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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 >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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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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