Posted on Nov 13, 2013
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With the current unemployment rates for Veterans roughly matching the national average, I am curious to hear how you made the transition and the steps you took to ensure your success.
Civilian Career
Transition
Military Career
Income
Enjoying Life
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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LOL, still working it. 180 college credits and still 45 away from finishing a Bachelors, 70 from the degree I really want. Living on GI Bill, student loans and $9/hour at a part time job while carrying a 20 credit load and helping some friends with start ups... Not what I thought I'd be doing my first year as a Civilian.
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CMDCM Gene Treants
Any Bachelors is a start. Then if needed, go for a Masters in your chosen field. Much easier to get assistance and/or scholarships at advanced degree levels. Even at 50+ I was offered full ride for a PHD. So, just get that BA/BS and then go for it. (Of course my hindsight makes it easy.)
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CW2 Joseph Evans
That's the plan. Financial aid based of "Satisfactory Academic Progress" will reset after completion of the B. of General Studies. Leaving me about 40 more to finish up the BBA in IT management I want, then onto Grad School, hopefully with some good opportunities opening up as I finish each respective degree. In the mean time, I'm helping a few friends with Start-ups and hopefully, that knowledge and experience will help not only with the degrees, but networking for later ventures. 3-4 years to wrap up 2 bachelors and a Masters. Just stay on target, it's only one enlistment, right...
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Currently I am in school to help improve my chances in the world of 2nd careers. I am not where I thought I would be 3 years ago when I retired, but I blame the economy and the current administration for the continued and increasing problems we are suffering, they have tried to blame the previous administration, but the truth of the matter is we didn't have the high rate we had during the Bush administration it all started within the 1st year and has continued to increase and exasperate during every year of the Obama Administration. 2 n 2 doesn't equal 5, but the escalating problems show where the issues are located at and it isn't from prior to 2008, it all started during 2009.
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1st: College, but don't take loans.
2nd: Think broadly, don't be afraid to relocate or re-train.
3rd: Look into starting your own business.
Don't assume people will hire you because you're a vet. Don't assume that since you've taken every training possible, and built a killer military resume...that any civilian employer will care. In some cases (like looking for employment in states that aren't military friendly), you should take steps to downplay your military service. Talk experience, not acronyms.
2nd: Think broadly, don't be afraid to relocate or re-train.
3rd: Look into starting your own business.
Don't assume people will hire you because you're a vet. Don't assume that since you've taken every training possible, and built a killer military resume...that any civilian employer will care. In some cases (like looking for employment in states that aren't military friendly), you should take steps to downplay your military service. Talk experience, not acronyms.
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SFC Rocky Gannon
Phillip
Your number 2 point is right on target!!! You have to broaden your search and you might have to move. For me it took me from Kansas City to DC then to Knox, but I am in a job I love and help to make a difference to the soldiers. Also only 5 hours from "home" so we have moved many times look one or two more want hurt and if you get what you want it is worth it.
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