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Unfortunately, there is a chance my dreams of a 20+ year career in the navy may be cut short due to medical.
Right now, nothing is certain. But I figured it would be best to be ahead of the game, so if I do have to separate I can do so successfully.
So, my question to those who have made the switch back to military life (particularly at a young age or due to medical reasons), what made you successful? What resources or groups are out there to help? How did you come to grips with your dream job no longer being part of your future?
Thanks in advance.
Edit -
Follow up question: How do you figure out what you want to do with your life? At this point, the most daunting part of this is the fact that I have no idea what I want to do with my life.
I'm trying really hard not to get sucked into the bitter/unproductive thoughts about how what I *want* to do is be a Sailor.
I hope to be able to continue to work with other veterans, but I'm not sure what that would entail.
Right now, nothing is certain. But I figured it would be best to be ahead of the game, so if I do have to separate I can do so successfully.
So, my question to those who have made the switch back to military life (particularly at a young age or due to medical reasons), what made you successful? What resources or groups are out there to help? How did you come to grips with your dream job no longer being part of your future?
Thanks in advance.
Edit -
Follow up question: How do you figure out what you want to do with your life? At this point, the most daunting part of this is the fact that I have no idea what I want to do with my life.
I'm trying really hard not to get sucked into the bitter/unproductive thoughts about how what I *want* to do is be a Sailor.
I hope to be able to continue to work with other veterans, but I'm not sure what that would entail.
Medical
Transition
Civilians
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 13
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ENS Kellogg,
In a lot of ways, you are in a fairly good position to hit up the civilian market now. You are about 3 years out of college, have held two jobs - both highly responsible for your age - for about a year each, with the same employer. You have management and leadership skills that will FAR outpace those of your civilian "peers."
I don't say that as a platitude. I put the word "peers" in quotes for a reason. You really are going to have a big "recent college grad, looking for a job" cohort, but very few peers. Quite simply, at your age, the average job seeker has NOT had the leadership and management training that you have. They have NOT had positions where they had a high degree of responsibility/accountability. Not because they suck, but because the civilian employment structures rarely (not never, but rarely) give junior employees that much authority. Your actual experience will make you stand out. While we make fun of 2LTs/ENS/O1's (a habit I will happily continue ;-) ), the fact is that they simply don't have civilian peers.
Ironically, the further along your military career you are, the less the above is true. As a 45 year old O4/O5, you would find yourself competing against seasoned professionals who have a 20+ year increasingly responsible career in [whatever]. There will be people in that age cohort that are aimless, but they wouldn't be your competition.... At which point, you find out that you don't have directly relevant experience and have to start again at the bottom of the food chain and work your way up again. [Not sour grapes on my part. I've always been a "traditional reservist." But it is a pattern I see and hear over and over again.] They can generally do so at lightning speed, but it's a big hit to the ego out of the gate.
Enough rambling. Here comes the constructive part:
1. Decide what you want to do and where you want to do it. Depending on your answers will drive your search strategy and expectations. If you want to do something in PR/communications/branding, you probably are in good stead. I don't think Surface Warfare or Anti-Sumarine experience will help you, unless you are looking at DA civilian/contracting gigs with the Navy. If you want to do something other that PR/related, you will have to accept the possibility that you will need to start at the ground floor, entry-level management level.
2. Read "What Color is Your Parachute?" Do what it says. No, actually do it. (No I don't get kickbacks!)
3. Resume. A few things here:
A. Civilianize (discussed in other post)
B. Customize. You will not have ONE resume. You want one that is tailored to the SPECIFIC job you want. It will really stand out. I suggest you do this by creating a "career management document". This is an infinite-length resume-like document that you update quarterly, or more frequently. It lists EVERYTHING you have ever done in the history of ever. When you decide to apply for a particular job, you read the announcement carefully and then "build" a resume via copy & paste, and add a few finishing touches. If you do the CMD right, including formatting, you can get this down to a few minutes per resume. As a hiring manager, when I get a resume where everything is directly relevant, it floats to the top of the pile. The same goes for cover letters, though 90% of those can be pure boilerplate.
C. Use a JOB TITLE - Responsibilities - Accomplishments format. Responsibilities is a 1-3 sentence prose description of what the JOB (and anyone in it!) does - it sets the level of position in the reader's mind. Accomplishments are 1-2 sentence bullets that list the spiffy things that YOU did. Accomplishments are the "so what."
D. Please, for the love of all that is holy and good, write the resume to be human readable. MOST employers do NOT use "resume scanning software." Those that DO use it, still pass the computerized matches to a HUMAN to read. If reading the resume frustrates me, if floats to the bottom of the pile, or gets moved to its own special file.
4. Be a sniper, not a machine-gunner. Research positions you want and apply for them. Research means know about the position, the employer, the market, and the team & hiring manager if possible. This makes it sound like a lot of research/work per application, and it is. But you are looking at what you will spend the majority of your waking hours doing for at least the next several years. You are worth the work.
As a hiring manager, the worst things I see are:
- Crappy resumes that I can't easily read. Formatting, spelling/grammar, specialized terminology, etc.
- Cover letters that aren't specific to my position. And are often obviously retreads of the last one - often with details of that other position still there.
- People who show to the interview that obviously aren't familiar with the POSTED job announcement/requirements/expectations or the employer.
- People that presume that they are "entitled" and the interview is just a formality.
- People who focus on what's in it for them, and not what they can bring to the organization. (I hire because I have a need, not because I'm nice.)
Don't be those people, and you'll do great.
As far as not being able to have your dream job, I can only say that there are many paths to fulfillment. Take what was good about this one road and carry it to the next.
In a lot of ways, you are in a fairly good position to hit up the civilian market now. You are about 3 years out of college, have held two jobs - both highly responsible for your age - for about a year each, with the same employer. You have management and leadership skills that will FAR outpace those of your civilian "peers."
I don't say that as a platitude. I put the word "peers" in quotes for a reason. You really are going to have a big "recent college grad, looking for a job" cohort, but very few peers. Quite simply, at your age, the average job seeker has NOT had the leadership and management training that you have. They have NOT had positions where they had a high degree of responsibility/accountability. Not because they suck, but because the civilian employment structures rarely (not never, but rarely) give junior employees that much authority. Your actual experience will make you stand out. While we make fun of 2LTs/ENS/O1's (a habit I will happily continue ;-) ), the fact is that they simply don't have civilian peers.
Ironically, the further along your military career you are, the less the above is true. As a 45 year old O4/O5, you would find yourself competing against seasoned professionals who have a 20+ year increasingly responsible career in [whatever]. There will be people in that age cohort that are aimless, but they wouldn't be your competition.... At which point, you find out that you don't have directly relevant experience and have to start again at the bottom of the food chain and work your way up again. [Not sour grapes on my part. I've always been a "traditional reservist." But it is a pattern I see and hear over and over again.] They can generally do so at lightning speed, but it's a big hit to the ego out of the gate.
Enough rambling. Here comes the constructive part:
1. Decide what you want to do and where you want to do it. Depending on your answers will drive your search strategy and expectations. If you want to do something in PR/communications/branding, you probably are in good stead. I don't think Surface Warfare or Anti-Sumarine experience will help you, unless you are looking at DA civilian/contracting gigs with the Navy. If you want to do something other that PR/related, you will have to accept the possibility that you will need to start at the ground floor, entry-level management level.
2. Read "What Color is Your Parachute?" Do what it says. No, actually do it. (No I don't get kickbacks!)
3. Resume. A few things here:
A. Civilianize (discussed in other post)
B. Customize. You will not have ONE resume. You want one that is tailored to the SPECIFIC job you want. It will really stand out. I suggest you do this by creating a "career management document". This is an infinite-length resume-like document that you update quarterly, or more frequently. It lists EVERYTHING you have ever done in the history of ever. When you decide to apply for a particular job, you read the announcement carefully and then "build" a resume via copy & paste, and add a few finishing touches. If you do the CMD right, including formatting, you can get this down to a few minutes per resume. As a hiring manager, when I get a resume where everything is directly relevant, it floats to the top of the pile. The same goes for cover letters, though 90% of those can be pure boilerplate.
C. Use a JOB TITLE - Responsibilities - Accomplishments format. Responsibilities is a 1-3 sentence prose description of what the JOB (and anyone in it!) does - it sets the level of position in the reader's mind. Accomplishments are 1-2 sentence bullets that list the spiffy things that YOU did. Accomplishments are the "so what."
D. Please, for the love of all that is holy and good, write the resume to be human readable. MOST employers do NOT use "resume scanning software." Those that DO use it, still pass the computerized matches to a HUMAN to read. If reading the resume frustrates me, if floats to the bottom of the pile, or gets moved to its own special file.
4. Be a sniper, not a machine-gunner. Research positions you want and apply for them. Research means know about the position, the employer, the market, and the team & hiring manager if possible. This makes it sound like a lot of research/work per application, and it is. But you are looking at what you will spend the majority of your waking hours doing for at least the next several years. You are worth the work.
As a hiring manager, the worst things I see are:
- Crappy resumes that I can't easily read. Formatting, spelling/grammar, specialized terminology, etc.
- Cover letters that aren't specific to my position. And are often obviously retreads of the last one - often with details of that other position still there.
- People who show to the interview that obviously aren't familiar with the POSTED job announcement/requirements/expectations or the employer.
- People that presume that they are "entitled" and the interview is just a formality.
- People who focus on what's in it for them, and not what they can bring to the organization. (I hire because I have a need, not because I'm nice.)
Don't be those people, and you'll do great.
As far as not being able to have your dream job, I can only say that there are many paths to fulfillment. Take what was good about this one road and carry it to the next.
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Ma'am, I wish you the best. CPT Riley mentioned Maj. Burns thread and I thought I'd share the link. Great resources here and it continues to grow.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/resources-for-veterans-service-members
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/resources-for-veterans-service-members
Best resources for Veterans & Service Members | RallyPoint
Without a doubt, there are truly some great resources available to active and Reserve component personnel and veterans. Of course, if folks don't know that they're out there, members and their families couldn't possibly benefit from some of these amazing offers and services. So, the idea here is to share those helpful tidbits of information, tips, links, lessons learned, processes, resources, wisdom and/or POCs to help members find the...
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You posed a difficult question and there are no easy answers. Many of your answers are going to be unique to you, but from a general position you're taking the first positive steps to be proactive.
Planning ahead has it's virtues ... so keep your head up. For starters, Maj. Burns started a thread 'Resources for Veterans & Service Members' that contains a myriad of different resources to look over. This should give you at least a head start and give you some ideas to look into. When the time comes you have to make a decision one way or the other, your chain of command should have information and resources at their disposal they can point you towards.
My best advice - keep your focus and positive attitude. As your situation unfolds, look at your options - weigh them - then use your resources to make the best decision for you. You will be able to find plenty of personal support from the members here. Good luck in your endeavor.
Planning ahead has it's virtues ... so keep your head up. For starters, Maj. Burns started a thread 'Resources for Veterans & Service Members' that contains a myriad of different resources to look over. This should give you at least a head start and give you some ideas to look into. When the time comes you have to make a decision one way or the other, your chain of command should have information and resources at their disposal they can point you towards.
My best advice - keep your focus and positive attitude. As your situation unfolds, look at your options - weigh them - then use your resources to make the best decision for you. You will be able to find plenty of personal support from the members here. Good luck in your endeavor.
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CPT Richard Riley
I hope you've managed to find some of what you need in order to begin your journey. Take a deep breath and use the tools available to you. I'm confident you'll make the best decision for you.
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You need to be focused and determine what you would like to pursue. One of the biggest problems I see with veterans is we a good at everything and when asked, "What are you looking for?" (job) the answer, "Anything", "I just want a job". Unfortunately less than 1% of the population has served in the military so they don't understand can do attitude or take care of the mission mindset. However what they perceive is you just want a job to collect a paycheck or to sit at a desk and do nothing.
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ENS Kellog I am in the process of transitioning after 20 years of service. I know that Army has ACAP (Army Career and Alumni Program), I am not sure what they call it in the Navy. But I found a lot of great resources there, the counselors where extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Also if and when you have to make the transition, reach out to local veterans groups. They also normally have a resource center that will be able to mentor you through the transition period.
But barring all of that, hopefully your situation will turn out for the best and you will be allowed to continue on in your career. Here is to wishing you good fortune.
Also if and when you have to make the transition, reach out to local veterans groups. They also normally have a resource center that will be able to mentor you through the transition period.
But barring all of that, hopefully your situation will turn out for the best and you will be allowed to continue on in your career. Here is to wishing you good fortune.
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Work on networking. Social media is good, however there is nothing like face to face networking and majority of the time (85%) you find employment through a contact.
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ENS Kellog,
The link below is a resource of information if you are not familiar with the quagmire of PEB/MEB. I use it quite extensively as a resource and they do have a facebook page.
It sounds like their may be a medical retirement or medical separation on the horizon and this can take some time. I would hope a med retirement for you but not always the case as there's so many hoops to jump through.
As for resources, take full advantage of the Transition GPS. You may here about making a LinkedIn account, for networking and of course here on RP, you have a plethora of knowledge and resources to guide you.
Please make sure get copies of all your OMPF, medical and dental records prior to your separation. Never give VA your one and only copy. If you are going thru the med board process, then you've been entered on IDES to handle your case case management between you and your doctors. The VA can see this system, and when it comes to applying for disability compensation & pension evaluation, the VA will use this info already entered there. Just be prepared in case they ask for paper copies. Also you can request a DVD copy of your x-rays to include dental xrays, I'm sure if you ask nicely there shouldn't be an issue.
Good luck in your endeavors.
The link below is a resource of information if you are not familiar with the quagmire of PEB/MEB. I use it quite extensively as a resource and they do have a facebook page.
It sounds like their may be a medical retirement or medical separation on the horizon and this can take some time. I would hope a med retirement for you but not always the case as there's so many hoops to jump through.
As for resources, take full advantage of the Transition GPS. You may here about making a LinkedIn account, for networking and of course here on RP, you have a plethora of knowledge and resources to guide you.
Please make sure get copies of all your OMPF, medical and dental records prior to your separation. Never give VA your one and only copy. If you are going thru the med board process, then you've been entered on IDES to handle your case case management between you and your doctors. The VA can see this system, and when it comes to applying for disability compensation & pension evaluation, the VA will use this info already entered there. Just be prepared in case they ask for paper copies. Also you can request a DVD copy of your x-rays to include dental xrays, I'm sure if you ask nicely there shouldn't be an issue.
Good luck in your endeavors.
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LT Jessica Kellogg
Thank you for the information.
Do you know, since most of my medical records are electronic, is it easiest to just ask the hospital for a copy?
Do you know, since most of my medical records are electronic, is it easiest to just ask the hospital for a copy?
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SSG (Join to see)
Physical Evaluation Board Forum
A resource for Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), Medical Evaluation Board (MEB), Board for Correction of Military Records, Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR), and Wounded Warrior issues.
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All great comments in addition I would start if you haven't is a LinkedIn account, I just start my account however I have 2 1/2 year left before I take off the uniform, but is has a ennourmous amount of information, and networking is great.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Yes 1SG, great way of networking. Having the military background listed in your skill set will catch the right eyes and there are plenty of former military folks out there to link in with.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
I second the advice regarding LinkedIn. It really is rapidly becoming THE networking resource.
I have been contacted out of the blue with job offers from people who saw my profile there. I think employers and search firms are starting to use it extensively.
I have been contacted out of the blue with job offers from people who saw my profile there. I think employers and search firms are starting to use it extensively.
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Good Morning ENS Kellogg. One piece of advice I can give you as a patient administration officer is be sure to take advantage of all of your resources. Make sure to ask questions of your PEBLO (if you are med boarded), ask questions of your VA vocational rehab liaison, if available at your hospital. The main point is don't be nervous or embarrassed to ask questions of your medical and/or VA staff. I know med boards can be frightening because of fear of unknown but the more pro-active you are, the better it works out for you in the long run. I deal with Med Boards on a daily basis but on a much smaller scale than Norfolk. If you have any questions about the process feel free to contact me or the Patient Administration Officer at your local MTF. Good Luck.
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ENS Kellogg, As CPT Riley stated there is no easy answer to the question, everyone's situation is different. That being said, PMA plays a lot in the transitioning process. I was QRBed after hitting my 20 and I was hoping to stay in a few more years. I took it hard but drove on. My situation was different in that I was NG.
I came off AD after 3 years back in 93. The first thing was making sure I had a job. In your case, after you decide where you're going to settle, start interviewing. Use your transition office to get all the help you can, especially with "civilianizing" your resume. Use your leave for interviews, settling in, etc., don't worry about cashing it in.
You've got the right attitude - you're planning ahead - keep going. Use the skills you learned in the military in the civilian world. If you have family and close friends, lean on them a bit for support. Hold on to the relationships you've made in the military, keep in touch with the friends you made, seniors and subordinates.
Hope this helps. It can be an emotional time, it was for me. Remember, they can take the SM out of the service but they can't take the service out of the SM. Best wishes to you on an easy transition and thanks for your service!
I came off AD after 3 years back in 93. The first thing was making sure I had a job. In your case, after you decide where you're going to settle, start interviewing. Use your transition office to get all the help you can, especially with "civilianizing" your resume. Use your leave for interviews, settling in, etc., don't worry about cashing it in.
You've got the right attitude - you're planning ahead - keep going. Use the skills you learned in the military in the civilian world. If you have family and close friends, lean on them a bit for support. Hold on to the relationships you've made in the military, keep in touch with the friends you made, seniors and subordinates.
Hope this helps. It can be an emotional time, it was for me. Remember, they can take the SM out of the service but they can't take the service out of the SM. Best wishes to you on an easy transition and thanks for your service!
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COL Vincent Stoneking
I'm in the process of organizing my own thoughts, but I want to stress MAJ Petrarca's comment about "civilianizing" your resume.
From sitting on the resume reading side of the table, one of the biggest mistakes I see is resumes that use field-specific language that are unintelligible to the reader. As the hiring manager, person on the interview panel, or the HR guru, if I can't understand your resume in a "single rapid reading", it's wrong. This isn't unique to military resumes, though they seem to be the worst offenders. People with other specialized terminology (Computer programmers or Project Managers) tend to be applying for positions where the hiring manager will understand it.
From sitting on the resume reading side of the table, one of the biggest mistakes I see is resumes that use field-specific language that are unintelligible to the reader. As the hiring manager, person on the interview panel, or the HR guru, if I can't understand your resume in a "single rapid reading", it's wrong. This isn't unique to military resumes, though they seem to be the worst offenders. People with other specialized terminology (Computer programmers or Project Managers) tend to be applying for positions where the hiring manager will understand it.
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Follow up question: How do you figure out what you want to do with your life? At this point, the most daunting part of this is the fact that I have no idea what I want to do with my life.
I'm trying really hard not to get sucked into the bitter/unproductive thoughts about how what I *want* to do is be a Sailor.
I hope to be able to continue to work with other veterans, but I'm not sure what that would entail.
I'm trying really hard not to get sucked into the bitter/unproductive thoughts about how what I *want* to do is be a Sailor.
I hope to be able to continue to work with other veterans, but I'm not sure what that would entail.
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SFC Rich Carey
That is a great question and that is the #1 question. You always hear do what you Love, well okay however it doesn't provide much of an income. So, then there are career assessment tests, I should be a rocket scientist but I don't like calculus.
One way to approach this is start a list. I asked myself "What did I like in past jobs? I like change a lot of that in the military, I like working with data, I enjoy being a subject matter expert, I like moving, and I enjoy event planning.
The next question I asked myself is "What did my former bosses like about me? They liked the data research, deadline driven, responsible, that I completed projects; I was good at time management, that I am organized. Then I listed what I don't like to do like, redundant tasks, dealing with customers all day, late night shifts, and so on.
Plus ask yourself about income, do you want a known amount or approximate amount (employment vs entrepreneurship) Then I noticed a theme and found some fits a few themes…Training and Development Manager, HR, Recruitment, Small Business Owner, Business Consultant, Marketing and Events Manager, Public Relations/Promotions, Director of Alumni Relations, Life Coach.
One way to approach this is start a list. I asked myself "What did I like in past jobs? I like change a lot of that in the military, I like working with data, I enjoy being a subject matter expert, I like moving, and I enjoy event planning.
The next question I asked myself is "What did my former bosses like about me? They liked the data research, deadline driven, responsible, that I completed projects; I was good at time management, that I am organized. Then I listed what I don't like to do like, redundant tasks, dealing with customers all day, late night shifts, and so on.
Plus ask yourself about income, do you want a known amount or approximate amount (employment vs entrepreneurship) Then I noticed a theme and found some fits a few themes…Training and Development Manager, HR, Recruitment, Small Business Owner, Business Consultant, Marketing and Events Manager, Public Relations/Promotions, Director of Alumni Relations, Life Coach.
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Everyone experience is different when it is time to transition from the military into the civilian force.
I hope you will continue with the military. Here are a few helpful tips:
1. You can look at the current job that you hold to determine what skills are transferrable as a civilian. For instance, do you know Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Access and or Excel? These are transferable skills for a civilian job.
2. You can look at your “evaluations” to help determine “knowledge and skills” that you might have overlooked.
3. Write down on a piece of paper the following: as a sailor, I like too… Write everything you can think of. Next, take the word “sailor” out and put the word “civilian.” What on your list can transfer into a civilian job
4. In the civilian sector, you have to remember that you may have to sweep the floor, before you manage the floor and better yet, own the company.
5. Support groups are extremely helpful. You just have to determine which one(s) is the best fit for you. You might find a huge “age” gap that might make you feel uncomfortable with joining and participating. Always be respectful even if you do not join, because the world is smaller than we think.
6. Someone mentioned VA, which I am a big advocate for VA. Yes, VA can be slow; however, the benefits are well worth it once you get into the system. You normally can put in a disability claim 6 months prior to leaving service. This is something you can check into
7. Here is VA Benefit Website: http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/
I hope this helps. Trina
I hope you will continue with the military. Here are a few helpful tips:
1. You can look at the current job that you hold to determine what skills are transferrable as a civilian. For instance, do you know Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Access and or Excel? These are transferable skills for a civilian job.
2. You can look at your “evaluations” to help determine “knowledge and skills” that you might have overlooked.
3. Write down on a piece of paper the following: as a sailor, I like too… Write everything you can think of. Next, take the word “sailor” out and put the word “civilian.” What on your list can transfer into a civilian job
4. In the civilian sector, you have to remember that you may have to sweep the floor, before you manage the floor and better yet, own the company.
5. Support groups are extremely helpful. You just have to determine which one(s) is the best fit for you. You might find a huge “age” gap that might make you feel uncomfortable with joining and participating. Always be respectful even if you do not join, because the world is smaller than we think.
6. Someone mentioned VA, which I am a big advocate for VA. Yes, VA can be slow; however, the benefits are well worth it once you get into the system. You normally can put in a disability claim 6 months prior to leaving service. This is something you can check into
7. Here is VA Benefit Website: http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/
I hope this helps. Trina
Veterans Benefits Administration Home
Veterans Benefits Administration provides financial and other forms of assistance to veterans and their dependents. This page provides links to benefit information and services
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1. What made you successful? Determination. It may take you while to find the career that you want. Take it one day at a time and NEVER GIVE UP!!
2. What resources or groups are out there to help? The VA, DAV, etc. Does the Navy have a Transition Assistance Program for sailors? If so, take it now! Learn about ALL your benefits.
3. How did you come to grips with your dream job no longer being part of your future? Look at what you can do from the civilian side that is similar to what you are doing now i.e. Government employee, contractor, etc. There are jobs out there, just have to find them. Start networking now. I noticed you have experience in Public Affairs. Look on USA jobs. I have seen them on there.
4. How do you figure out what you want to do with your life? It takes time. What would make you happy other than being a sailor?
5. I hope to be able to continue to work with other veterans, but I'm not sure what that would entail. Although the VA has a bad rap, you can help make a difference. They do hire veterans and you will work with veterans.
Before you separate from service, get copies of EVERYTHING (medical records, evaluations, etc.). Make extra copies of your medical records. You will need to submit a complete copy with your claim to the VA. The extra set of medical records is for you just in case. You can always go back to school using you GI bill and either get another degree or your masters, etc. Some employment sites are: Indeed.com, USAJobs.gov, ClearanceJobs.com, and Monster. But, remember with any contractor job, it may not be stable for long term. It depends if the contract gets approved or in some cases, they cancel the contract (which happened to me). If your able, be opened to relocation. Also, look for US jobs overseas.
Finally, do not get discouraged. This is NOT the end, just a new chapter in life. Find what else would make you happy and go for it.
2. What resources or groups are out there to help? The VA, DAV, etc. Does the Navy have a Transition Assistance Program for sailors? If so, take it now! Learn about ALL your benefits.
3. How did you come to grips with your dream job no longer being part of your future? Look at what you can do from the civilian side that is similar to what you are doing now i.e. Government employee, contractor, etc. There are jobs out there, just have to find them. Start networking now. I noticed you have experience in Public Affairs. Look on USA jobs. I have seen them on there.
4. How do you figure out what you want to do with your life? It takes time. What would make you happy other than being a sailor?
5. I hope to be able to continue to work with other veterans, but I'm not sure what that would entail. Although the VA has a bad rap, you can help make a difference. They do hire veterans and you will work with veterans.
Before you separate from service, get copies of EVERYTHING (medical records, evaluations, etc.). Make extra copies of your medical records. You will need to submit a complete copy with your claim to the VA. The extra set of medical records is for you just in case. You can always go back to school using you GI bill and either get another degree or your masters, etc. Some employment sites are: Indeed.com, USAJobs.gov, ClearanceJobs.com, and Monster. But, remember with any contractor job, it may not be stable for long term. It depends if the contract gets approved or in some cases, they cancel the contract (which happened to me). If your able, be opened to relocation. Also, look for US jobs overseas.
Finally, do not get discouraged. This is NOT the end, just a new chapter in life. Find what else would make you happy and go for it.
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