Learn Why Veterans Leave Their Jobs So You Can Find The Right One

2015-07-10T17:21:00-04:00

In 2014, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and VetAdvisor sponsored a survey for military veterans to discover their job retention success. The survey revealed three primary findings:

1. ~50% stayed in their first post-separation position 12 months or less.
2. The three employment-related issues of greatest importance to respondents were: opportunities to apply their skills and abilities; adequate benefits and pay; and meaningfulness of the work.
3. Third, respondents’ biggest obstacle to obtaining initial employment was finding opportunities that match their military training and experience.

Source: Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ and VetAdvisor’s “Veteran Job Retention Survey Summary,” page 1, released 10/01/14.

The reason this study is so vital for veteran career success is that you have to ensure your position, company, and career possess the elements that caused other veterans to leave their positions. By understanding what drives people to leave, veterans discover what can cause them to join and to remain with a company that will help them have a successful post-military career.

Here are a few pointers how to discover what makes a great company:

Veteran Company Retention Point #1 – What Are the Steps to Your Next Three Positions.

As you interview and network within a company, ask what are the steps, timing, and qualifications necessary to move into the next three possible positions within the company. If people stumble, cannot cite examples, or state that everyone within their department has been their 10+ years, then promotion may not be something to expect in 2-3 years.

Veteran Company Retention Point #2 – Talk to Other Veterans In the Company.

The military has a unique view of promotions. In the military, after we complete assigned schooling, succeed in a position, and meet the qualifications for the next position; we EXPECT to be promoted. The military concept of promotion is unique and it’s best to talk to other military veterans to see how the company is similar and dissimilar in their concepts of advancement. A veteran-to-veteran conversation is the best way to do this.

Veteran Company Retention Point #3 – Determine How to Translate Military Skills to Your New Career.

For the vast majority of veterans (I was an Infantry and a Special Forces officer), there will be little direct relationship between your assigned military duties and your future civilian career. However, there will be hundreds of highly valuable indirect points of value from planning, competitive intelligence, creating safe working conditions, leading, and conducting After Action Reviews (AAR’s) that your employer will find incredibly valuable. It is translated military experience applied to business challenges that are valuable – you have to determine how to translate and apply your military skills.

Veteran Company Retention Point #4 – What Are Company Sponsored Professional Development Opportunities.

Distinct professional development opportunities tell a lot about a company. Ask about both formal and informal opportunities to learn, develop, and share skill sets.

If your current company or future company does not have all of these opportunities for professional development or future advancement, do not despair. Realize that you will have to exercise initiative to create opportunities for your own advancement and development. Remember, on the battlefield, the enemy rarely says, “It would be great if you could attack me here – I will leave this spot undefended.” Likewise, success in your current and future career depends on your own initiative and development.

Further Research and Reading on Success & Challenges to Veteran Post-Military Careers:

1. Veteran Job Retention Survey Summary - http://vets.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/VetAdvisor%20Report(FINAL%20Single%20pages).pdf
2. Monster Veteran Talent Index (2011 – 2014) - http://www.monster.com/about/veterans-talent-index
3. Center for New American Security - Employing America's Veterans: Perspectives from Businesses - http://www.cnas.org/sites/default/files/publications-pdf/CNAS_EmployingAmericasVeterans_HarrellBerglass.pdf
4. RAND – Veteran Employment: Lessons from the 100,000 Jobs Mission - http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR800/RR836/RAND_RR836.pdf

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jul 10 at 2015 5:45 PM

2015-07-10T17:45:11-04:00

Great post. One of the things I found in transition was a lack of a purpose greater then self, and a focus on profit motive - profit at any cost to include one's ethics. The third issue was a lack of recognition of abilities - most military members accomplish more than most civilians, building confidence and self-assurance. That may not be reconginzed civilian employers which is disappointing in general. Just my humble opinion.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 10 at 2015 5:57 PM

2015-07-10T17:57:11-04:00

LTC Chad Storlie This is some very good information for military personnel getting ready to transition back into the civilian world. I believe all points presented are right on the money, especially number #3. I can't tell you how many times of have counseled individuals with combat arms backgrounds on they can convert their military skills in valuable key words that are directly related to civilian business acumen. Good post - thanks

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Jul 10 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-07-10T19:19:27-04:00

A good and valuable post. Well Done. I hope a lot of veterans read this one.

Response by SPC George Grimm made Jul 10 at 2015 7:25 PM

2015-07-10T19:25:21-04:00

I completely agree with this. Since leaving the army I have been with two companies and the one I am at is lacking most of the points made in this post.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 10 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-07-10T21:07:48-04:00

This story rings very true with me. My current job is the only one I've held for over a year since I got out. I left my other positions for a variety of reasons. I got terminated, company lost its contract so all employees got laid off, I resigned for a better position. I think I'm also a bit acclimated to doing things the military way; changing (PCS'ing) every now and again!

Plus some of these jobs just weren't a good fit for me. I probably would have left all of them even if I hadn't lost the job(s) someway or another. My last job was easy and steady, but it wasn't very challenging and it didn't pay that well. It was demanding so I kept busy but it wasn't very mentally challenging.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 10 at 2015 10:14 PM

2015-07-10T22:14:12-04:00

LTC Chad Storlie Great post and links!

Response by PO1 Mike Edgecomb made Jul 11 at 2015 7:32 AM

2015-07-11T07:32:09-04:00

Spot on! My first job after separation was 5 months. Found a job using my skill set and will soon have 36 years in same job!

Response by MSgt David Haupt made Jul 11 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-07-11T09:17:29-04:00

Good information. Were was this before. I wish I would of known about this when I worked for Amazon. O'well I figured it out and left. NEVER work for Amazon, they don't give two shits about their people.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 12:16 PM

2015-07-16T12:16:36-04:00

Outstanding post. I am currently working on my dissertation "Leadership Skills of Military Veteran Entrepreneurs: A Multiple-Case Study. I have found many of us Veterans find success as small business owners. Thanks for the references.