Who has had a tough time finding a job after service? Do you feel your MOS influences this?

SGT Craig Northacker — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 22:38:08 -0400

I am looking to see who is having a hard time getting work, and what MOS you had. I want to develop a program to help change that dynamic through our non-profit. Thanks, and continued good luck!

Response by SGT Nicholas Packer made Apr 10 at 2014 11:42 PM

SGT Nicholas Packer — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 23:42:27 -0400

I have had an extremely hard time finding work based on my military experience. It is always hard to translate the experiences gain from being in the band to civilian careers. People seem many times not to see the band as viable military experience.

Response by SGT Nicholas Packer made Apr 15 at 2014 10:38 AM

SGT Nicholas Packer — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 10:38:54 -0400

I didn't have "better luck" finding a job in my career field, but I went and finished my degree after ets' ing. I still had a difficult time finding work with that being that I majored in Vocal Performance and not Music Education. What I did was sell cars. i then got promoted to sales Manager at a dealership. Because we got a lot of credit and finance experience packaging and shopping deals with lenders, I was able to translate that into Banking. I worked in Banking for the last 6 Years, now I'm out and I am starting my own business. I just felt like, if an opportunity doesn't come, you find a way to make one for yourself.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 16 at 2014 6:12 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 18:12:40 -0400

I had a tough time both times I got out. First tour I got out when I was only 20. MOS was 64C (now 88M). Drove all sorts of trucks, but couldn't get a job driving because I was too young! Wound up reenlisting.

Second time, no college education. I was living in San Jose and you needed a college degree just to sweep the floors in the Silicon Valley. Wound up getting a job with the State of California, but as an office assistant. Here I was, a qualified Army leader, and I was relegated to being a clerk!

I went to school at night and finally got a professional position with the State after graduation. It only took me 12 years after I got out of the Army to get there.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 16 at 2014 7:39 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:39:35 -0400

Telecommunications is my Forte and when I got out I went back home to Kansas City Corporate HQ for Sprint. No problem fiding a job. Unfortunately the Tech Bubble Burst in 2002. Everybody here had a degree and or background in Telecom and they just didn't need us anymore. Fortunately with a background in the Military or Police their is always Security Industry. Only making half as much as I once did but not panhandling either.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 17 at 2014 11:32 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 23:32:27 -0400

First time I got out in 1980 after my overseas in Germany, I was 22. It was tough finding work and keeping it. Going from flippies bier to Budweiser in a can was an adjustment. i changed over the years in the military and still wasnt settled.

I was Fire Control and a good electronics technician in the 70s....when I applied and took the company test for a job, it was way out there...technology wise. I was advised to go back to school and update myself. At that time, I developed an attitude, cuz I did not know the civilian language and social structure.

SSG Jeffery was spot on about truck drivers being older. Seniority puts a guy faster on the street when they are the low man on the totem pole. I went to work for a moving company and did not last, cuz am allergic to cat dander; on away jobs, and didnt really relate to people well.

I lasted 70 days then went back in and got my E-5 back while my buddy stayed out, and popped out 7 or 8 kids. It is different on the outside, and a whole different world now-a-days too. Going to college and getting my degrees helped me adjust. It was long term for me.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 17 at 2014 11:52 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 23:52:46 -0400

When I first transitioned from the Army to civilian workforce I got a job in logistics for a major department store, this job lasted for 2 years and I was let go. Since then I have worked for two other employers neither of which had anything what so ever to do with my military occupational specialty (92Y). I have been unemployed for the past 6 years and have been given a number of different reasons for not being hired.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 4:03 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 04:03:50 -0400

2007-2012 0352 Tow Gunner in USMC. I also sometimes did job of interpreter in Afghanistan for Pashto. My 1st job was armed guard in El Cajon CA. After 4 month i quitted since i was not getting payed for extended amount of time. I applied for several jobs to be Contractor/translator as i speak Pashto and Russian fluently but it never really goes past point of me applying. I did everything to make sure my resume was in most professional manner it should be it just never really does anywhere. I am still trying though and will do so probably for long time. Right now i am doing flight school and not working.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 7:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 19:21:09 -0400

11B here. I've always been able to find a job. Lots of folks pay a whole lot of lip-service to hiring vets. Every single job I've held (with one exception - I was working for a family friend), was ridiculous about drill schedules. I'd post my drill schedule in the office, only to find I'd been scheduled for all of my drill days. When I'd bring it to the manager's attention, he'd tell me my priorities should be with the chain store I was working at. Another job would cut my hours the week after every drill. When I was activated in response to Hurricane Sandy, still another job let me go because 'they needed an employee who would be there for four or more years, and they just didn't see that in me'. And finding meaningful, fulfilling work seems to be a downright impossibility in the civilian world. Nothing I do out there seems to matter or make a difference.

Then I found an M-Day job that might lead to ADOS orders. Frankly, I don't even care if they do or not. I'm just happy to be back where I seem to belong - serving the Army in any capacity in which I find myself.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 12 at 2014 4:07 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 04:07:40 -0400

I've been asked by HR if I ever killed anyone. I just about threw up in disgust. Civilianize your resume. I'm going through the same ordeal. 300+ applications to USAjobs and counting.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Aug 13 at 2014 10:13 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 10:13:02 -0400

I think the general public has a hard time understanding that the military has the same jobs as on the outside. We just wear a uniform doing it.

As a truck driver, I pulled into Buttonwillow with an S&P on my way to deliver tank engines to Ft. Irwin. The Burger King had a sign "Truck Drivers get two Whoppers for the price of one!"

I ordered two and got charged for two. The cashier said it was meant for truck drivers. I showed my military license and CDL. Even got the manager involved. He refused based on my uniform, saying I was not a truck driver. I finally asked him "Who do you think is driving that big green truck outside??" He still would not honor the discount.

I shoved the order back at them and told them to stick it. Have not gone there since. It may have changed owners and/or management over the last 30+ years, but I refuse to patronize the place.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Aug 13 at 2014 10:36 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 10:36:43 -0400

I have found it frustrating over the last year, especially with some of the jobs I have applied for that I should be more than qualified for based on my training/experience. Granted most of the jobs I have applied for deal with instructing on Ft. Benning, as that is what I want to do, but it is still frustrating most of all when you do not even get the courtesy of an e-mail or a call letting you know you were looked at but not chosen for a position. For now, I have a night job at Wal-Mart, not too bad, but definitely not where I want to be even 1-year from now.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 13 at 2014 2:55 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 14:55:39 -0400

I have not had problems yet, but am still active duty. I anticipate few issues as a nurse, but I am hoping to go into Nursing Education (teach at a college or university). I have done everything that I can do up to this point to facilitate this goal...time will tell....in about 2 years. (maybe just a bit less.).

Response by LCpl Mike Reno made Aug 20 at 2014 8:39 PM

LCpl Mike Reno — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:39:37 -0400

There is no question your MOS influences the ease and types of jobs to get after you are out. I had no issues and have helped many people from my MOS of 5954 as well as the 5953/5952's that I know and who have come after me. It is a good idea to look into federal jobs then you can buy back your time active and it will count to federal retirement. If you do not have a direct applicable MOS into civilian job you need to then be more creative in your search. Also, look into converting MOS schools and other training into college credits if you want to maybe move into something else.

Response by SGT Jay Ehrenfeld made Aug 21 at 2014 12:06 PM

SGT Jay Ehrenfeld — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 12:06:58 -0400

Sgt it had to does with the combat status then the experience because of the lies that military personnel deal with by the left during the 70's

Response by SGT Lynn Strezeski, DSc made Oct 8 at 2014 6:08 PM

SGT Lynn Strezeski, DSc — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 18:08:57 -0400

It took me 9 months to find a job, with a TS/SCI clearance and just a bachelor's degree at the time. I took the first federal job offered to me; it paid me less than my unemployment. I thought that my military service and especially clearance would be helpful, but that wasn't the case. At one interview at a private firm, the woman interviewing me looked at my resume and told me that I was intimidating before I got a chance to open my mouth.

An intelligence contractor and I had been going back and forth over email for over a month about a one-year job in Afghanistan. After answering their phone call to finalize things, I heard, "Oh, you're a woman!" I can understand not wanting a woman for that particular position; however, perhaps they should have asked in the first email. Yes, I have a unisex name, and apparently my resume sounds like it belongs to a man, but I was kind of angry to have gotten strung along for so long.

I have so many horror stories and comedic tragedies that I could write a book on this subject. Eventually I got a career ladder position with the federal government, but it was a long, hard road. Every time I applied for a position at the next grade level, I applied for 800-900 federal job openings before finally getting one. (I kept spreadsheets to track them because of the sheer volume). Most of the time, I didn't even hear yes or no, which was exceedingly frustrating. I don't like to be ignored, especially when I know that I am more than qualified.

For all of those frustrated job seekers out there, I felt and understand your pain.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 11:19 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:19:07 -0400

I'm currently in the Army Reserves and I have found it difficult to find a position in my current MOS. I think the idea of developing a program that will change this dynamic will be excellent for soldiers who are transitioning into the civilian world. The program will also be beneficial to reserve soldiers as well.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 11:38 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 11:38:44 -0400

I've found it incredibly difficult although not surprising that my 11B MOS did not help me get work in the civilian world. Thankfully I've used political and family connections as well as training I received before the military to get work.