You have your DD-214, But have you decided how much money will you make?

Leo Dregier — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 23:16:20 -0500

So, you're about to or already have your DD-214. You are ready for the (Transition Assistance Program) TAP Class, and you are going to get an ear full, nearly every person that I've spoken to that didn't take the class seriously were overwhelmed because of the amount of knowledge in a short period of time.

I know what questions I would have on my mind, "How much money can I make? moreover "Doing What?". My recommendation is that you put yourself in the mindset of not having "any" help. No help with expenses, no benefits, no nothing, poof, you instantly are out of the service and "NOW WHAT?"

You could go to college, but that costs money and remember, you cant use the resources that you are accustomed to or expected (Think Mission Scramble here). Everything you thought you had, you dont! or its useless and does not apply.

If my back was against the wall, here is what I would do. I want to pre-text what I'm about to say because it is completely biased and I want to be upfront with that. I have well over 45+ professional certifications and teach this stuff for a living. But if I had nothing (and I did personally start with nothing) and I had to start over, or recommend to someone who is just starting out, I would point out some choices that you may not realize you have.

Benefits
-Get a professional certification, Heck Get 10!
-The time is short, in some cases you could read 1 book and take and pass your exam in a week (best case scenario). So a few weeks is all I'm talking about here.
-The money, While you may only start out at 35-50K, There is a very high cap on the amount you can earn. If you look for "government" work, there is a much lower ceiling generally speaking. If you work as a contractor or consultant, you "could" earn well into the 500-600K $$$ range.
-Ease of access, Many of the things you need to pass certification exams are available online at a little to no cost association. Either way, even if you invested $1,000 of your hard earned money, you set yourself up to earn a lot more in the future.
-Choose your own lifestyle, instead of 40hrs/week 52 weeks a year. It is not uncommon for someone to earn a significant amount of money for a project. Let's say 120K for 3 months worth of work. So people end up taking 3-4 months off and looking for the next big gig.

Disadvantages
-Its really hard to find the right mentor
-Some times it can take months to complete a project and get paid.
-Constant change in your career, however you can adapt to it.
-Always learning, not really a disadvantage if you like learning and/or passionate about explaining things to others.

So, that is the framework of my question. I would encourage all of you to reply. I'll be using the comments for an upcoming interview on LIVE radio, and some of you may be invited to join me. So I welcome you to participate!!!

So, here's my question: "You have your DD-214, But have you decided how much money will you make?"

I thank you for your time and service.

Respectfully,

Leo

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 17 at 2015 11:40 PM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 23:40:37 -0500

I would LOVE to make $100K per year!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 17 at 2015 11:43 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 23:43:01 -0500

Deciding how much money you will make is easier said than accomplished - as I found out when I got out 43 years ago. What you want and what is available do not always align.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 12:13 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 00:13:11 -0500

I am trying to figure out what you are selling.

Response by Cpl Robert Masi made Nov 18 at 2015 7:36 AM

Cpl Robert Masi — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 07:36:45 -0500

Personally, I got into Sales. It's one of the many Careers where employers say you need a College Degree, but in reality, you don't. And it certainly wasn't easy, because I'm not a natural, but it's a skill that can only be learned by on the job experience.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 18 at 2015 9:43 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 21:43:19 -0500

Many transitioning SMs have overestimated what their pay level will be set at as civilians. This comes as a rude wake up if you haven't thought through it.