Posted on Jul 3, 2016
What are some of the main problems you see with veterans leaving the service?
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Earlier today me and my mom had a conversation about people leaving the service. We talked about the main issues surrounding veterans that are leaving. She said that some veterans don't get jobs in the military they relate to jobs in the civilian world. She also said some veterans don't take certain jobs because it's below them. Also how some veterans refuse to start at the bottom. any thoughts?
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Transition Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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the most common problem i've seen vets dealing with is the acceptance of terrible work ethic in the workplace. it's hard to rebuild your tolerance when you've always been taught to seek out and eliminate mediocrity.
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SrA Matthew Knight
I attended my Informed Decision brief this morning since I am nearing one year from separating. At the briefing we had a Tech Sergeant who was the local reserve recruiter and one of the things she mentioned is how she was actually told by a civilian boss that her expectations for co-workers was too high because she simply expected them to show up on time and do their job. It's sad to think that people are that way but then I think back to even my time before the AF. I was always about 20 to 30 minutes early and usually would open up the historic site I worked at before most of my co-workers showed up and some of those co-workers wouldn't show up until right at opening time if not sometimes later and they usually had the worst excuses. They were also the ones that would do minimal work (maybe 4 or 5 hours of actually being there let alone working) and would still put 8 hours on their time cards. I honestly don't know why it's so hard to show up to work on time, preferably a little before but it is a reality on the civilian side.
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There are great transition stories and bad ones. My experience is that most military members have poor transition stories because they expect the military to help them transition. Many of the people I entered service with in the early 80s had a goal of 20+ years of service and so never planned for the transition (always assuming it could wait). I have seen several military drawdowns (right-sizing), friends who have gotten out with no plan, and others who are ending their careers with kids in high school, spouses who are used to a certain life style, and no real plan. The Military does a decent job of on-boarding new personnel, but a rather lack-luster job of helping you when you leave. I now work for the VA and see Veterans who constantly say I wish I had done .... Here are few recommendations that I have been sharing with friends who are or who have transitioned out.
1. Start planning 3-5 years out, earlier if you can. We always have a goal in the Military (CSM, COL, GEN, etc) - but sometimes life interferes. Remember the Military is not a growth organization - there are more junior spots than senior spots (it is like a pyramid) You may not make the 20 - you may get injured, have a bad NCOER/OER or situation develop that forces you to leave earlier than you expected. You should always have a solid 3-5 year plan, complete with the following:
a) Resume, constantly updated with new experiences (it is easier to build a resume, tinker with it and develop it over time than it is to whip it up when you are in the midst of transition)
b) Self Assessment on strengths, skills, and interests. (SFL and the Ed Centers offer these for free - your interests and skills change over time)
c) Savings/Insurance/Investment strategy/Healthcare strategy (The old adage of at least 6 months savings is still valid)
d) Transition/retirement location identified. (Many people don't think about where they would like to retire. Our plans changed over the years as we moved to new locations - continue to refine your plan - might even think about changing residency to ensure you are properly aligned. Currently we are going to retire to a location we never dreamed of in our early years)
e) Refining educational experiences (if possible link your education with your job experiences) - don't overlook the value of certifications that the Military may pay for during your service.
f) Networking - join LinkedIn and RallyPoint and other sites. Contribute now to discussions, ask insightful questions. Continue to develop your sphere of influence. As you build that sphere - reach out to local companies and do "informational" interviews - see what the civilian sphere is looking for in people and work to tailor your skill sets to support those needs.
g) Look at the needs of your family. Where do children and spouse figure into the transition plan? What can you do to ease their transition?
h) Read- there are lots of self-help transition guides out there from financial institutions to planning organizations and sites. Do your own research and tailor a plan for yourself and your family situation. Everyone's is different and therefore unique.
i) Don't be too proud. Personal lesson - I started my Military Career as a PFC, made it to SGT, transitioned to the Army Officer Corps and made it to LTC before being medically retired. I have taken minimum wage jobs and low GS jobs to get into the system - nothing is below you when you have a family to support. I know others who have been security guards, janitors, and fast food workers after holding senior Military positions. Take a lesson from Actors - do what it takes till you make your big break...and keep working and looking for better opportunities.
Last thought - this is your life - you need to take charge. Best of luck and Drive on! Hope this helps.
1. Start planning 3-5 years out, earlier if you can. We always have a goal in the Military (CSM, COL, GEN, etc) - but sometimes life interferes. Remember the Military is not a growth organization - there are more junior spots than senior spots (it is like a pyramid) You may not make the 20 - you may get injured, have a bad NCOER/OER or situation develop that forces you to leave earlier than you expected. You should always have a solid 3-5 year plan, complete with the following:
a) Resume, constantly updated with new experiences (it is easier to build a resume, tinker with it and develop it over time than it is to whip it up when you are in the midst of transition)
b) Self Assessment on strengths, skills, and interests. (SFL and the Ed Centers offer these for free - your interests and skills change over time)
c) Savings/Insurance/Investment strategy/Healthcare strategy (The old adage of at least 6 months savings is still valid)
d) Transition/retirement location identified. (Many people don't think about where they would like to retire. Our plans changed over the years as we moved to new locations - continue to refine your plan - might even think about changing residency to ensure you are properly aligned. Currently we are going to retire to a location we never dreamed of in our early years)
e) Refining educational experiences (if possible link your education with your job experiences) - don't overlook the value of certifications that the Military may pay for during your service.
f) Networking - join LinkedIn and RallyPoint and other sites. Contribute now to discussions, ask insightful questions. Continue to develop your sphere of influence. As you build that sphere - reach out to local companies and do "informational" interviews - see what the civilian sphere is looking for in people and work to tailor your skill sets to support those needs.
g) Look at the needs of your family. Where do children and spouse figure into the transition plan? What can you do to ease their transition?
h) Read- there are lots of self-help transition guides out there from financial institutions to planning organizations and sites. Do your own research and tailor a plan for yourself and your family situation. Everyone's is different and therefore unique.
i) Don't be too proud. Personal lesson - I started my Military Career as a PFC, made it to SGT, transitioned to the Army Officer Corps and made it to LTC before being medically retired. I have taken minimum wage jobs and low GS jobs to get into the system - nothing is below you when you have a family to support. I know others who have been security guards, janitors, and fast food workers after holding senior Military positions. Take a lesson from Actors - do what it takes till you make your big break...and keep working and looking for better opportunities.
Last thought - this is your life - you need to take charge. Best of luck and Drive on! Hope this helps.
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SPC (Join to see)
On the flip side there are veterans who don't mind starting at the bottom and apply for "entry level" positions only to get turned down and told straight up "You're over-qualified and I don't want to have to be looking for another person to fill this position in 6 months when you find a better job." True story, happened to me.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
On the flip side there are veterans who don't mind starting at the bottom and apply for "entry level" positions only to get turned down and told straight up "You're over-qualified and I don't want to have to be looking for another person to fill this position in 6 months when you find a better job." True story, happened to me.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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SGT Tracey "Tra" Cooper-Harris
Indeed. I've had this experience myself numerous times. I'm applying because I need a job & have done my research. Don't blow me off because I'm "overqualified".
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