Advice for getting my life straight for my transition out of the military?

2014-08-18T05:44:41-04:00

I'm leaving the military at the beginning of Oct and making my move back home to Illinois with my wife, from California. Unfortunately, it's too late to start college and the jobs I am after that can actually support the bills require some form of education. I initially want to get my EMT license, then become a paramedic, work my way up to become a nurse practitioner. To pay my bills enough until I can start school next semester, I need more then a job as a waiter to get through.
I'm also looking into selling my motorcycle and having a hard time doing that
On top of all that, I've had many different stories on how the move home process works, if someone can clarify that for me, give me some ideas on selling my motorcycle, and income ideas I'd greatly appreciate it.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Oct 10 at 2014 9:58 AM

2014-10-10T09:58:41-04:00

I faced some of your challenges as I retired from Active Duty. Your comments didn't mention retirement pension so I assume you are ETSing instead of retiring?

Use your GI Bill as much as possible for training. I, too, obtained my EMT license and it's the best job I've ever had! Here in Tennessee it takes about a year of training and testing to get licensed. Illinois may be different.

I had to take a few jobs I really didn't like to get by while I was in EMT class. Don't be afraid to take a job that pays decently even though you know you won't be staying. Most employers now understand many employees will not be career hires.

Definitely connect with the local VA representative in whatever town you are moving to. They can help put you in touch with career advisers, job fairs, resume classes, or anything else you may need. LinkedIn has some good links for that as well.

Good luck!

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Oct 11 at 2014 5:26 PM

2014-10-11T17:26:02-04:00

I hope at 10 days into October you have some finalized plans and are working toward realizing some progress. Stay in touch, ask questions, and keep a positive attitude.

It's never too late to start college. You'll find learning is an every day requirement the older you get.

Plan the best you can and move forward from there. Good luck.

Response by CMSgt Blaine Means made Oct 11 at 2014 6:03 PM

2014-10-11T18:03:14-04:00

I know it is a scary situation leaving the military. First you need to put the motorcycle on Craig's List, I had a very quick response (24 hours) for the sale of my used car. I think if you don't mind working in North Dakota they have lots of jobs in the oil fields. They have no housing but they provide transportation to the job site. The wages are incredible, something you could do to build up not only living costs but also college funds.

Response by Sgt Cortney Kangas made Jan 14 at 2015 7:13 PM

2015-01-14T19:13:10-05:00

I left active duty 8 years ago after having been in for 8 years. I got laughed at in the transition classes when I told them that I was going to college to become a veterinarian and they told me that I should look into getting a federal job. I got out and had to wait a whole semester before starting school but once I did I lived off of the post 9-11 GI Bill, volunteered at the animal shelter and worked part time at a vet clinic. Now I'm 4 months away from graduating veterinary school. The work load has been insane and times have occasionally been rough financially since the GI Bill only covered my first 4 years of school and becoming a doctor requires 8 years of school. Stay focused on your mission and don't be afraid to share your goals and ask for help even if you occasionally get laughed at. Just telling people what it is that you want to do can open a lot of doors for you because a lot of people are willing to help you network if they see you are in earnest.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jan 15 at 2015 6:01 PM

2015-01-15T18:01:52-05:00

I hope you are in college using the GI Bill, Did you file a VA Claim, VOC Rehab etc. Utilize your benefits - VA.gov will help you out. By the way I am 47 and still in college, never to old

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made May 7 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-05-07T15:12:29-04:00

What is your rating, Bryan?

Response by Cpl Karl Gleason made May 7 at 2015 3:20 PM

2015-05-07T15:20:54-04:00

Look into State Government jobs. Most states give bonus points to vets.

Response by CSM Carlson C. made May 13 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-05-13T08:46:20-04:00

I feel your pain. I had 12 years active as an E-7 and I decided to go back to school full time. It was scary, not going to lie about that. But my fiance (wife now) stood by me the entire time while I was broke and in school. I joined the reserves so I wouldn't have a break in service. Which in itself was difficult, but it helped ween me off of active duty. I still miss it, but life goes on and the rewards are awesome. I graduated May 2013 with a BS in Computer Science and am working in my field. Not bad if I do say so myself as a mid career change. You can do it, as those before you have done it!

Response by MSgt James Mullis made May 13 at 2015 9:30 AM

2015-05-13T09:30:08-04:00

Before taking the EMT course, do a survey of available positions in the area you want to move to. If there are unfilled EMT jobs out there then press on with your plan. If not, you may want to look at taking a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) course. The GI Bill will pay for the course, which runs between 6 to 12 weeks. CNA's are hired by Hospitals, nursing care facilities, doctors offices, etc and have a much larger job pool then EMT's, while paying about the same.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 7:54 PM

2016-03-22T19:54:04-04:00

Not sure how much things have changed since I retired in 95, but the Military will move all your belongings to your next perm. address as soon as you have one...generally they allow for I believe 6 months up to one year to have your stuff shipped, but talk to them for clarification. As for a job, log onto USAJOBS.gov to see if there are any posting near where your moving to, you can also move into a GS slot and work the same job you did in the service if they have openings where your living. Selling your motorcycle...if possible KEEP IT... I regret daily selling mine to pay for my kids college. Good luck with the job hunt but remember this, do it now before you get out because last minute change in status could mean your staying in to protect your family and keep the medical coverage going.