When considering keeping a stable Federal dead-end job vs continuing education vs finding new employment, what factors might YOU consider?

2015-09-02T11:57:58-04:00

The above question is a summary of the choices I have right now. After February--when my unit's AT is tentatively scheduled, and I get 15 days paid military leave from civilian Uncle Sam!!--I am considering quitting my federal civilian job as it is for many reasons, unfulfilling. The job market where I am is rather good, but as a guy in his early 40s, in order to get career competitive again, I really think I'll need to get a Masters…OK that’s just me thinking out loud. I digress.

I have my own thoughts on what I should consider and when, but what frames YOUR thinking if this were you? Imagine the above as a notional scenario YOU would face. What considerations would YOU weigh?

Take me on a brief walk through your thought process that perhaps I may see different perspectives on my potential career path.

Thank you.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 2 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-09-02T12:07:11-04:00

1. Is there Room for advancement within the Federal position,
2. Who will assist you with continuing education costs,
3. Do you have sufficient assets to not be employed while going through continuing education,
4. Do you have readily marketable skills that are required in the area you want to be employed [work and location]
5. What are the mid to long term benefits, expectations with a new position?

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Sep 2 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-09-02T13:33:44-04:00

Why are you only considering a job? Have you considered starting your own business?

Robert Kiyosaki wrote a book called "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" which you should really read before making any decisions.

You may find it useful to keep your government job while you build a business on the side. When your business income exceeds your job income and you're debt free, you can walk away never to work again. I started a import export business. I'm nowhere near ready to hang up my boots but when it's profitable, I won't have to worry about getting laid off for being too old. (It happens)

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 2 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-09-02T15:23:42-04:00

I am a Federal civilian worker in a similar situation. What keeps me here is the ability to apply for new jobs elsewhere. Not just Department of the Army jobs but other agencies, different series, etc. What I did was I got my Masters online while working the job. Also remember once you leave the Federal service it is VERY hard to get back in. I would advise simply applying for new jobs within the government but that is based on my perspective. What civilian grade are you?

Response by LTC Michael Hrycak made Sep 3 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-09-03T18:54:56-04:00

LTC Stephen Ford gave you a great approach. Think about your personal life, your military life and your professional life. What do you aspire to in each of those? How do they work, or don't work, together? What advantages are there to making changes in each?
I went back to school several times after being commissioned, and then served in the Army National Guard. I waited to get married until I had my education finished and I was moving ahead in my military and professional life. Starting your own business is a novel idea, but you have to be very disciplined and willing to put in long hours, and even weekends, until you can get things up and running.
Good luck, analyzing things before coming up with a plan, and then executing, is what the Army taught you, put it to good use.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-09-05T14:45:19-04:00

I have a federal job that I absolutely despise, so I know where you are. My current plan is to continue working in my crap job while I attend school full time. Once I complete my degree I will begin my search for a new career. Facing the job market without a job is not something I want to do again, so holding down a job that is far from fulfilling is worth the mental strain until I can find something else.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-09-05T14:57:01-04:00

Know the creed and the first five...it will make your days a lot easier. Be up to speed on PRT and be able to rock the APFT. Other than that, good luck!