1SG Christopher Turk 48641 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div> Transitioning out of the military can be very stressful. How did you deal with it? What did you do for employment? Share your experience! 2014-02-01T12:13:52-05:00 1SG Christopher Turk 48641 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div> Transitioning out of the military can be very stressful. How did you deal with it? What did you do for employment? Share your experience! 2014-02-01T12:13:52-05:00 2014-02-01T12:13:52-05:00 SSG Lisa Rendina 48722 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead!  Don't make a rash decision, look at all factors when seeking and accepting employment offers, be flexible. Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Feb 1 at 2014 3:07 PM 2014-02-01T15:07:55-05:00 2014-02-01T15:07:55-05:00 1SG Christopher Turk 48935 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>     I prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. I did the best I could in the six months I had to transition from being a Soldier to being a civilian. Even though I got to go to ACAP, I still placed my unit before myself, and ACAP was rushed. Take time for yourself, the best you can. Although, because I am a retiree, I have ACAP services for life. <div>     Job hunting was fast and furious. I tried multiple career fields but the job market was tough. I worked on my JROTC certification in hopes to land a position teaching and mentoring High School kids. That is what I wanted to do. I loved the training and mentorship aspect of being an NCO. I wanted to still make a difference, and mentoring young kids was what I thought would be best. I worked on my resume as well as my elevator speech and attended numerous job fairs to network. DRESS FOR SUCCESS! I wore my class As to the job fairs and any follow on meetings I wore a suit. I believe that not only got me noticed but recruiters and others remembered me. </div><div><br></div><div>     Simultaneously I applied for multiple positions with many companies for logistics and maintenance management. I also applied as a AIT/NCOES/OES instructor for my MOS. This proved difficult because of the federal hiring freeze, but I was hopeful since I was a Drill Sergeant, Service School instructor, and worked in TRADOC training Quality Assurance, but none of that mattered. I had a few offers for positions but they were less than optimal because of location, pay or other things. Luckily I had the flexibility to do what I needed to do, even if it was just short term. I did get the job that I targeted in the general area that I wanted to be in. I believe my humility, my resume, and assertiveness were a huge factor in getting the position I wanted. Seeking the hard positions in the military paid off for me as a civilian. I was also very fortunate.  </div><div><div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div>     I never really went to sick call while on active duty. Like many others, I sucked it up and drove on. So I really don't have any disability, but I did turn my records in and the VA is in the process of evaluating them. I did not do the Benefits Before Discharge (BBD) because I was not staying in the area that I was transitioning, so I waited until I retired. However, when I went to turn in my records the representative told me that as long as its within a year of retirement the claim is considered BBD. I am told BBD makes a difference in the amount of time that it takes to process a disability claim. I am still waiting on the answer, but I do not think there will be much, if anything. </div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div>     Eight months down the road, transition has been difficult. I guess the worst thing is that I miss the camaraderie, excitement, and structure of being a Soldier/Paratrooper. I also miss the unconditional faithfulness and support of my brothers and sisters in arms. Always being there for me and my family regardless of the situation. We do not get that luxury in the civilian world, or at least I have not experienced yet. However I do like my job as a JROTC instructor. I still get to work with Soldiers/Sailors?Airmen/and Marines as well as make a difference in the community. The family and I are about to buy our after the Army house and settle down. We are very excited about what's to come and life is pretty good. </div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div>    More to follow. I know I forgot some things, and their will be some updates and changes. Good luck to you all that are about to embark on the transition journey. It is a wild and emotional ride. </div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div><br></div><br /></div></div> Response by 1SG Christopher Turk made Feb 1 at 2014 6:56 PM 2014-02-01T18:56:30-05:00 2014-02-01T18:56:30-05:00 SFC Gary (Bigsarge) Portier USARMY RET. 86429 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I am right there right now. I have no plan because I was promised my Job for another 8 years at 60.</p><p><br></p><p>I am a Miltech, PEB retires me 03 Apr 14, Job Fires me 06 Apr 14 for the disabilities the PEB retired me for. </p><p><br></p><p>VA Denies all claims the PEB Granted me. </p><p><br></p><p>Got hurt while on duty can't get the bills paid my need a second surgery.</p><p><br></p><p>Needed 2 BA's for 30 good years and to clear the unit, Requested RST CO Denied them.  </p><p><br></p><p>I am leaving with nothing and clearing Unit after retirement date. </p><p><br></p><p>It sure is Stressful. <br></p> Response by SFC Gary (Bigsarge) Portier USARMY RET. made Mar 27 at 2014 8:53 AM 2014-03-27T08:53:48-04:00 2014-03-27T08:53:48-04:00 LTC Chad Storlie 103571 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>A new post by me on the value of military skills for business:</p><p> </p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.everyveteranhired.com/2014/04/16/3-military-leadership-skills-will-make-invaluable-civilian-boss/">http://www.everyveteranhired.com/2014/04/16/3-military-leadership-skills-will-make-invaluable-civilian-boss/</a></p><p> </p><div class="pta-link-card"><br /><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.everyveteranhired.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Soldier-Driving-Simulation.jpg"></div><br /><div class="pta-link-card-content"><br /><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://www.everyveteranhired.com/2014/04/16/3-military-leadership-skills-will-make-invaluable-civilian-boss/" target="_blank">These 3 Military Leadership Skills Will Make You Invaluable to Your Civilian Boss</a></div><br /><div class="pta-link-card-description">As you move out of the military and into civilian work, bring your leadership skills with you. Your new boss will thank you.</div><br /></div><br /><div style="clear:both;"></div><br /><div class="pta-box-hide"></div><br /></div> Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Apr 16 at 2014 9:31 AM 2014-04-16T09:31:25-04:00 2014-04-16T09:31:25-04:00 1LT Richard C. 632373 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I never left...from one government job to the next..just a change in uniform. Response by 1LT Richard C. made Apr 30 at 2015 4:40 PM 2015-04-30T16:40:53-04:00 2015-04-30T16:40:53-04:00 2014-02-01T12:13:52-05:00