about how your military specialty might apply to the civilian world I know there are job counselors out there that can help with that and your base should have that info readily available.

Response by Sharee L Marie made May 3 at 2016 12:19 PM

Sharee L Marie — Tue, 03 May 2016 12:19:09 -0400

I can't speak from personal experience per se' because my dad retired 10 years 8 years before I came along but from what I've been able to gather, my didn't transition very well at all. He got a divorce from his wife of 10 years, married again, divorced again, then married my mom. He was an alcoholic, and he never really seemed content or "settled" (I am at a loss as far as an accurate description) I would say, if staying in is what you would prefer, do it. My dad left the army in 76. Completely different atmosphere then for our vets. And lastly, I used to tell him to not take life too seriously, none of us are getting out alive anyway. Roll with the punches! Start preparing for your exit now. Send out resumes and use rp and linked in, plus there are a ton of resources that are available because for our vets, your local VFW/DAV/LEGION can probably point you in the right direction.