Retiring or getting out? Here's some critical advice...

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 11:05:20 -0400

Well, it's been two weeks since I officially retired. This is what I've learned:

1) Preparation is critical, and no matter how much you prepare, there are things that you're going to overlook or forget. Regardless, prepare as much as you can. This includes getting any training you can get, searching for a job (most of us will require a job even though we'll be drawing that retirement check!), and making sure your family knows what is going on.

Start your job search EARLY! Like, at least two-three months before you start terminal leave! Most places aren't going to hire you until you're about two weeks out from starting your leave, but you need to start this early so you can see what jobs are out there! You might want to really go into "Underwater Basket Weaving", but if you search for it and can't find any jobs in that field, you need to have a "Plan B" job in mind (and a "Plan C", "D", and "E"!)

Also, retirement from active duty, after any long period of service (I did a total of 28-1/2 years both active and guard), IS somewhat scary! Lean on your friends and family!

2) Get your resume looked at by a PROFESSIONAL! Use the free services at the ACAP center, but also, hook into a veteran's organization (for me, it was the Wounded Warrior Project). In fact, don't just get it looked at by one professional, have at least two look at it! READ what you wrote in your resume OUT LOUD - does it sound good? Have someone else read it out loud. If you read or hear something that doesn't sound the way you thought it should, circle it right then, and continue reading. Once you're done, fix anything that's circled.

TAILOR your resume to SPECIFIC JOBS - create a master resume with everything you can think of that you've ever done that might be applicable in your job search, but also, create resumes that are specific to the job you're about to apply for. Do this for each job you apply to. Use the master as your template, delete the stuff that doesn't SPECIFICALLY apply to the job you're applying to, and then save it under a new name (I used a naming scheme: IT job - Ver 1.3 for example - this way I knew it was for an IT job, and that I had the latest version I had worked on). Make SURE you get rid of any and all fluff not related to the job you are applying for - I can't stress this enough! Also scan for Military acronyms and terms that civilians won't understand (use: "organization" instead of "Unit", "BN", "Company", etc; "Personnel" instead of "Soldiers", "Sailors", etc.; "Team Lead", "Section Lead", "Manager", instead of "Detachment Sergeant' or "Platoon Sergeant", and so on!)

3) Use the job search boards and job placement services! USAJobs.gov, ClearanceJobs.com, Monster, etc. You should upload the most relevant resume to each of them. When you find a possible job, look at the job description. Make SURE your resume has the key words of THAT job description in it, then when you apply to a job you find on the boards, make sure you send the company the TAILORED resume specific for that job!

4) Don't get discouraged. IF you find yourself becoming depressed, because it's not going the way you want (and it won't!), talk to your family and friends, take another look at your resume, and tighten it up. Talk to any recruiters that contacted you back and if they rejected your application, ASK THEM why they rejected it - what stood out? They may not reply, because they are busy, but try to get them to tell you the ONE or TWO biggest things that made them say "Nope". This works best when they call you to tell you "No", but regardless, be VERY nice and professional - tell them that you're retiring from the military, and that you're having a little trouble getting your resume exactly right - most people love to be able to help others - and if they have a moment, they will tell you why your resume sucks... :)

5) once you find a job, don't stop looking right off the bat! It will take one to three weeks to get onboarded with the company. If another company makes an offer, it's ok to tell the first company "I got a better offer". In fact, you SHOULD tell them that - they may come back with a better offer!

Also, if you're in the process of onboarding, getting everything set to start working for a company, use this as your opportunity to see if there are any issues. If the boss is a jerk, or perhaps they're completely disorganized, or people seem to hate it there - you might want to reconsider and see if you can find a job elsewhere!

Remember, if you prepared right, you'll be able to search while you're on terminal leave - don't be afraid to say "Nope, this job is NOT a good fit for me!" and walk away. If you're in a real crunch, you can take the job and work there while you continue to find that perfect job!

I hope this helps anyone who is finishing up their careers in the military.

Response by SFC Robert Allen made Sep 13 at 2014 2:08 PM

SFC Robert Allen — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 14:08:55 -0400

Couldn't have said it any better myself. I retired with a plan A that fell through completely. Had to scramble for a plan B or C. Now, it's my job to help others not make those kinds of mistakes. There are still a lot that don't listen, but at least some do, and I go home each evening with that satisfaction of knowing I've been able to help someone.

Response by SFC Reed Wilkinson made Sep 15 at 2014 1:18 PM

SFC Reed Wilkinson — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:18:19 -0400

I started planning a year and a half out. One year out, I had a job lined up, with plenty of time to institute plans B - ?. I made the time to go to all the important retirement services events, but was very fortunate to have a Chain of Command who allowed me that time. I tried to pass along any and all knowledge of how the retirement system works, and went so far as to provide copies of my approved packet to help folks get through the system more easily.

Retirement is not a simple process by any means, but planning is absolutely critical to making it through with the least roadblocks possible. REW

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jul 8 at 2015 8:08 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 20:08:55 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member awesome post. This is so valuable and noteworthy. Keep in touch!

Response by TSgt Ryan Lee made Aug 25 at 2015 3:27 PM

TSgt Ryan Lee — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:27:31 -0400

Very good information, I also tell my friends and people that I know that are still Active duty this exact information. You can never prepare yourself enough! Unfortunately, there are some people that think, "I'm retiring with 20 years of service, and I have my associates degree, I can easily get a GS job back on base." Wrong. The civilian job search is crazy, I have been very fortunate so far because I "prepared." Another thing to do while you are still in, get as many certifications you can through schools; Logistics, HAZMAT, LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt & Black Belt are a big thing now a days. Always apply to multiple jobs!

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Nov 3 at 2015 11:56 PM

MSgt John Taylor — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 23:56:16 -0500

You should be actively preparing and planning for your retirement the day you considered staying in to do the 20.

Response by SSG Guthrie Cook made Aug 19 at 2016 1:13 PM

SSG Guthrie Cook — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:13:04 -0400

I would like to add something to the conversation here. Every service member that is getting ready to retire is going to have to make a decision as to whether they want the Survivor Benefits Plan(SBP) or not; a decision with long standing financial implications. I have been working with several folks getting ready to retire and have been surprised as to how many of them are not aware of other options available to them. I would encourage anyone getting ready to retire to explore all their options and determine whether SBP or another option is better for their risk management plan.

Response by SSG Dave Mack made Jan 28 at 2019 7:44 PM

SSG Dave Mack — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 19:44:15 -0500

Message me if you need help. I help Veterans and their spouses write resumes and find meaningful employment. Yes, the process is hard because most Veterans have no idea what to look for. ACAP is okay. But, even their resume writing class is not as good as it should be. What is your MOS?