Transitioning out of the military can be very stressful. How did you deal with it? What did you do for employment? Share your experience!

     Job hunting was fast and furious. I tried multiple career fields but the job market was tough. I worked on my JROTC certification in hopes to land a position teaching and mentoring High School kids. That is what I wanted to do. I loved the training and mentorship aspect of being an NCO. I wanted to still make a difference, and mentoring young kids was what I thought would be best. I worked on my resume as well as my elevator speech and attended numerous job fairs to network. DRESS FOR SUCCESS! I wore my class As to the job fairs and any follow on meetings I wore a suit. I believe that not only got me noticed but recruiters and others remembered me. 

     Simultaneously I applied for multiple positions with many companies for logistics and maintenance management. I also applied as a AIT/NCOES/OES instructor for my MOS. This proved difficult because of the federal hiring freeze, but I was hopeful since I was a Drill Sergeant, Service School instructor, and worked in TRADOC training Quality Assurance, but none of that mattered. I had a few offers for positions but they were less than optimal because of location, pay or other things. Luckily I had the flexibility to do what I needed to do, even if it was just short term. I did get the job that I targeted in the general area that I wanted to be in. I believe my humility, my resume, and assertiveness were a huge factor in getting the position I wanted. Seeking the hard positions in the military paid off for me as a civilian. I was also very fortunate.