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From as early as 2008 when the markets crashed, employment has been a painful topic of discussion for many Americans. This is exponentially more difficult for veterans, especially, though not singularly, those returning from service for any reason, with the additional struggle of being thrown into the workforce with everyone else.
As an aerospace professional who has been laid off in three separate instances during the economic downturn, I have come to realize that the problem is not what has been done for the unemployed, but what has not been provided.
The last layoff was the worst, when I lost a great contract job working for Space & Missile Command at LA AFB, El Segundo, CA after three and a half years of what I consider satisfactory performance. The struggle to secure professional career-level employment from my layoff until now (for the past fifty two months) has been eye-opening and sobering. It has given this author a permanent empathy and compassion for the new class of semi-forgotten citizens – the unemployed.
As a senior manager and engineer with over 20 years experience in the aerospace support field, and as student of graduate-level education in computer science and management information systems, I have always had the confidence that, if I were ever laid off, I would get right back up in the saddle because of my great education, experience, and laudable skill sets for business and technology.
Imagine my surprise in getting exactly two interviews in three years of job hunting. This was all despite having been through the preferred candidate program at Jefferson County workforce center, and having attained the much-heralded Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from Project Management Institute.
In desperation, I took a job at minimum wage for phone support. This amounted to an 84% pay cut from my previous position.
Over time, the depression set in as my wife took a job in Aurora, a 50 minute commute one-way from our home in Conifer, CO. I was no longer the primary breadwinner, and my wife was burdened in her senior years with work in order to keep our home. We have taken on tenants to survive.
I am in my second round of unemployment benefits and those benefits just ran out. We are facing bankruptcy and other debt management. I have been laid off from my minimum wage job, which couldn’t even sufficiently pay the bills anyway – it was just a temporary stop-gap.
I work at a strong spiritual program and spend my time helping others. This helps me retain my sanity, which is very much at risk because of my situation, my limited options, the blow to my self-esteem, and everything else that I have detailed.
I now belong to a great class of people with the following characteristics:
- Older, seniors of America
- Highly educated
- Highly experienced
- Highly skilled and capable of contributing hugely to the workforce and its products and services despite, and possibly because of, my age
- Unemployed or under-employed
- Depressed, afraid, angry, and at risk, even though we have exhausted all the avenues of support available to us
The VA has not been helpful in providing me with opportunities for new careers or in gaining new interviews.
I believe that there is one possible solution.
It is difficult to say whether the resources available to all unemployed persons are sufficient to get them the opportunities they need. In my case, I believe I need an advocate or sponsor to assist me in contacting the hiring managers of these positions for which I am definitely qualified. At the interview stage, I will either survive or fall on my own merit.
Many agencies at different levels in our country claim they are for veterans. If this is truly so, why have they not undertaken the initiative to help counsel advocate for our unemployed veterans?
This would be the mark of true support.
Furthermore, unemployed professionals need to bond together for common cause. I have yet to a find a group on LinkedIn or on Meet-up that truly reflects these dire needs in the community, though I'll keep looking.
Either way, the struggle has made me stronger and still more resolute in my determination to achieve employment and to assist others in striving to achieve their goals in this area.
As an aerospace professional who has been laid off in three separate instances during the economic downturn, I have come to realize that the problem is not what has been done for the unemployed, but what has not been provided.
The last layoff was the worst, when I lost a great contract job working for Space & Missile Command at LA AFB, El Segundo, CA after three and a half years of what I consider satisfactory performance. The struggle to secure professional career-level employment from my layoff until now (for the past fifty two months) has been eye-opening and sobering. It has given this author a permanent empathy and compassion for the new class of semi-forgotten citizens – the unemployed.
As a senior manager and engineer with over 20 years experience in the aerospace support field, and as student of graduate-level education in computer science and management information systems, I have always had the confidence that, if I were ever laid off, I would get right back up in the saddle because of my great education, experience, and laudable skill sets for business and technology.
Imagine my surprise in getting exactly two interviews in three years of job hunting. This was all despite having been through the preferred candidate program at Jefferson County workforce center, and having attained the much-heralded Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from Project Management Institute.
In desperation, I took a job at minimum wage for phone support. This amounted to an 84% pay cut from my previous position.
Over time, the depression set in as my wife took a job in Aurora, a 50 minute commute one-way from our home in Conifer, CO. I was no longer the primary breadwinner, and my wife was burdened in her senior years with work in order to keep our home. We have taken on tenants to survive.
I am in my second round of unemployment benefits and those benefits just ran out. We are facing bankruptcy and other debt management. I have been laid off from my minimum wage job, which couldn’t even sufficiently pay the bills anyway – it was just a temporary stop-gap.
I work at a strong spiritual program and spend my time helping others. This helps me retain my sanity, which is very much at risk because of my situation, my limited options, the blow to my self-esteem, and everything else that I have detailed.
I now belong to a great class of people with the following characteristics:
- Older, seniors of America
- Highly educated
- Highly experienced
- Highly skilled and capable of contributing hugely to the workforce and its products and services despite, and possibly because of, my age
- Unemployed or under-employed
- Depressed, afraid, angry, and at risk, even though we have exhausted all the avenues of support available to us
The VA has not been helpful in providing me with opportunities for new careers or in gaining new interviews.
I believe that there is one possible solution.
It is difficult to say whether the resources available to all unemployed persons are sufficient to get them the opportunities they need. In my case, I believe I need an advocate or sponsor to assist me in contacting the hiring managers of these positions for which I am definitely qualified. At the interview stage, I will either survive or fall on my own merit.
Many agencies at different levels in our country claim they are for veterans. If this is truly so, why have they not undertaken the initiative to help counsel advocate for our unemployed veterans?
This would be the mark of true support.
Furthermore, unemployed professionals need to bond together for common cause. I have yet to a find a group on LinkedIn or on Meet-up that truly reflects these dire needs in the community, though I'll keep looking.
Either way, the struggle has made me stronger and still more resolute in my determination to achieve employment and to assist others in striving to achieve their goals in this area.
Support
Employment
Command Post
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 18
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This totally speaks to me.
Ssgt Brooks, I was in a similar situation like the one you describe... but for not as long. I would not have lasted as long as you have. I was confident that I would be easily employed again, and found myself lowering the bar for every rejection. It was just heart breaking... and then I did get a shot. It was a fluke, but it panned out. I hope everything works out for you.
Ssgt Brooks, I was in a similar situation like the one you describe... but for not as long. I would not have lasted as long as you have. I was confident that I would be easily employed again, and found myself lowering the bar for every rejection. It was just heart breaking... and then I did get a shot. It was a fluke, but it panned out. I hope everything works out for you.
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David:
I shot you a connection request on LinkedIn, I do have a few contacts that support veterans in seeking employment. Are you open to relocation? I know Kansas has a number of industries that would support someone with your background (Lockheed, Cessna, and a few others.)
I would recommend looking at states with very low unemployment rates, as there is a high demand for labor. If you want to consider Iowa as an Option (about a 3.2% unemployment rate) I would recommend looking into Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids. https://www.rockwellcollins.com/
I shot you a connection request on LinkedIn, I do have a few contacts that support veterans in seeking employment. Are you open to relocation? I know Kansas has a number of industries that would support someone with your background (Lockheed, Cessna, and a few others.)
I would recommend looking at states with very low unemployment rates, as there is a high demand for labor. If you want to consider Iowa as an Option (about a 3.2% unemployment rate) I would recommend looking into Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids. https://www.rockwellcollins.com/
At Rockwell Collins, we never forget that the world's leading aerospace and defense companies rely on us for smart communications and aviation electronics solutions. We put our technology and innovation to work to help you advance your goals. Working together, we strive to build trust. Every day.
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SFC Adam Potter
Iowa also has a great program for Veterans, I used the housing grant when we moved here, and I got the lifetime fishing/hunting license for only $7: https://www.homebaseiowa.gov/
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This is very true! Need more employment that a vet can actual do and not these unrealistic positions.
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A very sobering account to say the least and which asks a lot of good questions. There seem to be a lot of good 'resources' here in Austin but not that many what I call 'normal/average-type' jobs. Austin has one of the lowest unemployment rates around and a lot of problems with affordability for the average working stiff. Sounds like you have family support which is a grace in itself.
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Your observation that LinkedIn lacks a veteran employment support group is interesting. I think I might look into it and maybe start one.
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Seems like your experience has painted you into the corner - While Aspen is a slice of heaven your professional career may demand relocation - As to your solution I think you are referring to head hunters or recruiters. For your case I would look into 'the ladders' as they are focused on filling senior position.
However a few things I have learned the hard way -
At least once a year test the market for your skill set - you may be surprise to find your not in demand and may indeed need to reinvent yourself. Remember what makes you unique today makes you obsolete tomorrow.
Develop your job/career network - get your feelers out there and continue to build you network - plus its fun and informative - going out to lunch or playing golf with people out side your industries is a great way to find out about other job opportunities - always keep your ear to the ground.
Develop a career path - set goals and deadlines - more people spend more time planing their vacation to Disneyland than their own careers so create a plan, set goals and review - may even seek out a life coach that specializes in career development.
The last is about complacency - We land that cushy six figure job and we let our guard down - then out of know where karma lands a solid left hook and where down for the count. Keep your skill set sharp and your expectations real and your guard up - remember that you are what you settle for in life.
I don't always offer advice but when I do I drink Dos Equis -
stay thirsty my friends.
- https://www.theladders.com/homepage-a
However a few things I have learned the hard way -
At least once a year test the market for your skill set - you may be surprise to find your not in demand and may indeed need to reinvent yourself. Remember what makes you unique today makes you obsolete tomorrow.
Develop your job/career network - get your feelers out there and continue to build you network - plus its fun and informative - going out to lunch or playing golf with people out side your industries is a great way to find out about other job opportunities - always keep your ear to the ground.
Develop a career path - set goals and deadlines - more people spend more time planing their vacation to Disneyland than their own careers so create a plan, set goals and review - may even seek out a life coach that specializes in career development.
The last is about complacency - We land that cushy six figure job and we let our guard down - then out of know where karma lands a solid left hook and where down for the count. Keep your skill set sharp and your expectations real and your guard up - remember that you are what you settle for in life.
I don't always offer advice but when I do I drink Dos Equis -
stay thirsty my friends.
- https://www.theladders.com/homepage-a
Find Jobs Fast. Improve Your Career. TheLadders.com.
Make your next career move with TheLadders. Find the recruiters, opportunities and insights that will speed your job search and improve your career.
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Managing expectations is also important. We should realize that industry can get by with less experienced younger people quite well, and the differential in experience does not usually justify the differential in pay that we have become accustomed to.
This is not just a military-to-civilian transition issue; it also affects those of us that have been in industry long enough to make our salary progression price us out of the market.
This is not just a military-to-civilian transition issue; it also affects those of us that have been in industry long enough to make our salary progression price us out of the market.
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An need to be better informed of the outreach organizations that are looking for veterans
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MAJ Yinon Weiss - do you have any contacts or suggestions that might help here?
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Suspended Profile
I would say unemployed people need real support not just veterans. We live in a socialist country that does not want to admit that we make it easier to be unemployed than to find work. Instead of workfare programs that would allow for the building of work experience and "personal confidence and pride" we just had money out to anyone who either can't find a job, can't find a job "they want", or hell just don't want to work. There are jobs out there all the time it's just that folks (both civilian and veterans) for some reason think that they are always entitled to keep "moving up" in the employment world....this is not true....especially for veterans....i'm seriously who in their right mind is going to pay a retired MSgt without a degree (and yes most of us don't have degrees) the $80K+ (full benefits BAH, BAS, etc) roughly they were making in the service just to manage a "shop" (garage, clinic, supply depot) we had to realize that as much as it hurts to admit as active duty we are far from underpaid (again total package) for our skill sets when compared to "fully" qualified civilian counter parts who have degrees for doing the same job we do with OJT and military training. .....anyway guess what i'm getting at is if you want a job that paid you as well as you got in the service you better have a degree or have converted your job to GS before you got out.....realistically most us can expect to make between $30-45K a year starting off getting out.....after all for the vast majority of us we are just entry level employees.....our experience will get us in the door and promoted faster but it will not get us the same level job we had in service.
Capt Tom Brown
The civilian side does have entry level professional/management positions; former military find very good employment and move up over a 2d career if they don't mind starting at the 'bottom' relatively speaking. A number of retired AF 05/06 here in Austin started with the State for peanuts and worked themselves into positions of greater responsibility over the years. I once met a retired MC SgtMaj working as a CS rep in a state agency call center in El Paso. Had to check her grey ID card before I could believe it. This comment goes in line with that of MSgt Stacy.
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CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
I would have to disagree with you you have to know your worth and then look for roles that you can demonstrate how you will add value to the bottom line of a company. I remember getting caught up that I only had a Associates degree so I went on to get a Human Resources certification to leverage my experience while I completed my Masters degree
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