What are some things you wished you would’ve known before you got out to make the process easier and less stressful?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 11:20:44 -0500

Comment please, I love info

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 12:13 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:13:59 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I was discharges in June, 1972. My plan was to move to the Houston area, get a job, go to school, obtain my degree, and then work for the Space Program. That was my plan, and it worked out perfectly. Have a plan and set goals to accomplish your plan. Make sure that you have the skills and education that you need for the next phase of your life. Save as much money as you can for food, housing, and other expenses. It sounds like you are trying to be prepared, so that is great. The better prepared you are, the less stress.

One of the items on the link below is to join LinkedIn. This is a good website to network. Once you are a LinkedIn member, join the "Veteran Mentor Network" Group. This group has professionals that can help you with your resume, job search, etc. Good luck.

https://www.7eagle.com/18-things-to-do-if-youre-leaving-the-military-in-2018/

18 Things to do Before Leaving the Military in 2018 | 7 Eagle Group

18 Things to do if You're Leaving the Military in 2018. No one is ever completely prepared when leaving the military. Even if you already

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Dec 12 at 2018 3:15 PM

LTC Stephan Porter — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:15:38 -0500

I’m in it now. Preparedness, networking, planning farther out!

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 12 at 2018 4:56 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 16:56:06 -0500

I did this, but saw some comrades who did not...

Research schools if you plan to use GI Bill. Some traditional ranked schools will provide great education, veterans support and alumni network. Some unranked for-profit schools have poor reputation, high tuition and weak alumni support. Check to ensure that your hard earned benefits support a reputable education and network that will help you instead of a business that only sees you for your money.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 6:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:01:10 -0500

I wish I had done the dental within the 120 days......

Response by SFC Rodrick Carter made Dec 12 at 2018 9:44 PM

SFC Rodrick Carter — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 21:44:46 -0500

Hello SPC Mickey,

I wish I would have had more time to Network. I retired from Bamberg, Germany and it was different from being stateside. Even though the Transition Center did an excellent job, I was not stateside physically to make the face to face contacts. Also, I wish I had gotten involved in a Networking Marketing Company. This would have given me an opportunity to build a residual income vs having to go into the job market and trade my time for dollars. If you are interested, I can recommend a great company. Reach out to family members, friends, and loved ones concerning employment. Go to your local VA Rep and see what incentives and benefits are available to you.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Dec 12 at 2018 10:02 PM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:02:23 -0500

Get your medical records before you leave service, on both paper and digital. And if you saw EBH, you have to make sure those are requested. They are not in the regular medical system. See a DAV or VFW rep. With your medical records to start your VA claim before leaving.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Dec 13 at 2018 5:41 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 05:41:26 -0500

Having to choose what you are going to wear to work everyday is a lot more stressful than I imagined....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2018 1:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 13:41:17 -0500

Have an idea what you want to do (and stick to it) after active-duty, that is Step Zero but I could not decide at that time.