I need to do something that matters

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:49:18 -0400

I am an Air Force Vet. and have multiple degrees AS, BS, MS. I am Currently in the IT field making pretty decent money, but the problem is that it does not matter a damn.

After I got out (right before 9-11) I had the whole I need to be there Vibe, so I took jobs that helped the "effort" making Armor, SAPIs and working on the AH-64 Longbow project. Problem is now I am in a job that does not matter to me at all. it is just a place I got to pay the bills.

I am involved in scouting and have joined the local state defense force (best I can do health wise) We were recently activated and now afterwards I am really feeling how much I despise what I am doing.

Am I the only one that feels this way and how do I make the move to something that matters?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 15 at 2015 12:51 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:51:57 -0400

Volunteer work!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 15 at 2015 1:00 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:00:31 -0400

You are not alone in these feelings SSgt Donnavon Smith. Beyond working with the Scouts and the local state defense force which are two great things; you may want to looking into other Veteran Service Organizations such as Team Reubicon, and The Mission Continues. While I understand your health may limit you to certain things, these are two great national organizations that take Veterans and their skills and put them to work helping the community. While it will not pay the bills, doing this work pays off in bigger ways and they will truly appreciate your efforts.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 15 at 2015 1:09 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:09:26 -0400

There are MANY veterans groups out there that need expertise and knowledge that you could provide. I'd recommend you finding one that suits you and your ideals and run with it. You will find that you're still serving by helping the next generation sort through the BS that we went through. I joined Warrior Pointe (NOT A PLUG), and find that even here I still have some of the same Soldier issues I had while in, (without a 1SG calling me in raising hell), and instead of being SSG Swan, I can still be him with a dose of Matt Swan thrown in. Too many of us need help mentally, physically, and spiritually after 14 years of war, and many have no idea of what life is without a weapon in hand going out on missions, and multiple deployments and redeployments. It's up to us NCO's to bring these guys and gals home mentally and spiritually. I know first hand what it feels like to know your body is here in the states, going through the usual motions, but my heart and mind are still in the Stan.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 15 at 2015 1:11 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:11:39 -0400

Sadly, I have never found any "job" that was as satisfying as the one I did while serving in the Army. I have had to glean "satisfaction" from other means such as volunteer work or simply helping someone who needed it. Now that I'm living on my retirement income I "work" as a writer. I get satisfaction (and very little money) by writing stories that I hope will inspire others or, at the very least, teach them something worthwhile.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 15 at 2015 1:34 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:34:01 -0400

SSgt Donnavon Smith have you considered cyber security? It is a job that is going to become more and more important as time passes. It is something that can be used to protect people. If you are looking for something more tangible, then I would suggest mentoring, big brothers/sisters, youth outreach, or closer to home volunteering at the VA. As a veteran, you have a frame of reference to help veterans in need.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 1:46 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:46:20 -0400

No amount of money in the world matters if you don't get at least some joy in what you are doing. Had a cousin making $200k a year as an architect, but HATED doing it. He finally quit and works for $20 an hour now. He doesn't have the luxury life style he once had, but is much happier with his life.

I am not sure how to go about making the transition, but definitely believe you should enjoy what you do. The first step I would think is to figure out exactly what it is that makes you happy, and then look at jobs in that area and take it from there.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Sep 15 at 2015 2:33 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 14:33:23 -0400

The answer to your question and desire is in your arms, look at your picture you are a father, be there for your child, play, help with home work, go to the church with your child, walk, talk, teach your child because your child is the future of the USA.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 15 at 2015 3:05 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 15:05:08 -0400

I seek passion and a venue to help people and make this a better world. It is a tremendous feeling to give those who are suffering their lives back.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 15 at 2015 3:22 PM

SGT David T. — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 15:22:05 -0400

The civil service is a great way to serve and to make a difference. Who better to support the military than its veterans? Other agencies are also an option too if you didn't want to work for the defense establishment.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Sep 15 at 2015 8:19 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 20:19:35 -0400

The first question needs to be....what matters?

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 15 at 2015 8:55 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 20:55:15 -0400

Think about community service. Train others in the IT field or go back to school. Become a nurse or do something in the medical field.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 9:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 21:01:26 -0400

I like the idea that many say about helping veterans especially disabled veterans improve their life. I'm not clear if your looking for a job or volunteer work that is more safisfying (or both) Many vets have started a business doing something they are passionate about like job support for veterans.. Maybe lobby for a cause your passionate about. Maybe inventing something. Maybe pursuing a project at work that you think would make a positive difference for people. Think about what is your dream job and find a job, volunteer program or start a business that relate to or could lead to that dream.

Response by SGT Joe Sabedra made Sep 16 at 2015 8:48 AM

SGT Joe Sabedra — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 08:48:30 -0400

Look at Oath Keepers. Non Militia. Community service type organization that is defending the constitution as we all gave our Oath to do.

Your enlistment ended but your Oath had no term limits.

Oathkeepers.org.
My local chapter is on FB. Oath Keepers of Greater Wood Co (Texas).

It will put you back into the mix with Veterans, LEOs as well as others who have taken the Oath.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Sep 16 at 2015 10:46 AM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 10:46:44 -0400

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I think I am in the first stages of a Career shift. I think I need to shift into something that exists to give back and not solely a for profit endeavor. That is my boy in my arms, but he is 6' 185 now so there is not holding him like that any longer. I really enjoy working in emergency management, I think I need to figure out how to feed the family while doing that.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Sep 16 at 2015 1:18 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 13:18:58 -0400

I think that is perfectly natural to feel that way. I was mobilized in 2003 for the first time and when I returned to my civilian job, I felt that same way. Instead of doing something good, I was back to making money for my company. That is why I volunteered less than a year later to go to Afghanistan. If you want to continue doing something that matters, look at the VA or even civil service for any of the military departments. I know our Brigade HQs has a contractor IT guy who manages DoD IT access for all of our ROTC programs. In my case, I ended up leaving my civilian job in 2007 (after 11 successful years) and started working as a contractor for the Army with an ROTC program. That gave me some of that meaning left. I am blessed now to do the same work as a GS employee. I hope this gives some ideas and I wish you the best in your decisions.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 2:51 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 14:51:22 -0400

I cannot express my support for CPT Meza's response enough...I "thought" I had done some important stuff in my life until the day my wife told me she was carrying my son. As vets, we represent a very small cross section of society, and there's a lot of "everyday" folks who make the world go 'round...Heck, I'm just proud to have done my time. Every day I "miss the life", I stop and ask myself, "Would you really WANT to stand a mid-watch tonight?", "What would you do if the Project Manager shouted at you today?" , "Can I operate on two hours of sleep any more?"...then, my perspective gets clear, and I wait for those rare, but precious moments when someone needs my help, advice or support. I've always felt that a veteran is nothing less than a "re-purposed asset" bringing the ideals, principle and honor of the services back into the private sector.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 3:08 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 15:08:38 -0400

It sounds like you miss the structure of the work. What did you do while activated? What is the difference in the work? I think the saying is find a job you love doing and you will never work a day. It may not work but get in to team centric jobs at work or volunteer at the Police department/Fire Department. You said you were involved in scouting does that help? Would going to a local paintball field help? Since your picture is you in uniform I am guessing your child is older. Teach them to fish or camp. I hope this helps.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Sep 16 at 2015 3:33 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 15:33:49 -0400

Volunteer to build houses, or refurbish houses, for Homeless Veterans.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 4:19 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:19:50 -0400

I too work in high tech. Like you, I am having a hard time generating meaning from my work. If you seek meaning, find something outside of work, such as volunteer work (team rubicon), sports league, etc.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 16 at 2015 10:50 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 22:50:38 -0400

SSgt Donnavon Smith, I have been totally retired for 26 years. Doing income taxes for seniors for 12 years has been my only volunteer activity. I have also lost two wives in that period. I still regret not contributing to the "world". Hang in, enjoy, travel, volunteer, enjoy and appreciate your successes!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 10:54 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 22:54:52 -0400

Use your career to fund your occupation. Lead local Wounded Warrior fund raisers. Support those in the sh17 right now.

Response by PFC Janelle Fletcher made Sep 17 at 2015 2:08 AM

PFC Janelle Fletcher — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 02:08:43 -0400

I agree with what someone else said about cyber security and one I will add is Health Informatics. Hospitals need better people to support their technology needs because you will improve the quality of life and patient care. It can be a very rewarding IT job if that is an area that interests you.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Sep 17 at 2015 6:27 AM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 06:27:50 -0400

Yes, I feel the same thing but I just retired last December, so it's VERY strong with me right now. I don't really enjoy what I do and I'm working on other opportunities but until something else comes up, this job pays the bills. I think this feeling is pretty common for so many of us.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 17 at 2015 9:04 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 09:04:32 -0400

I am trying to spend as much quality time as possible with my 2 grand kids... this matters & is very rewarding because I think they enjoy it too...

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Sep 17 at 2015 2:53 PM

SMSgt Bryan Raines — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 14:53:25 -0400

SSgt Donnavon Smith Look to your local Red Cross. There are paid positions and volunteer positions in disaster/emergency management. Also paid and volunteer positions in IT and Service to the Armed Forces.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Sep 17 at 2015 8:24 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 20:24:27 -0400

VFW and DAV need good people to help everywhere.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 3:13 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 03:13:08 -0400

My take on this is do something to give back that benefits others... financially is great, physically is even better in some ways.. I have ideas, contact me.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 18 at 2015 12:47 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 12:47:08 -0400

Not to sound like an ass, but at your point in life, you need to figure out exactly what you want to do. if you can't do that then no amount of advice you will receive here or elsewhere is going to help.

Response by Capt Douglas A. made Oct 19 at 2015 1:08 PM

Capt Douglas A. — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:08:21 -0400

https://goo.gl/lN7y0l - check out Int'l Justice Mission - they are looking for IT folks and their mission matters