Retirement preparation and networking: Any insight or recommendations?

Very good pints Sir. I'm actually pretty fortunate. My current CDR (NG M-Day) works at the VA. I have been picking his brain on making sure I've got all I need for the VA(since we all know how friendly and helpful they are..)

VA is hard to negotiate... you need a smart helper/mentor. SFC (Join to see)

Congrats on reaching the next transition - I know for me it was a pretty intense time.

COL Charles Williams offers a number of great points that I'll piggy-back on a bit.

1. Expectation Management: Is it too soon to lock down a job? Probably, unless you happen to find "that" job/employer we all hear bed-time stories about. That said, the suggestions about networking are critical to execute to best position yourself for when you get closer and employers are ready to commit to a hiring decision. You can (and likely will) submit your resume to dozens and dozens of jobs - the reality is very few of these will result in anything - which is sometimes tough to stomach, but realize it just is what it is. With electronic screening, it's difficult to guess what it will take to get through to a human. Use your network to identify somebody inside the company and have them forward your resume/application as an internal referral. Many companies offer incentives to employees who refer candidates and most regard referrals more favorably: a win-win.

2. Suggest seeking current hiring managers in your network who hire for positions like that you would be seeking. Ask them for their insights on what successful applicants do to separate themselves from the pack, feedback on your resume in terms of what they look for to screen for interviews, etc (lots about this online). Basically, get them talking about themselves and their perspectives - you'll likely get some great intel. In the best of all worlds, they become your advocate and start looking for jobs since you've already separated yourself from the pack.

3. Mental Transition can be critical, depending on the industry/company you are joining. The only "right" answer here is whatever it takes to be recognized as somebody who "fits" the employer's culture. It is possible to be "too military," "too conservative," "too casual," etc, etc. Again, networking and simple observation are your guide for finding the right balance.

4. Good to hear your spouse is engaged in the process - critical for you to recognize she is transitioning with you and likely has an entirely different set of concerns, worries, challenges, etc.. I recommend dedicating an hour in bed discussing progress/activity with a glass of wine at least once a week - thank me later :)

Best of Luck!

Thanks for info Sir. Been canvasing those sites.

People retire and move into the work force two ways: find a job and move to that location, or put the pin on the map and locate a job there. Work out what is most important to your family and adjust accordingly.

Networking - Linkedin is good and all that, but I've found that it really is best done the old fashioned way. Google stalk your audience and go to where they are. Realtors are a big client base for me, so I go where they are; likewise with contractors. There are a hundred ways to skin this cat, but really, it's all about getting out there and meeting people. Toastmasters are a social public speaking group that you'd probably excel at - all of us can deliver in front of people, but we tend to make 'normal people' nervous.

Very good points. I'm moving back home to where my family is. So that part is pretty simple. I don't know about the time off part..lol. Been putting a lot of thought on handling that, and don't really know how I'm going to be able to "slow down" per say.

Consider Non-Profits. Really, it's a good gig if your not so worried about money... like if you have independent income and medical benefits.... They do pay, but it's lower end than corporate or self employment.

Non-profits have a number of unique challenges and benefits that scream for a good NCO to help with:
They have serious leadership issues - people who do this kind of thing tend not to be alphas and they lack direction and discipline. They have vision and motivation for days, but lack, you know, that intangible thing we all are well versed in, the simple will and discipline to get it done.

The operate kind of guerrilla style - low operating budgets, equipment that needs tweaking, old office furniture that needs repairing, etc. It's like falling in on equipment that the last unit left when they redeployed and scavenging a FOB for useful stuff. We excel at that stuff.

Lastly, it's very rewarding and more forgiving than other jobs and have room for advancement. You have a purpose in life and still can take time off for your kids. You can become known as that mentor guy or the dude that shows up and fixes things and still command respect. Believe me, you'll miss those things when you get out.