What's the most important advice or lesson that you would share with anyone considering a transition?


Responses from enlistd Air Force veterans
(E5-6 regardless of education, years of service, specialty, age or gender)


1

Be stateside, overseas forced retirements give no support to help translate your skills into civilian ways.

2

Make a decision on a career and start with a company with progressive possibilities. Start now preparing for that second retirement.

3

Make sure you have a plan that includes location, how much everything will cost, and what you will do for money.

4

Seek out those with 10 plus years since retiring/separating. Learn what worked and what didn't. Your history will be recognized but will not determine your civilian position/capability.

5

Take full advantage of all educational benefits available.

6

Use all resources to write a resume that converts military experience into civilian business lingo. Practice interview strategies. Research the kind of "real jobs" you are interested in and take a course in that field.

7

Not everyone understands what or why you seems so different

8

Keep very good records of medical and personal while inside and any correspondences between yourself and the VA.

9

Don't get out of military stay in if u have any issues. Due to combat stay in till medically retired if you plan on getting out military plan years in advance and know what you want to do. Before you get out what you get paid in military is nothing like civ pay a lot of civ will say u have no civilian training only military training so make sure you do your research what your job title transfer to civ might be different name or classifications name

10

That in the Civilian workforce you start once again at the bottom. Don't be a 'know it all'. Also check out usajobs.gov Lots of Govt jobs where you can use your military time towards retirement. Again, there will be lots of vets in those jobs so leave the military attitude at home. Find a job you LIKE. Don't be afraid to try a few jobs before finding one you want to stay in.

11

Leave the service with no bills, have your resume already done, and hit the streets ASAP looking for a job.

12

Things are done differently.

13

Please make sure you pay close attention to the résumé writing class. It's extremely hard to transition into the civilian workforce, either trying to get an interview for a job, and especially trying to get hired at a comparable pay rate.

14

Don't listen to the TAPS briefings. They are a waste of time. The Day to learn how to build a resume (outdated).

15

Be confident. Some employers believe that military veterans need to be told everything.

16

The civilian sector is completely different from the military. Honesty and hard work are not always rewarded.

17

It's probably more difficult, but try to find a job that interests you.

18

There is much difference in military life and civilian life, there is no help to make that transition easy. Going from Civilian to Military is much easier, the military guides the way and makes sure things are motivating and leading the person into a full military atmosphere, the same is not done in the reverse.

19

When it comes to your retirement pay, make sure you have state taxes taken out.

20

People are often jealous of those who have served and don't wish you well.

21

It's hard to just give up military life

22

If they like you they will hire you.

23

Truthfully, it would have helped me more to have been told the truth: that in many ways I was reentering a hostile, chaotic, cannibalistic and undisciplined world, a place where the most professional work ethic, the most untiring service, and the only reliable exercise in initiative would be coming from me, not from any civilian I'd ever encounter out there (ESPECIALLY my bosses). That in the civilian workplace I would be 'thanked' and 'appreciated' and rendered all sorts of P.C. eyewash to my face, but secretly, my behavior and motives would be scrutinized and questioned, as people just waited, taking bets on when I'd finally 'crack' or 'go postal' on somebody; that I would be looked upon as an alien for following the rules, paying attention to detail, and having a high level of mission-focused qualities; that I'd be not-so-secretly laughed-at behind my back, and in some cases, singled-out for extra duties (or undesirable duties) simply because I would be the only one who wouldn't complain. But, all the above having been said, if I continued to hold fast to the highest ideals and what was right, rather than conforming to the slacker, lackluster mediocrity and whatever-you-can-get-away-with attitude all around me, regardless whether I fit in or not, that I would remain true to who I was. After all, regardless of those around me who were reluctant to accept me, in the end, it was me, myself, and I that I'd have to live with at the end of the day. If I could be at peace with who I was, I could make it through another day.

24

Read, "What color is your parachute" prior to leaving the service. It's not just a book about finding a job, but it includes a good approach to finding a career.

25

Obtain copies of your medical records prior to separation. They will come in handy when attempting to establish service-connected disabilities. Documents were missing from my "official" medical records. I provided copies of the missing documents to the Circuit Court Judge during an appeal and I was (am) still denied service-connection for my back injuries. If you're planning on OTR truck driving as a career, maintain a current record of your military driver's license with all certifications and contact your local DMV immediately to see if you qualify for your CDL based on your military training.

26

You may have to take a job you feel is below your skill level just to fill the space on your resume until you can find a job that fits your skill set.

27

Have a good job lined up before you leave

28

Use the Tap resources to fully understand how your job translates to the civilian word. When I first got out I felt like everyone was speaking a different language

29

Begin transition preparation at least two years before retirement.

30

Not all employers count your military experience as "education" or viable experience.

31

Hit the bricks and look for a job yourself. . VA was of no help... The websites for open jobs are just ways for them to get your email and send links to jobs that seem to not exist at all. Endless spam emails back. No REAL contacts. . The transition assistance was helpful with resume writing though. Seems the easiest is if you know someone or can get in touch with a staffing agency. They help.

32

Start taking civilian courses and research how your military training equates to real world jobs and training

33

Make as many connections you can with veterans outreach groups (such as American Legion, VFW leaders) and any other types of independent outreach groups in your area. Do your homework! Know which ones are legit and have good reputations. Don't just take their website's word for it. Go out and talk to the people who work for the organization. Find out what kinds of things they can provide for you and take advantage of them.

34

Be realistic. You may have to start at the bottom and work your way to the top. You need to learn the "culture" of an organization just like you did when you were in the military. You didn't join the military as a Colonel....

35

If you are moving to a new location for a job, scout the area very well. Know the cost of living in the area, traffic issues, & the local stress levels.

36

Get your affairs in order BEFORE you get out. If you want to go to work have a resume and get your references lined out. If you want to go to school narrow down where you want to go and what field, make sure your GI Bill information is up to date. Save money, have at least 6 months income saved up. It's hard going from a regular paycheck to no paycheck or a reduced paycheck.

37

My perspective comes from being a federal government employee. Not everyone can relate to the military life or experience and some resent you mentioning your experience. Some people are outright jealous, others don't understand that not all disabilities can be seen nor does everyone have PTSD. The other thing is that it should be explicitly explained what options you have for buying back your time for your retirement calculations.

38

Do not wait to start a new career or job after you separate or retire. Have it lined up before.

39

Have enough savings for at least three months. Have your financies in order even if you have employment immediately after separating.

40

1. Relax and be prepared for a much more casual and unregimented environment. The military culture is a distinct one that requires an elevated disciplinary practice. Grow out your hair and facial hair and display your tattoos if you like. Just observe the standard behaviors and clothing worn so as to fit in yourself. Sit and listen to your senior peers and try to find someone who enjoys mentoring so you can pick their brain, particularly about what gets people fired and disciplined at the work center; 2. Study the employee handbook and have it ready to reference if one is available. You should have a copy of the handbook at home and one ready to look at in your desk. Don't fall for the bait, civilian companies have a wide range of employee relations rules with many places being a free for all of rumor and sexually charged come on. Avoid these activities and keep your nose clean as selective enforcement of the loose guidelines could sneak up and take a bite out of you; 3. In my experience, corporate america functions differently than the military environment but some larger companies with a public image and smaller companies with good leadership are very well run, near-military, machines. The private sector actively seeks to employ military personnel and often tries to under compensate a recently separated person due to him/her being unaware of the standards of compensation; 4. On a recent job interview for a job I won in California, the hiring individual asked me my salary requirements. I would have begrudgingly taken $55K and been happy at $68k so I just told him that my last job paid $104k aside from benefits. After scoffing a bit, I was offered $75K... Do yourself a favor and get a small pitch written and memorized for extemporaneous recital at the interview. Instead of allowing them to ask questions, tell them about yourself and your ideal work environment so that they get a feel for your personality; 5. One final piece of advice is that you do your research about the state's worker's rights and labor legislation. This could be very useful knowledge in case you ever have to deal with an HR person saying "stop by my office and talk when you get a chance."

41

It is critically important to start making a specific plan as soon as possible. Everything from housing to employment needs to be considered and specific plans and back-ups plans must be made. It has been my experience that once the uniform comes off the true value of military experience diminishes in the eyes of both prospective employers and (for renters) landlords.

42

Market research, be aggressive when seeking opportunities - talk to friends (including spouse's friends or coworkers), business owners, etc.

43

As an HR professional and veteran, I would suggest that transitioning service members be willing and accept the fact that you are starting over. This is a hard pill to swallow, but is absolutely necessary. Sometimes a pay cut goes along with this. Show employers that you are very open minded, and willing to learn. Not all military skills translate into the civilian workforce. Ditch any acronyms on your resume, and spend time making a quality resume. Your resume should be created by you, and you alone. Otherwise, it sounds unlike you.

44

Have many back up plans, financially, professionally, mentally and physically. The transition may seem easy but there are many obstacles to fight through and you really have to retrain your brain to think differently.

45

Get your degree before you exit and make sure you plan everything job wise and financially because nothing transfers over educationally wise so most everything does not transfer over financially in the job world when you exit without the certification and or degree.

46

Be confident of your abilities. Don't rely explicitly on your training and education. No job is beneath you. Keep your sense of humor.

47

If you're going into a career field where you'll need credentials or licenses, such as Paramedic, etc, get as many as possible before you separate. It'll save a lot of time and effort.

48

Make sure you have a solid plan that is coordinated well in advance of your separation date. The company that I work for now strung me along for over 6 months before they offered me the job. If I hadn't planned for that, I would have been without income for far too long to properly support myself and my wife. Also, make sure to have a solid support system in place to help.

49

Choose a career to follow and train for it.

50

Military experience doesn't mean as much as expected, especially if you don't have the official certifications and degrees that match exactly what youre trying to do. Employers don't seem to want to train or certify employees these days; you need to show up to the interview with several years of experience and the exact qualifications.

51

Have a plan at least a year in advance

52

Things are not always done the way your used to,and that can be difficult to understand, used to taking charge of things not waiting for the system to make a decision

53

Have a plan, have a back up plan, have a back up to your backup plan.

54

Start your transition to civilian life at least a year before ETS. Schools, training, medical records, refamiliarize yourself with civilian life. TAPS programs tend not to have current info.

55

Prepare in advance and have a new job lined up prior to separation.

56

Save money beforehand. They don't always brief it when you're separating the but services hold your last paycheck for up to 120 days. You're going to be hurting if you have trouble finding timely employment and depend on that last paycheck.

57

Be prepared, do research, plan well in advance, know what your career goals and aspirations are, and most importantly get out - network and become involved in your community and make contacts.

58

I believe it is a tough transition. Work on your resume. I am sorry to say remove as much Military jargon as you can.

59

Get a job offer before getting out.

60

Weigh your decision heavily and do not make a decision hastily-ensure that getting out is exactly what you want to do and have a plan!

61

Nobody cares about you, your family, or the future more than yourself.

62

Get your education while you can. You will also need some technical background if you're looking to get a 100k+ job. The more education and experience you have, the better selling point you are. Create an accurate resume and have several available, each highlighting different skills for different jobs. Get your resume out there early and network with as many people as possible.

63

Get a degree while you are active duty if at all possible. It is much harder to work a civilian job and go to school, than it is in the military with the support available.

64

Research where the employment opportunities are and make sure you have the skills, training, knowledge, etc., to more easily transition into the civilian employment world.

65

Don't undervalue yourself. My first job was twice my military pay - and the best I've had was 8 times my military pay.

66

remember your training keep your thought process and ethics in gear. know for sure if you can handle the civilian thought process and what they consider professionalism. it is already a displaced and difficult situation to adjust at times during the first few years of separation be sure to remain who you are and use the skills and training to your advantage. I found that if you jump into a job right away and your still in military mode its even more stressful. be sure to let you mind adjust and allow your thought process to demilitarize to the point where you know you can handle it.

67

Have all of your affairs in order before you leave service.

68

Make sure you make copies of everything from medical to service records.

69

Use your education benefit you earned it.

70

Stay in until retirement or until you have the training and education to get out and acquire a good job.

71

Think business not military. Translate your skills into how to make money for the company, not just subject matter experties for the company.

72

Have multiple plans when it comes to your transition.

73

Find a professional working in the field that you plan on working in to serve as a mentor before you get out. If it is a veteran that is even better as they are likely to understand the transition process and help you market your skills in a way that civilians understand.

74

You need to plan ahead on what you intend to do. I went to college but the 1st year after my service I worked full time.

75

Begin preparations early and don't listen to the doom and gloom from the transition assistance classes. If you're prepared and persistent finding a job won't be as awful as they make it sound. Don't let new employers low-ball you compensation-wise just because every briefer in your transition classes tells you to "be ready for a big pay cut".

76

Understand it will take time to transition and that the outside world operates extremely differently than the military, adapt and over come.

77

Do not believe people who say our skills do not translate. Do not settle for a job when a career is an option.

78

To know that life goes on after the military and they will have success as a civilian.

79

Don't underestimate the value of closeness if military members. The things that make the military tough some days brings members closer. The civilian side just lacks this closeness.

80

Remember that most of the people who you will encounter do not have the specialized training or the understanding of chain of command like you do.

81

Mentally adjust your way of thinking such that most corporate jobs no one takes responsibility for their own actions. Corporate America does not want to rock the boat and enforce any sort of discipline. Get used to working with a lot of Foreign Nationals that are well educated (Book Smart) but are not trained to think for themselves or as so called "Out of the Box". Extremely hard to get promoted or recognized for work well done. But they are quick to inform you how bad you screwed up. Also I found when trying to negotiate a salary and they find out your receiving retirement from the Military they try to short change you. If you take a Management position in the Civilian world the ONE most thing to wrap your head around is YOU are not in the Military anymore. You are not allowed to instill any type of discipline. Last but not least take the time to research the Company, see how they stand on hiring Military folks. How long they have been in business and if possible how many Layoffs that they've had in their History.

82

If you don't have a Masters Degree when you get out, then use your veteran benefits and go to school and get one.

83

Understand that the camaraderie you had in the military will not be there and you will feel awkward, alone, and sadness but it will pass once you immerse in a new job, new activities, and build new relationships.

84

Do your own research about what you will do when out. Research jobs,education, where would you live and plan a budget.

85

Do not think you have to do the same or a similar job in civilian life that you did in the military. Your military experience proved you are trainable so you can learn to do most any job.

86

Need to work at learning how to do interviews.

87

1. Network, network, network. Find out who the major military contractors are in your specialty. DO NOT think regionally about this. Think Nationally. Contractors regularly hire for good paying contract positions in the states or abroad. However, they may put the location as anywhere in the U.S.. Even if the position is overseas.

88

Be open minded, willing to adapt, and drop the military attitude. You are a civilian now.

89

Be sure to have your finances situated and jobs interviews scheduled while you are on terminal leave.

90

Complete your degree.

91

Have a plan! The understand that the plan will change and sometimes the situation is fluid. Be adaptable and be willing to take a risk.