Strategies for managing transition

SGT Aaron Dumbrow — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 23:24:22 -0500

While this is generally a military blog, much of what we write here is applicable far beyond military service, or even veterans issues. In this case, this is focused on military veterans transitioning to civilian life, the same principals apply for anyone making a career change, or wanting to improve themselves. Having simple strategies for preparing and moving through a transition will make you more successful, after all you wouldn’t start a road trip without a map.

Know your resources

If G.I. Joe Saturday morning cartoons taught us anything, it is that “knowing is half the battle”. Knowing where to go for help is incredibly important. At no time in history have we been this connected. An early idea for the internet was to bring us together, to bring the world's information to the masses. There is really no reason for not having access to information, we just need to know where to go.

Personally I find resources through asking other people. When I meet someone I admire, I try to ask for their recommended books. I always look for new podcasts and blogs in areas I am interested in, and I am always finding new ways to adapt to the changing environment we live in. Finding other people with similar interests is helpful as well, remembering everyone has something to teach me, asking questions, and being humble enough to know that I have much to learn.

Always be learning

Socrates said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Learning extends far beyond the classroom into all aspects of our lives. Charlie “Tremendous” Jones gave this gem, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” Think about it, what is the last non-fiction book you read. What ideas could you be working on to bring to the world by learning something and sharing that with someone else?

I love reading, especially when I can find an audio book. I enjoy fantasy science fiction novels, spy novels, but I equally love any book I can find on leadership and business. I am curious, and I try to take these lessons with me to my professional and personal life. When I am not reading or listening to a book I try to find a podcast on leadership to listen to while I drive, or use an online learning program that I can leverage to gain new skills, even if it is just to have a conversation with someone new about a topic they are interested in.

Network like your future depends on it

With the advent of social networking, the way we meet people and network has changed more than we often realize. Getting your name online, getting your brand out there becomes more important than ever. All too often we are afraid of identity theft, or operational security, so we want to hide who we are online. Author Melanie Pinola points out, “A huge number of jobs that are filled are never advertised to the public, or if they are, they’re filled by people who have a connection to the employer.” You are most likely to get a job through people you know, not a well written resume. We need to move past the fear and remember what we are embarking on a new phase of life, not being reckless, but putting ourselves out there to people and groups willing to help.

When I was leaving the Army in 2003, the Transition Assistance Program was basically no help. It was a few days of resume writing, and a few job fairs. I walked around, and of course the DOD contractors and the federal law enforcement agencies were interested, but no one told us about networking, or about how to talk to a recruiter, the last time I had done that I ended in basic training. The lessons I learned over the next decade lead me to my current job, which has many of the same core values we had in the military, but why did it take me so long? If I had understood how important friendships and relationships can be to the hiring process I might have been far more successful.

I write this with the hope that it inspires you to think. Consider what you are doing, consider those around you and how you can be of assistance to them in their transition. I personally feel that my life is always in a state of transition, I always look to acquire new skills, I am always curious. As always, if you are transitioning, or just want to get more involved reach out to me, or others in your network. In the immortal words of Ben Franklin, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Feb 15 at 2016 11:28 PM

SSgt Robert Marx — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 23:28:23 -0500

I would add to always keep your eye on the prize. Leave the service and other life events with a picture in your mind on what your goals are for life. We each need to have a written summary of our top three to five goals and even a projected time line. We all need to dream and we need to have it written down. If it is not written down, it never happened!

Response by CPO Tim Dickey made Feb 15 at 2016 11:29 PM

CPO Tim Dickey — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 23:29:39 -0500

SGT Aaron Dumbrow, don't forget to write your plan on paper and stick to the plan!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 11:40 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 23:40:08 -0500

Before transition, give serious thought and study to what you want to do with the rest of your life. The goal is to find your dream job, but before you do, research the position to make sure that you meet the educational and skill requirements.

Join LinkedIn, and then join the LinkedIn group, "Veteran Mentor Network." This group has people dedicated to helping you succeed.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 11:55 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 23:55:32 -0500

Thanks for sharing beyond the standard boiler plate transition plan. I was part of a huge layoff last week and as much as you prepare, it's invaluable to have this information when you need it!

Response by Vikki Nicometo made Feb 16 at 2016 11:32 AM

Vikki Nicometo — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 11:32:29 -0500

Bravo! You can't see it, but I'm giving you a standing ovation. :)
This is spot on. In the week or so that I've been pretty active here, I've seen over and over that when it comes to transitioning to a civilian career, many service members are going at this in this in a way that is not terribly effective. I see a lot of jumping into the tactical stuff of resume writing and applying blindly to jobs. But not much being done to get clear on what kind of civilian career they want. It's the old cart before the horse thing.
Think about this from the perspective of a mission - someone higher up creates a strategy and plan. Then the plan is handed down for execution. And maybe that's the problem - they haven't had the experience of creating a strategy first. Tell me where I'm wrong.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 16 at 2016 12:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:39:53 -0500

Sometimes I use a decision matrix to prioritize variables and COAs, and divide truth from assumptions.