Are you where you want to be in your post-military career and lifestyle?

SGT Tyler H. — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:24:24 -0500

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.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 13 at 2013 7:54 PM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 19:54:42 -0500

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.

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Dec 15 at 2013 5:49 AM

TSgt Phillip L. — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 05:49:51 -0500

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.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Dec 15 at 2013 6:12 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 06:12:34 -0500

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.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Dec 15 at 2013 6:52 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 18:52:27 -0500

First the Place. We took time off after retirement to travel the country to figure out where we wanted to live. I know not everyone can do this, but planning helps. We traveled in our RV and visited most of the US for 2 years. Put our STUFF in storage and got a 1 year extension. This enabled us to find what we thought might be THE place. We settled here in 1996 and still live in the same house.

Next - a post Navy job/Career. Worked for Wally World while thinking of a better job/Carer - I knew I needed to complete a degree and finally did at age 52. Then found the job I wanted - not as easy at 52 as at 25, but doable.

Second and Last retirement - or continue working till you drop. Big decision. What age to begin Social Security? Plan ahead. Make sure you start early planning and putting away money for retirement. Military retirement & SS may not be enough.

I am comfortable and where I want to be today - we travel and do what we want.

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Dec 15 at 2013 6:54 PM

SSG Richard Stevens — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 18:54:32 -0500

yes i am

Response by SPC Eric Chambers made Mar 10 at 2014 11:26 PM

SPC Eric Chambers — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 23:26:28 -0400

I have my own home business & it is something that anyone can do... For anyone who wants business success info & training email me at [login to see]

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Aug 2 at 2014 9:48 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 21:48:39 -0400

I got a job through Bradley-Morris that supports my family.

I am earning decent money, paying the mortgage on a house that meets my family's needs, paying the car note and surviving. I've even been able to hire a few other veterans and make their lives better.
Not perfect, but could be much worse.

Not a 'dream,' but far from the nightmare many others are coping with.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jul 19 at 2015 6:13 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 06:13:45 -0400

I think so ...

Response by SPC Corbin Doades made Jul 19 at 2015 6:30 AM

SPC Corbin Doades — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 06:30:33 -0400

Not anywhere close. Have been regretting the day I left the service. Impossible to re-enlist now a days. I have had multiple jobs since I left the service and have been trying to finish college.

Response by Capt Brendan Finnegan made Jul 19 at 2015 10:33 AM

Capt Brendan Finnegan — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 10:33:31 -0400

I worked with three different companies specializing in helping transitioning military translate their skills, prepare for interviews, and ultimately transition into civilian life. It took a lot of work, but it paid off. I landed a great job and was able to relocate my family to Houston. If you can do it, I would also recommend using your GI Bill and/or any state programs you can find, to help pay for and return to school (full time to get BAH if you can swing it). But make sure you are going for a degree or certification that will serve you well moving forward. It's the real world now...don't just rubber stamp the Masters box like you may have done in the military.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jul 19 at 2015 6:38 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 18:38:38 -0400

I have been officially out just over a month now. I am in the process of buying 7 acres and a home to put on it. Once that is done, I will go see Voc Rehab to get myself in college and get a job to make up the differnce. I am doing okay at the present moment. More to come...

That being said, if anyone knows of any opportunities in the Tupelo Mississippi area, let me know. I am starting to feel like a bum. lol!