How motivated are you to find a job?

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:22:22 -0400

In all the postings I've seen on the subject of transition, I haven't noticed one on the subject of motivation (and I'm sure someone will point out the many I've missed). Today's Dustin comic strip brought this to mind. The truth is that when you don't have a job, you have a job. To find a job. You need to work at it every day. Get up, eat a good breakfast. Groom and dress as though going to work. "Go to the office". Put in time. Search for opportunities. Make calls. Ask for referrals. Attend job fairs, virtual and real. You're not off the clock until you're used at least eight hours. Like I said, it's a job.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Apr 25 at 2016 2:25 PM

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:25:43 -0400

If you are not working you still have a job, you are a salesman. Everywhere you go you ask, and you look ready to start working now.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 25 at 2016 2:37 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:37:43 -0400

While unemployed, I was extremely motivated to find a job and balance that with school, and other home life.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 25 at 2016 3:19 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:19:34 -0400

Much to my elation, I don't need a job or want a job :)

Response by SGT Aaron Miranda made Apr 25 at 2016 3:21 PM

SGT Aaron Miranda — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:21:25 -0400

CPT. Durish,
I completely agree. Many people think that just putting a resume on a job board will land them a job. What many people don't know that online job postings is only the tip of what is truly out there. Instead of focusing on the online job postings, people need to focus on getting into the hidden job market. The hidden job market pays better and there is less competition. How do you get into that hidden job market? You ask. Ask friends or families if there are any positions they could recommend. Why not reach out to a hiring manager on LinkedIn if they can assist? Many people don't because they fear rejection.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 8:11 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:11:05 -0400

I agree with this completely. People seem to think that putting out a couple resumes is enough to say you have gone job hunting for the month. I am in the middle of transitioning out of the military and I have put double the work into finding a job before I get out. I have 87 days until I am on terminal and other 52 on top of that before I am completely out. I am looking for new jobs everyday online and tweaking my resume just as much to make it that I am ready to get out.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Apr 25 at 2016 8:14 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:14:13 -0400

Luckily for me my Father was my greatest motivator after laying around the house for a few months after my discharge he told me to get a job and get out of his house you lazy bum or words to that effect, thanks dad hope I made you proud

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 26 at 2016 1:44 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:44:28 -0400

When I was transitioning, my 2nd daughter was due 2 weeks before my EAS. I spent a good solid month of my Terminal Leave trying to lock down a job so I could choose a location to settle down in. I also spent the month prior polishing up all those job search tools like resumes, interview practice, references on top of my job search.

As if delivering a baby wasn't stressful enough Hahaha