Less than 90 days before transition; any advice?

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 17:53:04 -0500

So I am officially on the less than 90 days list. I feel like I am starting to panic. This will be the first time since I was born that I have not been around the military in some way. I am looking forward to some of the changes but mostly I am nervous about not being military. There is so much information being tossed at me right now that I cant soak it all in. It is overwhelming. Everyone I know who has gotten out hates it. I could really use some success stories or at least hear from someone who is happy with their transition.

EDIT: So my final day was Jan 20th, 2015. I am still having a hard time and feel like something is missing. Things are looking up. I have enrolled in school and started the job search as some of you advised me to do. I am looking forward to having something to do. Thank you for the encouraging advice.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 5:55 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 17:55:27 -0500

Could your post-military life include a possible job around the military? I retired, but I continued to work for the Army as a civilian, and I highly recommend it, if you can get a job that you like. You stay somewhat connected, but you're "freer" as an Army civilian.

Plus, staying with RallyPoint will keep you connected!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 6:38 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 18:38:27 -0500

It might be true that you've spent the greater portion of your life in / around the military - but you will find that NOT having to report for duty a nice change of pace. Also, not having to deal with the myriad of seemingly minor but somehow urgent details that in the long run mean absolutely nothing (i.e. make-work) will be a sure-fired pleasure.

Additionally, you will no longer be pigeon-holed into a specific job. You are now free to test the waters on any number of jobs, skills and knowlege areas that you would never have the opportunity to while in the military. With everything the military offers you, you will find your discipline, training and attention to detail will put you well ahead in comparison to the civilians you compete with.

The freedom of choice(s) will be scary at first...during the decision making you will find that you are often overcome with the process.

Welcome to the darkside!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 6 at 2014 4:06 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 16:06:24 -0500

Short! The transition is many things to many people. Some are glad to be "free" and some are in a state of mourning that can last for........a while. That was the reason I fell in love with RallyPoint. Everything that you will feel has been felt before by those who proceded you. Remember that you are always family and that we are all hereforeach other. Camaraderie is a big hit for many of us to take on the chin. Unless you are a first responder or find a close knit job with other veterans, it may be lacking in the civilian sector. A lot of us try to land DOD jobs to stay connected to the life. They say that "Time heals all wounds." Give it time.

Response by SSG Ralph Innes made Nov 6 at 2014 5:01 PM

SSG Ralph Innes — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:01:26 -0500

From my experience, here is what I saw. I went from jumping out of planes and firing howitzers to going to college. I ended up going right on through to law school and have been in private practice for 12 years. Someone not standing in my shoes might as how I could possibly complain. Well, to anyone that has worn the uniform, we have all bitched about something; pt, cq, 0200 piss tests, deployments, etc. You will find that isn't what you miss about the military. What you will miss is being with your fellow soldiers during those times of mental and physical hardships. You won't miss being tired, wet, cold, and hungry, but you will sure miss being with your buddies being cold, wet, tired, and hungry.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 9:01 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:01:51 -0500

If you want to work in healthcare, get a degree in nursing, and get a nursing license. Being a medic in the Army, unfortunately, you won't qualify for much in the civilian world. Consider a radiation therapy career, a 2 year degree will make you qualified, and you can earn good money without being in the corporate world.

Response by Elizabeth Malkin made Nov 7 at 2014 12:24 PM

Elizabeth Malkin — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:24:00 -0500

SGT Alicia Brenneis check out this latest success story that MSG Sommer Brown shared with the community. https://www.rallypoint.com/categories/employment-transition/answers/rallypoint-s-ability-to-create-job-networking-success-story

RP has some great resources and companies that we work with as well as top civilian recruiters that the RP team would be happy to connect you with to help you in your transition. Don't forget to check out our Career Corner and see what is there as a first step, we have over 10,000 jobs! https://www.rallypoint.com/careers/civilian

RallyPoint's ability to create job networking. Success Story! | RallyPoint

I was looking for a job for a considerable amount of time. Another Soldier told me about RallyPoint and I thought what the heck I will sign up. I created my account and had barely finished posting my resume and profile when [~203129:Joseph Wong] contacted me. He works as the recruiting director for the talent acquisition team at Time Warner Cable. My first thoughts are and words to Joe were I am not a sales person, no way no how can I sell...

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Nov 7 at 2014 3:51 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 15:51:33 -0500

Well SGT Alicia Brenneis Don't be nervous. These are exciting times. I just held my official retirement ceremony today. I'm excited about starting a new phase of life and found what I enjoy. You will do great no matter what you do !!!

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Nov 7 at 2014 5:38 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:38:27 -0500

It's all about the attitude. I'm not going to tell you it's an easy thing to transition from military to civilian life, but it can be an exciting and positive experience (it's up to you!). I wish you the best in starting the next chapter in tour life!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 6:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 06:21:16 -0500

Good luck. Its not guaranteed out there but you will get back what you put in!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 4 at 2015 10:50 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:50:54 -0500

Terminal leave yet?

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Feb 4 at 2015 11:03 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:03:58 -0500

Culture Shock take two... Seriously though, you can do it. You are a successful soldier, and all the attributes that helped you be successful in the military aren't turned in to supply when you check out. So you take a lot of experience with you wherever you go.

If possible, take some time for yourself once out. Only you know what is best for you. it is an adjustment when entering into civilian life and it can be overwhelming, but it is also exciting.

The main thing, is to be open minded, especially in the civilian workforce. From what I have heard from those who spent their lives serving, the workplace is a huge adjustment.

Good luck to you.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 5 at 2015 12:22 AM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:22:24 -0500

You have spent your whole life in or around the military, now it is time for you to write the chapter about your life with you as the star. Set the bar high and make your mark on the world. If you get stuck, there is always a Vet Center, that is there to help you out. Don't dwell on the unknown, make plans for the known! Good luck you!

Oh, by the way, I am right behind you...

Response by SSG Corry Struve made Feb 5 at 2015 12:49 AM

SSG Corry Struve — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:49:45 -0500

It is a hard transition, myself and a few of my buddies were about to ETS and at the last minute decided to join the National Guard during our ACAP. Your a part time soldier for one weekend a month and two weeks of Annual Training each year. It has been a lot of fun and met a lot of great people. The national guard offers tuition assistance which I am currently using to get my bachelors degree. You will still have your GI Bill and I believe post 911. Being in the guard also led to my current job as a federal technician. Your military affiliated and working on different units equipment. There are a lot of great resources out there, USAJOBS is a great place to look for government jobs. Start scanning now for different job sites and even schools you may want to go to. Always have a backup plan!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 2:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 02:33:41 -0500

Stay Strong and Positive SGT Alicia Brenneis, it may be slow going at first but you can do it and be successful.

I have had a break in service right before the War started. I came back in because of the War and decided to retire.

Eventually you will find your niche and do well. Just have Faith in yourself to succeed!

Good Luck!

Response by Sgt Stephen Browning made Feb 25 at 2015 1:41 PM

Sgt Stephen Browning — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 13:41:50 -0500

don't let it overwhelm you. Just remember how it was before basic.You didn't know what to expect exactly, but you rose up and faced the challenges head on! Just know that there is a large group of military members who stand with you.
Put together a strong resume that shines a light on leadership skills n attention to detail.Many companies are looking for the skills you possess .

Response by PO2 Todd Voge made Feb 25 at 2015 1:46 PM

PO2 Todd Voge — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 13:46:19 -0500

I was in for 6 years and the transition was horrible for me. I went on Terminal Leave Dec 26 of 1991 and was discharged February 2, 1992. I did what many here are recommending. I started school (graduated with my BA in just over 5 years while working full time), went job hunting (that was painful - not a lot of jobs at the time and those that were there I had no college degree so lost out) and finally found myself as part of a community when I finally got a job.

Just keep your head and keep bettering yourself. Show what a leader you are and what you can be. You'll get through it.

Good Luck Alicia.

Response by Sgt Frank Gustafson made Feb 25 at 2015 1:48 PM

Sgt Frank Gustafson — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 13:48:12 -0500

Sgt Brenneis, I have 49 bits of advice here from those who have "been there and done that" @ http://leadlikeamarine.com Hope you can find something useful here. Let me know. - Frank

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 10:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 22:14:12 -0500

Join the Reserve and have the best of both worlds.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 7 at 2016 5:42 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:42:37 -0400

Soldiers need to be given proper information regarding their reentry into society. Not just the fluff and feel good stuff but the truth. It is hard. It is different! They need to be prepared.

Response by TSgt Alex Benningfield made Jun 7 at 2016 5:43 PM

TSgt Alex Benningfield — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:43:21 -0400

Great idea to make it easier. I believe however, that the difficulty level of transitioning is in proportion to how well the SM prepares. Did they utilize the tools, classes and events their service already is offering? I do notice, already with my service, there is a greater focus on resumes compared to networking, interviewing etc. Yes resumes are vital but the purpose is not to get you the job. A resume serves to get you the interview. I would focus on where to find jobs, other than mass job boards such as indeed or monster. Additionally offer classes that provide tangible skills such as MS certifcation. Just my two cents.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 7 at 2016 5:45 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:45:12 -0400

By having a high paying job waiting for me. Surprise! You have to work for everything you get, all over again. If you are successful in the military, you will, in all probability do so after military retirement.

Response by SFC Michael Woody made Jun 7 at 2016 5:51 PM

SFC Michael Woody — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:51:25 -0400

We are preparing online courses and training sessions taught by transitioned Veterans. We also provide a professional assessment to provide Veterans with an idea of how to leverage strengths to a matching career and training.