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I am an Air Force Vet. and have multiple degrees AS, BS, MS. I am Currently in the IT field making pretty decent money, but the problem is that it does not matter a damn.
After I got out (right before 9-11) I had the whole I need to be there Vibe, so I took jobs that helped the "effort" making Armor, SAPIs and working on the AH-64 Longbow project. Problem is now I am in a job that does not matter to me at all. it is just a place I got to pay the bills.
I am involved in scouting and have joined the local state defense force (best I can do health wise) We were recently activated and now afterwards I am really feeling how much I despise what I am doing.
Am I the only one that feels this way and how do I make the move to something that matters?
After I got out (right before 9-11) I had the whole I need to be there Vibe, so I took jobs that helped the "effort" making Armor, SAPIs and working on the AH-64 Longbow project. Problem is now I am in a job that does not matter to me at all. it is just a place I got to pay the bills.
I am involved in scouting and have joined the local state defense force (best I can do health wise) We were recently activated and now afterwards I am really feeling how much I despise what I am doing.
Am I the only one that feels this way and how do I make the move to something that matters?
Planning
Civilian Career
What Would You Do
Employment
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 28
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The answer to your question and desire is in your arms, look at your picture you are a father, be there for your child, play, help with home work, go to the church with your child, walk, talk, teach your child because your child is the future of the USA.
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SPC David Hannaman
Well said. Raising a generation that understands hard work and discipline... it seems to be a higher calling these days where 50% of marriages end in divorce and the kids are left without a Dad that has "vested interest".
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CPT Pedro Meza
SPC David Hannaman - I was divorced from two wives, but I was never divorced from my kids, therefore my kids were never left without a Dad. I fought for joint custody and made sure I got it. I was nice to the ex even when insulted.
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SSgt Donnavon Smith have you considered cyber security? It is a job that is going to become more and more important as time passes. It is something that can be used to protect people. If you are looking for something more tangible, then I would suggest mentoring, big brothers/sisters, youth outreach, or closer to home volunteering at the VA. As a veteran, you have a frame of reference to help veterans in need.
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Capt Seid Waddell
SSgt Donnavon Smith, there are few areas as critical as cyber security - either for the government or for private industry.
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SSgt Donnavon Smith
That is what has been keeping me going, with scouting and the SDF, I am able to slog through work. Just looking for advice on how to quit the slog
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SCPO David Lockwood
SSgt Donnavon Smith - Find something you are completely passionate about and pursue it.
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You are not alone in these feelings SSgt Donnavon Smith. Beyond working with the Scouts and the local state defense force which are two great things; you may want to looking into other Veteran Service Organizations such as Team Reubicon, and The Mission Continues. While I understand your health may limit you to certain things, these are two great national organizations that take Veterans and their skills and put them to work helping the community. While it will not pay the bills, doing this work pays off in bigger ways and they will truly appreciate your efforts.
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SSgt Donnavon Smith
Team Rubicon looks very interesting. I love emergency management (what I do in the SDF) and they are looking for people. thanks for the heads up
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SGT Ben Keen
SSgt Donnavon Smith - My pleasure. I met the founders of Team Rubicon a few months ago. Great guys, great Veterans, trying to help out.
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Use your career to fund your occupation. Lead local Wounded Warrior fund raisers. Support those in the sh17 right now.
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MSgt (Join to see)
I agree do a job that allows you do what you want to. Thought about starting your own business doing something you enjoy?
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Thanks for all the advice everyone. I think I am in the first stages of a Career shift. I think I need to shift into something that exists to give back and not solely a for profit endeavor. That is my boy in my arms, but he is 6' 185 now so there is not holding him like that any longer. I really enjoy working in emergency management, I think I need to figure out how to feed the family while doing that.
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MSgt Jim Wolverton
That's the problem isn't it? Finding something uou want to do that will also make you money. I found a job that I would love to do but the money isn't enough to uproot my family unfortunately.
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SSgt Donnavon Smith
it truly is, I thought about becoming a Scout Executive, but that would be better than a 50% pay cut so, that will not happen.
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No amount of money in the world matters if you don't get at least some joy in what you are doing. Had a cousin making $200k a year as an architect, but HATED doing it. He finally quit and works for $20 an hour now. He doesn't have the luxury life style he once had, but is much happier with his life.
I am not sure how to go about making the transition, but definitely believe you should enjoy what you do. The first step I would think is to figure out exactly what it is that makes you happy, and then look at jobs in that area and take it from there.
I am not sure how to go about making the transition, but definitely believe you should enjoy what you do. The first step I would think is to figure out exactly what it is that makes you happy, and then look at jobs in that area and take it from there.
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Sadly, I have never found any "job" that was as satisfying as the one I did while serving in the Army. I have had to glean "satisfaction" from other means such as volunteer work or simply helping someone who needed it. Now that I'm living on my retirement income I "work" as a writer. I get satisfaction (and very little money) by writing stories that I hope will inspire others or, at the very least, teach them something worthwhile.
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https://goo.gl/lN7y0l - check out Int'l Justice Mission - they are looking for IT folks and their mission matters
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