Posted on Feb 18, 2016
SFC Donald Neal
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I don't want to forget something when questions start flying around the room. I've been out 9 plus years, and am doing pretty good, but wanted to share experience and at least help folks not make the same mistakes I did as I worked my way through trying to establish myself in a new career and way of life.
Posted in these groups: Alaska state flag AnchorageMilitary civilian 600x338 Transition
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Responses: 3
TSgt David Case
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How long and how many jobs will I have before I find my "fit"?
I have been asked this by a few folks who were getting out/retiring. Like Major Wallace said, sometimes the sure thing you were counting on doesn't work out. Be flexible. Find something you can pay bills with and continue the job hunt while you're working.
At the TAP seminar I went to, they told me to expect two to three job changes before you get to where you want to be. That proved true for me. Hope this helps.
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SFC Donald Neal
SFC Donald Neal
9 y
Thank you. I know I'm on my fourth position/third employer since I left the military. Great reminder.
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MAJ David Wallace
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Tell them to remain flexible and receptive to any job opportunities they may come across. Remember that as painful as it is, they're the new kid on the block and starting at the bottom in a new industry. Pay and benefits may not necessarily meet your expectations. I left active duty, had a promising security management position lined up and the company went bankrupt two weeks before my start date. I ended up delivering Domino's pizza, picking up a paper route, and starting my own small business for a year and a half. Times were tough, but it was a good learning experience. Learned to appreciate small business owners and the invisible people around me because I had become invisible. Be bold and courageous, but also humble and adaptive.
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SFC Donald Neal
SFC Donald Neal
9 y
Thank you. I know my journey wasn't as scripted as I envisioned when I retired. A couple false starts and a job that dead ended with two reductions to GS-5. All for the better, because I needed that kick in the butt to finish school and create better opportunities for myself.
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SFC Donald Neal
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I had an event come up that required me to reschedule, but I am locked in for the same review panel, but on the 29th of April.
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