Posted on May 12, 2015
MSG S3 Operations Ncoic
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MSG S3 Operations Ncoic
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My question is this:
I hear horror stories of people not finding a job that they like or there is no real structure to their job they get. I am an AGR Soldier who will not retire until Feb of 2022 with 25 YOS, unless promotions happen. I have been going back and forth with what I want to be when I finally grow up and join the civilian world. I am planning on taking time off to be a dad to my baby girl through her last 2 years of high school, (hope I do not kill some dumb boy).
I go back and forth between finding a job to help grow young men/women (teacher or ROTC instructor) or starting my own handy man/construction/contractor business... I want to be able to make a difference and also enjoy my family... They have suffered enough!
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1SG First Sergeant
1SG (Join to see)
9 y
I have heard all these same horror stories and even though I am not at retirement for me yet I had worked in the civilian world for 6 years prior to joining and it is different. I believe after doing what we do for as long as we do it is a big adjustment to the way the world runs outside of the miliary.
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SCPO John Croix
SCPO John Croix
9 y
Having retired in 1988, running my own business for 8 years, going bankrupt (something beyond my control), finding a job in a private shipyard, pulling myself up and starting over in different field I can tell you it's been a ride. Now I'm 71 and still going to work every day but I'm doing something I enjoy.
If you want to work for yourself then you better be planing ahead now. When you retire you need to be debt free - no bills except normal utilities and no mortgage if possible. Lots of money put back to live on, because it takes a while to get established and generate income. Know your market and be able to make contacts who can assist you. It's not going to be an easy ride but if you get established it will be worth it.
Be sure and do your research on the job market in the area where you intend to retire. If you're thinking about getting a job see a employment specialist who can help you with writing a resume to convert your military skills to something the civilian world can understand. The civilian world thinks all we do in the military is march, shoot guns, and kill people.
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COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
9 y
MSG (Join to see) It depends (my favorite RP answer). First, can you afford to do nothing; live off your retirement pay? If the answer is yes, then do you want to do nothing? If you want to work (second career) you need to decide on these two things. Do you want location or as money as your can get? That question drives your options. I served in the Army nearly 33 years and commanded thru Brigade Level. I am not a HS teacher, as a JROTC Senior Army Instructor, I simply love it. Not many places you can make more of an impact then on our future. Not what I ever planned on, but the opportunity presented itself.
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SFC(P) Petroleum Supply Specialist
SFC(P) (Join to see)
9 y
Do what you love, but keep in mind the civilian world is cruel. Camaraderie does not exist outside the military.
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PO1 John Miller
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I myself found my niche working for a defense contractor. I've floated between a few different companies and positions, but I finally found one that I both enjoy and pays really well.

What helped me was having an existing security clearance and IT certifications (I work in IT obviously).

My first job was as a contractor, but it was with mostly Department of Homeland Security civilians, many of them with no military experience. The rest of my jobs all of my co-workers and customers were veterans or active duty Marines (my 2 previous jobs) or Air National Guardsmen (current job). I found that I'm more comfortable around vets and active duty than I am with "civilians."
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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Probably the best part about the military is that it teaches you that "your job, is not really your job."

What I mean is, even though you are trained for X, doesn't mean that you have to do X.

You're a E7. That's a fully qualified "Manager." Period. You know how to Manage people. It doesn't matter if you are doing it in your field or another field, or wherever. You're 85% of the way there. You're also an NCO, which means you're an Instructor. In theory you can teach people. You've been doing it for a long time, it's just figuring out how to teach them something specific.

All you have to do is figure out what "additional" training you need (or want) to dovetail into something else.

Don't be scared to take chances. I was an Intel Analyst. I ended up a Gun Dealer, then a Dispatcher, and a few other things along the way. Some things were enjoyable. Some things weren't worth the money.
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