What made you choose the job/career that you currently hold?

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 20:53:11 -0500

Are you successful and happy in it?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 6 at 2015 8:57 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 20:57:09 -0500

SPC Margaret Higgins I chose to retire 26 3/4 years ago because of the lazy men who reported to me and my overbearing supervisor, ( He had been in the USMC), my chest pains were only a reaction to the stresses I was exposed to!

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 6 at 2015 9:04 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 21:04:17 -0500

While I was still AD Air Force, the Army made me an offer I couldn't refuse... I volunteered for a special assignment with them to earn the MOS for, and work as, a 35M (And still remain AD Air Force). After I retired, I became a contacted instructor with General Dynamics instructing new 35M's, then a DA Civilian doing the same... I'm very fortunate to be where I am now! I'd like to say I'm successful, but I can say I'm definitely happy!!! :D

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 9:06 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 21:06:23 -0500

The work schedule! Sunday through Saturday off

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Nov 6 at 2015 9:07 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 21:07:22 -0500

I fell into my career, went to a job fair, threw a couple resumes around and left. Got called back and hired for a job that I was not qualified for by a manager who had no idea what the job required, in an industry that I had no interest in...

... But I had a new daughter and I hung on and rose to the occasion.

... Then I excelled.

I'm still apathetic about the industry, but my skills and experience is in demand 15 years later, in an industry experiencing huge growth, so I look for other opportunities and keep on keeping on.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 7 at 2015 2:16 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 02:16:05 -0500

My career has been determined by the work available when I needed a job. It has probably turned out better that way than it would have if I had been able to choose a career. The things that I loved to do didn't pay well but they made great hobbies, while doing what was necessary to survive expanded my abilities in ways I could not have ever predicted.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Nov 7 at 2015 9:46 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 09:46:21 -0500

I was struggling to find solid work. Held a couple dead end jobs after I retired. Finally a recruiter contacted me about my currant position. I was looked at because of where I lived, and I had sales experience from being a recruiter in the Marines. I really didn't want to get into sales, but I was at a horrible job I couldn't stand. Well 2years later and I'm still here. I like my job and have made a lot of contacts, but it is still sales.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Nov 7 at 2015 12:59 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 12:59:03 -0500

I would ask the question whether you got the job/career you finally got and worked. Most of us were chosen by someone that was looking for our skills and understood what our military resume meant. Of all the jobs out there, the field I finally spent over 20 years in was not my goal, but the results of a WO4 retired from the Army. Probably why I like you folks so much.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2015 1:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 13:19:09 -0500

I consider my blogging an opportunity to learn more about web security, social media management, advertising, and getting my music and knowledge out there.

Response by Cpl John Varkados made Nov 9 at 2015 11:16 AM

Cpl John Varkados — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 11:16:05 -0500

I knew music was my passion, but growing up I didn't know how to make a career out of it. Going straight to the Marine Corps after high school was honestly one of the best decisions I made. It built the confidence I needed and solidified that I have a lot to offer this world.

Now 3 semesters away from graduating Berklee College of Music in Boston and hopefully getting hired for Warner Music Group in NYC, it was only possible in part because of the values, leadership and discipline I have honed and crafted into my artistry that is still continuing to open doors throughout the entertainment industry.

Not bad for a guy- not knowing a complete soul or having a single connection- who started in the backwoods of Pennsylvania.

I'm not saying that I have the cookie cutter "This is how veterans will succeed and will not be homeless" answer either. There was a lot of anxiety, risk, and hard work. I think, however, what will get a veteran through the mess that we defended and come back to will be the same mentality and drive that got me through Paris Island. You need to constantly advance, move forward, and, you need to reach out to people. We can't do this alone and we still need to look out for each other.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Nov 9 at 2015 1:17 PM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:17:29 -0500

I received my first retirement check and thought"S#^t! I have to find another job!" So I went back to the government, sitting on my butt for 8 hours working Personnel/Physical/COMSEC security as well as being a communications officer. I am successful but I'd rather be pulling nose hairs!