Have you researched your next career move?

SGM Clarence Zarnes — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:23:03 -0400

There are many things to consider when looking for work in the civilian sector and the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the State Labor Market Information should be your go to locations before that next career move. To find out more go to: http://www.bls.gov/bls/ofolist.htm

Unless you have lived and worked in any given location for an extended period of time, don’t assume that you know what the job market is like there. By going to this site and more particularly to the individual State site, you will find out important information such as:

1. Unemployment Rates

2. Top Jobs (Most openings, Highest Paying)

3. Jobs on the Incline (Having the most growth)

4. Jobs on the Decline (Jobs that are going away like postal service jobs)

5. Salary Details (By Job, By location, starting, median, and experienced)

6. Job Requirement (Experience, training, education, certifications)

7. And much more…

The National data is good for a National Comparison against where you are actually looking for work, but you need to look at the specific area details for where you want to live and work for more accurate information. Job related information can vary greatly from the National or even the State levels, compared to the local level. So try to drill down as close as possible to the Zip Code to get your job related information. The County or Region might be as low as you can go, without local assistance.

Each state provides its information differently and the example of information that I listed above can vary, but it basic and should be available from each State. Again, just don’t assume that you know, set yourself and your family up for success and do your research. You could actually spend hours on this research and comparing different locations. You may find that you should stay in the Service a while longer to complete the necessary education or certifications to be a competitive in that job. Or you may find that you need to change locations because of no/little job opportunities or not the right pay for job you desire in the location you desire. Lastly, you may find that you need to reconsider your desired job and search out other job opportunities.

We put a lot of time and effort into looking for a new home or a new car, why wouldn’t you do the same for new career. After all, if your new career doesn’t pay off, you won’t have to worry about shopping for a new home or new car. You may have to worry about bankrupcy.

If you run into difficulty in your research or need more details on local job related information, I suggest that you refer to my discussion post “Need help in your transition?” posted on 04/22/2014 at 16:17:49. This post provides contact information on FREE job related assistance in communities across the Nation.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 24 at 2014 10:35 AM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:35:03 -0400

Thanks for some great advice. I'm retiring this year. Am fortuante that I've lived in the same city for 12 years and will remain here. The Army has done a much better job in transitioning program for servicemembers now. Looking forward to my "rehirement."

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 24 at 2014 10:57 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:57:03 -0400

This type of information needs to be part of everyone's Leader's Book. As NCOs and Officers, we are not only called upon to support the Service Member while he/she is in the uniform but at of the transition issues we are seeing here in the civilian sector could be resolved ahead of time if a leader takes the time to properly prepare the service member for this next chapter in their life. While the answers may not be right in front you for a specific area, at least having the knowledge of where to go to have the service member do some research.

And this doesn't just apply to those that did a "Turn-and-Burn" after serving one term. This type of information is invaluable to everyone as you get closer and closer to your ETS or Retirement date.