Ever been scared that perfect job is not going to be available when you make your move?

2015-10-31T07:21:19-04:00

I think this one’s for those of you about to get out, who have left service or married to a spouse about to make a move. Have you ever scanned through USA Jobs a few months out and been just a little worried some of the jobs that look good are not going to be open on your time table of moving? We’d all do what we got to do until something better opens up but a seamless transition from one location to another would be ideal.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 7:27 AM

2015-10-31T07:27:21-04:00

SrA John Holy , for me it is finishing college.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 31 at 2015 7:43 AM

2015-10-31T07:43:07-04:00

That's why I'm my own boss

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-10-31T09:41:36-04:00

Perfect job? Hey if your job doesn't have days when it is a real chore to stay, then someone would take the job at 1/2 the salary.

It is called work not play :)

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Oct 31 at 2015 10:15 AM

2015-10-31T10:15:00-04:00

Depending on the job, it may take a year before they actually hire you. If it involves a clearance you can count on it taking a long time. Even if you already have a security clearance, they still want to verify some things. If you are within 6 months of getting out you may want to apply. During your interview you can tell them when you are getting out. If you are the right fit for the job, they will hold it for you.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 31 at 2015 10:25 AM

2015-10-31T10:25:50-04:00

I would bet that very few of us found the perfect job right out of the chute. You take the best job that is offered then work towards what may resemble the perfect job. Or do as I did support yourself with it until you find something more acceptable.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 31 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-10-31T12:17:08-04:00

The story of my life. I had my ideal job lined up when I put in my separation papers. My separation got hung up for a month on a medical issue, and in that time the job went away - and I was not able to stop my separation. It was touch and go for a decade or so, but eventually I recovered and went on to a new career. Man plans and God laughs.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 12:21 PM

2015-10-31T12:21:30-04:00

Whether you do 4 years, 10 years, 20+ years, making the decision to leave the military is a tough decision to make and can be scary at times. There is always doubt. Regarding USAJobs or any job for that matter, they have closing dates. They also need to fill the position. Sometimes, they need the position filled as soon as possible while others they can wait a short period of time to bring you on board. It may take you some time to find that job you have been looking for.

I'll share my experience with you. I retired on 30 Sept 2011. I had a term, not to exceed 13 months, government job all lined up. I also had several positions lined up with contracting jobs which would be better, but was waiting to see if the contracts would be awarded. I started the government job and I knew it would not be there past the 13 months. One of the contracting jobs finally was awarded and I took it only to have the rug pulled out from under me. The government decided at the last minute, it did not need the position and it was terminated. I was left without a job. It was hard. I never gave up and took the first job that I could because I needed it. It was working for a local grocery company. Finally, in April 2014, I landed my current Government job. It is not my dream job, but it is 1000% better than where I was. I continue to look for something better. I would love to get back into Intelligence or force Protection or something similar, but I can't relocate at this time.

In short, don't give up. You may have to take a job that is not your dream job, until something better comes along. But, regardless of the job, always strive to do your best and to be the best at it. It will pay off for you in the long run.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 31 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-10-31T13:13:24-04:00

If you take a closer look, there's a bunch of "open continuous" that essentially gets drawn on whenever the need arises. Beyond that, the jobs come and go but with a closing date, you know there will be a selection process shortly thereafter.. If you go for perfection, then you'll likely restrict yourself to a few plums vs. thinking about the long game. That is getting into a great organization and moving up from there. "Great" is in the eye of the beholder and every organization has its warts. On the Fed side, morale is typically a problem because the Agencies are getting beat up all the time with unfunded mandates and evermore screaming clients. There are some jobs where you can isolate yourself from most of the churn such as wildlife management, forester, or anything that gets you outside most of the time. Regardless, given your Military upbringing, whatever expectations and assumptions you have will need to be adjusted.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-10-31T13:28:10-04:00

I transitioned out of the Marine Corps in June 1972, with a goal of working on the space program. I found a high paying chemical plant operator job while I obtained my degree. I was scared that there would not be a job available when I finished my degree program. I was fortunate that I was able to land my dream job with a degree in hand.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Oct 31 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-10-31T14:25:55-04:00

SrA John Holy meh, perfect job, is like a unicorn, you can talk about it but never find it. You need to find a company and leadership with integrity and be willing to work hard. Then turn that work into your job. Good luck

Response by LCpl Steven Fiore made Oct 31 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-10-31T14:29:02-04:00

Still don't know what a perfect job looks like. I've had great jobs with good people, but have never found the perfect job. Just gotta make the best of any situation. Keep your eyes open for opportunities, but don't paralyze yourself looking for the perfect job.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Oct 31 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-10-31T14:32:34-04:00

I think this is a case of fear of the unknown. Everyone has that dilemma, you just take one step at a time through the journey of life

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 1 at 2015 12:00 AM

2015-11-01T00:00:08-04:00

SrA John Holy , I share this fear and am in this boat now. I just got an approved retirement. I am seeing jobs I want but will fill long before I am eligible to take it, or it pops open and then is gone just as quick. I also see some jobs posted in USAJOBS that the qualifications are so exacting that it looks like it was written for a specific person vice a qualified applicant. Money isn't my main driver, personal satisfaction and family are.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 1 at 2015 10:32 AM

2015-11-01T10:32:02-05:00

One of the things to keep in mind about USAJOBS is that most jobs posted have already been promised to someone. They are posting them to fill a legal requirement.

To get a Federal job, you really need to know someone...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-11-01T10:44:57-05:00

The perfect job might not be out there currently, but you start out with a job you can tolerate and work up from there. Your success or failure is entirely up to you. You are the master of your own destiny! Good luck!

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Nov 1 at 2015 8:44 PM

2015-11-01T20:44:37-05:00

Currently have applied for job have wanted whole life, started selling and giving items away so when get the call am ready quickly. Staying positive!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 5:47 AM

2015-11-03T05:47:28-05:00

The perfect job does not exist. It's a journey, just like everything else in life.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Nov 3 at 2015 7:41 AM

2015-11-03T07:41:06-05:00

I think the worst thing you can do is buy a home while on active duty then go there upon retirement assuming you'll find a job. A fellow-chaplain friend of mine did just that and ended up working for Home Depot. You have to go where the work is, or try to stay in the military longer. I was hired by a church in MA where I never lived, and I'm enjoying my new life in New England.

Response by MSgt Paul Hyatt made Nov 3 at 2015 7:56 AM

2015-11-03T07:56:58-05:00

John, What AFSC did you have in the USAF? If Security or related, I may have some good leads that pay good for you. Feel free to contact me straight at [login to see] . Good Luck, been there a few years back.

Response by SCPO Don Baker made Nov 3 at 2015 7:58 AM

2015-11-03T07:58:19-05:00

I think most are nervous about that perfect job being available. Unless you leave the service with a contract from your new employer, you'll probably have a few butterflies in your gut.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Nov 3 at 2015 8:03 AM

2015-11-03T08:03:20-05:00

SrA John Holy Actually I've never had a perfect job, military or civilian, find a job that fits you and that you fit. If you can't retrain. Think of entrepreurship. Good luck.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made Nov 3 at 2015 8:52 AM

2015-11-03T08:52:43-05:00

Right now I have the perfect job. I can tell my boss I am going to take the day off, and he good with it. I get paid holidays, paid days off, and he will pay for me to get a hotel just so I can get a break. I work my own hours, and if I work Saturday he pays me extra. As long as I get my work done, he is happy. He usually has to tell me to go home or not to come to work and go play instead. I bring him my military game and work ethic. He tries to get me to relax and take time for myself.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 10:32 AM

2015-11-03T10:32:18-05:00

Well, I retired in April of this year (2015). Gave the military 38 good years. Got a good job in May, got laid off in June because of downsizing. I've been unemployed since then, and now have over 133 online applications, resumes, cover letters, with references out in the local area (40 mile radius). Don't really know what's going on, but getting a phone call or email is from an employer would be nice.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Nov 5 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-11-05T11:15:03-05:00

I've thought about it before because my plan is to get out, move back to ND and find a more local Sheriff's Office to work for. Problem is many Sheriff's Offices where I live already have low manning due to low funding and there isn't a whole lot of openings. As a result I have opened my mind a bit to the prospect of possibly having to work a City Department like Grand Forks ND Police. I don't doubt I can find a job as a cop but I fear that when I start it probably won't be where I want to start.