1

As expected

The job hunt can take 6 months, and that's about how long it took to me. It was personally challenging to go this long without a job after being fully committed to long, busy military days. It helped to work the job hunt like it was my job, but also take plenty of breaks to balance that with family life. They'll be stressed if you're stressed...

2

More difficult

I wasn't prepared for how long the civilian hiring process would take and how persistent I would need to be.

3

More difficult

I had unrealistic job and salary expectations.

4

More difficult

There is too much apprehension on the part of the employers. Most are increasingly relying on hiring workers away from other companies, than in hiring unemployed or those that have transitioned but not held a civilian job since transitioning.

5

As expected

Though I work for a government contractor teaching dedicated people a highly specialized skill, I'm constantly reminded I'm working for a profit-making company. The last part kills a lot of the job satisfaction.

6

As expected

It's all about expectations. Do you understand your new job and duties? Do you know what you want? If they come together and then the transition can be smooth and realistic.

7

More difficult

Returning to the States with less than 3 months notice.

8

More difficult

Leaving without a TAP was like learning to swim by jumping in the deep end without a lifeguard on duty.

9

More difficult

Was not focused

10

As expected

Didn't expect smooth and easy and got what I expected

11

More difficult

The culture was toxic and I had no one to turn to for help and support (until I hired her).

12

More difficult

I tried job searching on my own, and made a large number of rookie mistakes as a result such as underselling myself in interviews and with my first resumes.

13

More difficult

The American labor market has changed drastically over the past 20 years. Particularly with ref to underemployment. This is especially true in proximity of military installations if one does not get employed by a high-paying contractor. Regardless of what the words say (translation) there are many military folks with what can be regarded as 'general' skills which can be made to sound good but will not lead to a good paying job until one is networked.

14

More difficult

None of the plans I made happened and everything I thought would work out fell through

15

Easier

I had a civ job before I left.

16

More difficult

I just didn't understand that I have to be comfortable with never having job security like I thought that I had for 21 years in the military.

17

More difficult

I was highly skilled, with both Enlisted HR experience, and IT experience as an Officer. It was as if it was all stripped away due to Disability and early medical retirement. I knew I couldn't work a high-stress environment in IT, and the only thing I knew of was Program Management as a direct correlation to my military experience. There was no counseling or assistance offered except the 3-day TAP program and books they handed us during the classes. We were literally on our own.

18

Easier

My company is very supportive of Veterans and has a robust Veterans network.

19

As expected

There is some information government civil service doesn't freely pass on for example credit for tours with Campaign (Korea, Desert Storm, etc)
Also pay negotiations

20

As expected

When I transitioned from the USAF, it was in the Dot.com era and the economy was booming...easy to find jobs...unlike now!

21

More difficult

Was not mentally ready - retired for family reasons.

22

More difficult

Nothing is set in stone unless you are blessed with the opportunity to interview, sign offer letters, and so forth in person. When overseas and returning stateside, this transition is compounded by several factors.

23

More difficult

Companies want experience....they don't consider military, experience.

24

Easier

Networking and luck paid off. I was working in an interim, executive position in my desired field before I was even off terminal leave. I was make permanent in that position 36 days after my official retirement date.

25

More difficult

Insufficent knowledge, assistance, skill and certification prep from military - (i.e. A&P certificate, FCC license, etc.).

26

More difficult

Can't find a damn job after 1.5 years

27

As expected

no difficulty at all.

28

Easier

Easier only because I had two friends already working for the company, one of which worked in the department I wanted.

29

Easier

Went from military position to civilian position.

30

More difficult

The biggest difficulty would be pretty much starting at the bottom and having to work your way up again.

31

More difficult

I was a weapons specialist in the USAF. Not much use for us in the civilian world.

32

More difficult

I could not handle,coming back I from combat told I was deserving of medals for what I went threw so I got out 2 weeks

33

As expected

I think it really helped that my USAF career crossed straight over to civilian equivalent

34

Easier

Went terminal leave on a Friday and started my new job on Monday

35

Easier

I was an Aircraft Mechanic while in and received an Aircraft Mechanic position upon separation.

36

Easier

I work where there are quite a few other veterans and a very pro-veteran company.

37

More difficult

I was a heavy equipment operator,thinking i would snap up a job was my state of mind. The biggest opposition were getting into trade unions,which was my biggest block.

38

More difficult

No jobs.

39

More difficult

Most of the places I applied had no openings for jobs that aligned with my military training (electronics)

40

Easier

Got out in January when accepted to Graduate School. Networked with classmates regarding opportunities. Got my first choice. Very blessed.

41

More difficult

no chance for employment unless if you are older

42

More difficult

Trying to parlay military experience and aquired skills into civilian sector and convince civilian companies my military skills were valuable to them.

43

More difficult

I personally thought I would find a job faster but it took nearly 2 years to be employed

44

Easier

I attended college full time. I had to attend junior college to refresh my math and English skills. Wish I had attended CCAF while I was enlisted

45

More difficult

I figured anyone would hire me. I had to basically start at the beginning Making next to nothing $1.50 over minimum wage and work my way up. 12 years later I'm making $6 over minimum wage working 60-70 hours a week to keep food on the table and a roof over my head.

46

More difficult

Basically everything that could go wrong, did. I had to go back to school and learn a whole new career and even that wasn't easy. Now, I am graduated and still trying to find work.

47

Easier

Didn't think I'd find a job that fast.

48

More difficult

I was hoping I could get many job offers before leaving the military.

49

More difficult

The lack of education for job I what to do.

50

More difficult

I was totally on my own.

51

As expected

Individuals are afraid to work with you or hire you because you have more experience then you do and their afraid to loose their jobs because of your experience.

52

More difficult

Thought of location before employment

53

Easier

Less regimented, less goal oriented, paid overtime, appreciated my skills

54

As expected

The transition programs give all the tools to move to civilian life, patience and effort will be a great tools in your arsenal.

55

Easier

Had a job lined up prior to leaving military

56

More difficult

I though I was prepared for what was coming at me, but I found out that I needed to reinvent myself at every step of the way,

57

Easier

The company I moved to shared many of the same positive aspects of the military (discipline, family, responsibility, accountability) but got rid of the bad parts (bureaucracy, rules, check boxes, inflated feedback, etc)

58

More difficult

Not as easy to enter federal government and ability to be compensated fairly.

59

More difficult

Did not anticipate the medical issues, family issues, economic downturn and housing crisis to all hit within 3 years of my separation. Made life difficult.

60

More difficult

It was difficult for me to leave because I loved being in the military. There is a real and powerful sense of team and family, which the civilian sector does not have.

61

As expected

Getting used to the lack of structure

62

As expected

I already knew everyone and job was identical to AF job

63

As expected

I anticipated that there would be challenges to overcome. I had my share of adversity but feel that a positive attitude helped me to overcome those.

64

As expected

Having been in the civilian workforce for a few years prior to leaving the service, I was very familiar with the processes of finding a job.

65

More difficult

Again, none of the assistance provided during the TAP training lead to a job related to my career field. I was completely on my own when looking for a civilian job. This phrase sums up the entire TAP process I experienced, "When you're in, you're a guest. When you're out, you're a pest." As soon as I separated, but before the base was officially closed, I no longer received support or assistance from any of the organizations identified during out-processing.

66

Easier

I planned for the transition...I didn't expect to be "served" when I got out...I came out with the expectation that I'd have to work for what I wanted...no such thing as a military discount in the civilian workforce as much as we may think we are entitled to it.

67

More difficult

I didn't decide to transition out...it was forced and unexpected so very difficult to accept and know how to manage afterwards with returning

68

More difficult

Civilian workplace does not need, want or desire leadership learned in the military -- only compliance & be a "company man."

69

More difficult

Was not intending to separate for another 9 months so was unprepared

70

More difficult

Being a vet I figured I'd get hired right away in my career field

71

More difficult

I thought I could step out and fall right into a job and that was not the case.

72

More difficult

As a flight nurse no civilian jobs,aviable at time of retirement.

73

As expected

I knew there would be challenges. The hardest part was the thought I could be fired from a job.

74

As expected

I was able to use my Air Force training and qualifications to get a great civilian job.

75

More difficult

not used to civilian workforce

76

More difficult

Not having the certifications needed for the civilian workforce

77

More difficult

I had no one to help me and I was pregnant.

78

More difficult

Civilians lack understanding of military positions and responsibility, as well as job responsibilities. They don't consider years of military service as experience.

79

More difficult

I didn't expect to miss it and feel lonely

80

More difficult

I was not prepared mentally or financially. I felt adrift in an alien culture, one I had no understanding of, that took me a good 9-12 months to come to terms with.

81

More difficult

I worked intelligence. So, we didn't have much contact with civilians. It was like being thrown to the wolves. We didn't speak the language, their work ethic is sluggish, irresponsible and lazy.

82

Easier

Even without a degree, skills learned in the military and the fact I was prior service has garnered me four jobs since leaving the service. Obviously times are different than in 1998 and college degrees are of more import. I left the military with no prospects and landed a job within 30 days of relocation.

83

Easier

In the words of my first civil employer: "I don't know what I'm going to do with you but your experience and record indicates I would be a fool not to bring you on board."

84

As expected

The general public is very lazy, no wonder we are in a spiral. The "me" generation is in full force and they expect us to carry their workload.

85

Easier

I was already hired before I left the service

86

As expected

While in the service, I had pursued education unrelated to my AFSC but related to training I had obtained prior to military service. Within of couple of months of my separation, I was employed, applying what I learned in the educational pursuit. I was fairly confident and felt it went well.

87

As expected

I went from military into civil service. The culture and mission were very familiar.

88

More difficult

Culture.....

89

More difficult

Abysmal transition program, uncaring people, Airmen thrown to the street.

90

Easier

I started to prepare for my retirement 10 years before I retired. I had all my loans paid except my home.

91

As expected

No significant problems.

92

More difficult

Economy was in a down turn and not many companies hiring.

93

More difficult

Civilians might not have the drive and feeling of responsibility of the task. Nor did there seem to be a sense of urgency.

94

Easier

training was at companies headquarters at night off base.

95

More difficult

Because I was telling it like it was and it was used to stab me in the back with four separate employers.

96

More difficult

Even though retired and transitioned. I feel like I am just treading water.

97

More difficult

I moved to a town not near a military base. I had already bought property and built a house in a small town where job opportunities were minimal. Additionally, the entire state's K-12 school system is the worst ever. No resources for military.

98

More difficult

I have found that my background in Public Affairs and Journalism is one that requires more education to get more desirable positions. I have ten years experience but only an associates degree. I was over qualified for many positions and undereducated on others.

99

As expected

I only did 4 years in the military so I had not been away from entirely civilian life for that long.

100

Easier

I was fearful but had no break in pay

101

More difficult

Had to learn most of the process on my own, with advice from those already in the industry (airline pilots).

102

More difficult

I had higher safety standards than my company and that's why I decided to quit my first job.

103

As expected

Had to utilize patience and mental fortitude. Encountered challenges, but pushed through.

104

As expected

Moving from the military to civilian life was tramatic. Civilians are not as committed as the military. The switch was tough.

105

More difficult

I had a graduate education and plenty of experience when I was transitioning. I had a Federal civil service job offer before transitioning, and then sequestration and cutbacks hit!

106

More difficult

More my lack of preparation, set myself up to fail. But it was a great learning experience.

107

As expected

I realized that my particular education level and area of study (Bachelor's in Psychology) was a difficult starting point and that I would need to go to graduate school to pursue a career in that field.

108

More difficult

The camaraderie and integrity of the military was completely absent in the civilian world.

109

More difficult

Couldn't find work in the same career field.

110

More difficult

I had a difficult time getting my foot in the door. I pursued one job for about six weeks before I finally had an interview.

111

More difficult

I had unreasonable expectations of the pay scales and of the reliability of employers' words. One learns to roll with the punches.

112

More difficult

Way too much to type. I hate being out of the military.

113

More difficult

When you don't get interviews or feedback on resumes and applications, it can be a little daunting.

114

As expected

I do my own thing, on my own time.

115

Easier

I was very prepared and had networked, so when a good opportunity occurred, I was ready.

116

More difficult

I was a Foreign Area Officer with a security clearance, high skill levels in three Asian languages, and years of experience with U.S. and international defense industry, transitioning in the D.C. area I expected an easy transition. However, I retired at the beginning of 2009 -- pit of the economy. And, regardless of what anybody says about the "Pacific Century" or the so-called USG "pivot to the Pacific", the D.C. area is not a primary focal point of Asia-Pacific activities. Such jobs can be found, but with great patience, and by taking other seemingly tangential jobs in order to build job skills, experience, and connections toward the primary goal of getting the desired job.

117

As expected

There were challenges, but nothing too difficult.

118

More difficult

Most companies did not believe I had the skill set needed to perform the job despite 4 years of military service. Pay was not very good either.

119

More difficult

Many, many more applications before being selected. Tailoring the resumes are difficult, but applying is just as hard.

120

More difficult

I only had a job when I got out because of my wife's grandparents' radio station. Now that is no more and I was laid off of what I thought would be my next career after that. I don't feel like I have left the military yet, but it chose to leave me.

121

As expected

I expected it to be difficult to transition to the civilian culture, and I was right.

122

As expected

I did not experience difficulty.

123

As expected

The money was the only thing that threw me for a loop. I should have made and stuck to a budget better prior to getting out.

124

More difficult

You just never know whether that resume is going to make it thru to someone's actual hands or cut by the computer search. So, it's a lot of resumes sent for so few actual interviews. Just because your resume gets the recommended or sent to selection official in the USA Jobs application does not mean you've made it. I have sent countless resumes and seen that update on the site but no phone calls.

125

More difficult

It's hard to work all day with people who have never been in the military. I felt very disconnected and missed the teamwork.

126

As expected

I was very prepared so there weren't many surprises.

127

More difficult

As I walked out of one interview being escorted by an Administrator - she stated "I wish they would hire you because you have a greater vision than anyone else we talked to. But they will not. You are too good. You saw things no one else saw."
That made me think about how I interviewed and how answered questions.

128

As expected

I prepared extremely early. Through networking and luck I had a job waiting for me. It was exactly what I expected.

129

More difficult

First job did not work out. Thankfully I had planned for additional processes which did workout.

130

Easier

Easier than expected because I prepared for my transition more than two years ahead of time.

131

More difficult

I thought I was getting a steady paying job, however it was 100% commission based. I did not receive my first paycheck for three months after I separated.

132

More difficult

Communication, and a lack of familiarity among others was and continues to be an issue. It feels lonely at times. Thats why its good to get with OIF/OEF group sessions so you can be among brethren.

133

More difficult

Jobs were scarce

134

More difficult

I was not prepared for managing civilians. The do's an dont's...it's much different regarding what you can say, what you can ask, and what you can do to reward or reprimand them.

135

More difficult

learning what the civilian workforce is looking at today as far as experrience, education

136

As expected

It wasn't difficult. I just had to work through part of the transitional process i was not fully prepared for (the intangibles ). Knew there would be some adjustments

137

As expected

Because I started early and attended TAP twice, I had a great idea what I was getting into. I learned a lot along the way, but I had allowed time for that.

138

More difficult

I entered the military straight out of college with very little civilian work experience other than "summer jobs" that required more manual labor than managerial skills. The military workforce and the civilian workforce have many similar objectives, but not necessarily commonly shared goals. Military more mission-oriented while the civilian workforce is more profit driven. Then there is the government -- local, state and Federal.

139

As expected

I had hope that my planning would help my have employment before I retired. I had employment before I was on terminal leave.

140

More difficult

Transitioning out was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life. Must have a financial safety net if employment falls through.

141

More difficult

The civilian culture is very different and laid back. I can't seem to adapt to this.

142

Easier

There is a lot of propaganda that attempts to frighten military folks away from separation. I actually found it easy and had a solid job two weeks prior to my ETS.

143

Easier

I got a job in 10 days.

144

More difficult

I was surprised at how little value there really is on military experience when it came time to hire.

145

As expected

Started early and used my network

146

Easier

I'm enjoying the culture change; its a shake up. My employer is very "civilian" but I'm working in their very small defense service at a defense entity so I'm getting the best of both worlds and still feel like I'm working to further the mission.

147

More difficult

There is no loyalty in the civilian workforce. You're only as good as your last day.

148

As expected

Small town low paying jobs that did not match work experience and education

149

As expected

I started interviewing just before the start of terminal leave and only went 2 weeks between military and civilian paychecks. I didn't have to move and ended up working with a good company.

150

More difficult

It was very difficult to prepare for retirement while completing workload which did not decrease until my retirement date.

151

As expected

There was uncertainty and a lot of networking until something unexpected happened. Prepare for chance.

152

Easier

I lucked into a fantastic job, lined up as soon as I decided to transition.

153

As expected

I expected it to be challenging and it was.

154

Easier

I transitioned in-place.

155

Easier

TAP made it easy. I was doing the same job, but had to decide what clothes to wear to work.

156

Easier

The process was smoother and the new organization provided more services than I realized when I accepted the position

157

As expected

Received good training for this

158

More difficult

My transition from military to civilian was very difficult, there was not the right amount of help available or offered to me that there is now.

159

As expected

Just about what I thought it would be and my expectations were somewhat reasonable.

160

As expected

I knew that it would be tough transition from SNCO to civilian because I totally had become my military identity. I expected it would take me about three years to feel comfortable in my new skin and stop longing for all the power and respect that I had before I retired. So far, I'm two years into my transition and I'm about where I thought I would be at this point.

161

More difficult

Contrary to current popular perceptions and many public statements, employers are NOT required to hire veterans. Many parts of the U.S. government and commercial sector are working hard to ensure veteran employment stays in the public mainstream. The current public and corporate sentiment towards military and veterans' issues trends toward the positive which helps keep this on the forefront for resolution. Despite the focus, the employment of veterans is NOT guaranteed.

162

More difficult

taking longer to get a new job than expected despite assurances otherwise.

163

More difficult

culture clash

164

Easier

Not all that difficult, I was very much open minded, and willing to start low on the food chain.

165

More difficult

I started early with my transition and still didn't have luck. Most employers won't hold a position for you while you're still transitioning.

166

More difficult

The move was extremely difficult....it was hard to get assistance for my household goods as a retiree.

167

More difficult

Job went away within 6 months. Fortunately I had made additional contacts which lead to a successful consulting career.

168

More difficult

Never attended a transition class and was completely unaware.

169

More difficult

Took me six months after retirement to find a job, and in a career field I hadn't considered.

170

More difficult

Amount of preparation to make an effective transition was a lot more that I expected. Particularly in interview prep and work.

171

Easier

It took a while dabbling, but I was recruited from an MBA program to teach at a major university. It was somewhat serendipitous, but I loved the teaching, related well with students, and am now concluding my 18th year as a faculty member and graduate program director.

172

More difficult

Out of work for ~7 months (retirement ceremony to work start date) was not the plan.

Wanted to take about 30 days off, but offers were not forthcoming.

173

Easier

I thought it would be a culture shock, and hard to find a satisfying job. That was not the case.

174

Easier

I was surprised at how much companies wanted to hire me for being a veteran, even if I didn't have the direct experience for the job.

175

As expected

Everything brought up in TAP was pretty much the way it turned out during the transition.

176

As expected

It was what I expected; however, the comradery in the civilian workforce--at least at a large company--is not at all like the flying squadron environment.

177

More difficult

I thought my military and academic training would be more valued than they were. I did not appreciate the need to establish myself in the technicalities and atmosphere of learning a new trade. I did not recognize that there is almost always a need to learn a new trade when leaving the military and that learning takes a lot of time.

178

Easier

I worked the military academy alumni network very hard when I transitioned. I had three job offers and two more pending when I selected my first position. It was pure civilian work; no government aspect.

179

Easier

I feared being unemployed for an extended period, but I was working about a month after separating.

180

More difficult

Military training instilled values that the civilian workforce does not necessarily have

181

Easier

No one knows when they will get hired, and what kind of position they will get first up. I guess I was really well prepared, and had little slack time before leaving the Air Force and starting an new career.

182

More difficult

Everything happened slower and more opaque (i.e. little feedback) than I expected.

183

Easier

I was prepared. I checked all of the boxes in my career path. I obtained two different CCAF degrees for my AFSC's and I kept an eye on the future which took me to retirement where I was ready to transition. I now work in a job that was my primary AFSC in the Air Force but in the civilian world.

184

Easier

I read "Do What You Are" which matches your Myers-Briggs personality type to ideal career fields, and that led me to an almost perfect match. I used "What Color is Your Parachute" to guide me through the resume and interview process. Both excellent books, but they take about two months to do all the exercises.

185

As expected

When I retired I had my Master degree completed three years before my separation date so I knew what career field I could go into.

186

More difficult

I didn't want to get out. The stress of getting out, making plans of where to live, who I'd live with, where I'd work, were all overwhelming. I didn't have support beyond living back with family. It took me a year and a half of going through various temp jobs and a bout with alcohol abuse before I learned to cope with no longer being in the military.

187

More difficult

different mentality on the civilian side. Work ethic is not nearly the same.

188

As expected

I expected to civilian workforce to be a little more laid back and disorganized than the military and it was. People will leave work early for something as small as little headache and leave you there to pick up their slack. Most of them seem to think that they're number one and the head person no matter how much experience they have.

189

As expected

I knew that transitioning was not going to be easy, but planning ahead helped me out a lot.

190

More difficult

Coming from the reserves there just wasn't much help. Escpecially since I drilled in a different city.

191

As expected

Transition program provided accurate insight into what I could expect so there were few if any surprises.

192

As expected

I returned to a job that honored my time in the service and added it to my seniority.

193

More difficult

I still dont understand how civillians think….to me its backwards

194

More difficult

SO many barriors and lies by govt politicians and the work sector. It seems to be just to get votes or to look good on election day as far as this, "lets help our vets get jobs".

195

More difficult

Although I have lots of experience in recruiting, HR, maintenance, and even process improvement....with the education to back it up; my military label has prevented employers form contacting me. its an incredible burden to have to carry,

196

More difficult

The waiting time frame for a call back to when most company's can hire

197

As expected

I prepared for it to be extremely hard, it wasn't. Wish I had left sooner

198

More difficult

With only a 2 day break, it seems as if I didn't give myself enough time.

199

More difficult

ETS'd 1993. No transition services and zero support from local community or any VSO.. Bad marriage made things worse.

200

Easier

I was retired for 14 days when I went back to work and I am still with that same company 6 years later having changed duty titles three times within the company and doubled my initial very low starting salary.

201

More difficult

I could not find anything that provided the same sense of service or impact with an equivalent salary close to what I needed, which was more than the military offered as well.

202

More difficult

I went to grad school right after retirement, then right into teaching. I should have taken more time to find a better fit. I will now.

203

As expected

I networked with others who had transitioned, so I knew what they were going through. I also started preparing about two years before I retired.

204

Easier

Once I really got serious about it, it only took about 3 weeks to secure employment. After the doom and gloom in TAP class I thought it would take much more time and effort.

205

More difficult

I thought I had a lot of great experience but civilian world (especially VA) did not appreciate my initiative and motivation.

206

More difficult

Time period when military and professional skill sets not understood or wanted. Therefore, took job outside preferences.

207

More difficult

My first contract job was good until the contract was over. I've been bouncing around job to job the last almost 10 years now, trying to fit in somewhere that makes a decent wage to pay off my education I can't use. My life has been almost unbearable.

208

As expected

It's difficult to obtain employment by just applying. You must get out and meet people.

209

More difficult

It has taken several years to get the job I wanted.

210

As expected

You have to put work into it.

211

Easier

I had a plan and spent a long time making sure this was the right decision.

212

More difficult

I felt my military supervisory and management experience were completed disregarded in the civilian sector.

213

More difficult

Transitioned in a depressed job market and wasn't fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Took 4.5 months to find employment.

214

Easier

Just hearing all the stories of how difficult many others endured in their transition I was preparing myself for the worst, but by preparing early and getting things done quickly and timely aided me so much making it so easy

215

Easier

Had a job waiting for me so transition was easy and still is

216

Easier

had a job lined up already.

217

As expected

There was no difficulty experienced.

218

As expected

It was difficult and stressful, but I put a considerable amount of effort into my transition and engaged with the transition process in some way almost every day for ~ 5 years.

219

More difficult

I thought I'd be more in demand than I was. I felt like being older was an issue to prospective employers.

220

More difficult

I thought the resources in place to help would be of greater use.

221

Easier

The hiring agent was retired military and instantly knew I had what they needed!

222

As expected

I knew I had a job prior to my separation, so all I had to do was make it to the new location.

223

Easier

I was in the right state of mind for retirement. Made my decision and was ready to move on. The job I accepted was with a small start up company, provided me great opportunity and in fact, 14 years later I am still employed by the same company.

224

More difficult

Company lied to me about future of the Company.

225

More difficult

Missed being in uniform, the purpose and role I had seem so much more important when I was in uniform

226

More difficult

I retired in 2010, bad economy, jobless "recovery", when the official unemployment and the REAL unemployment rates were very high. Two years later I was laid off due to sequestration.

227

More difficult

Took a job that fit my skills, but high pressure. Now in lower pressure job, but bored out of my mind. I'm having trouble finding the happy medium.

228

As expected

Really didn't have any expectations - it was, what it was.

229

More difficult

I was at the top of the enlisted workforce - I was uncharge of 355 staff members, running million dollar programs with a dramatic effect on our nation. My first civilian job - in civilian attire I got no respect, accused of over dressing and essentially sat around for 6 months because the organization did not properly plan on hiring a new civilian.

230

As expected

Preparation was a big part.

231

More difficult

Although I had offers, they were not to my liking. It took me nine months to find the right fit.

232

Easier

I applied for approximately 30 positions on USAJOBS and went with the first offer I received.

233

More difficult

I had a very difficult time doing non value-added work and observing those who had no leadership skills.

234

As expected

It was not much of an effort to me.

235

As expected

It was not difficult to know what I wanted to do as a private consultant; it was very difficult to figure out what I needed to do in order to establish my own business, market that business, and develop a set of rates.

236

More difficult

My age was a factor and because of medical reasons

237

More difficult

My job skills didn't translate in the workforce

238

As expected

Change from a structured 'society' into a less structured one is always stressful

239

More difficult

I was having physical & emotional pain as a direct result of things that happened to me during my enlistment that I did not get help for until several years later. This made it much more difficult for me to transition.

240

Easier

My Civilian position and the ANG unit I transferred to were all within the Geographic area of my last AD assignment and also close to my home.

241

More difficult

I was not expecting to attend college following my 24 year career. The process was eventually eased by VA education councilors. I now have a successful "new" career. If you include going to college as a successful transition, the answer becomes "Easier than expected".

242

As expected

Difficult but nothing I couldn't handle.

243

More difficult

I have a MS in Meteorology with 20 years of operational experience in the career field. I have applied for 100s of jobs and haven't even received an offer for an interview. I have had to take a entry level supervisory position as a customer service manager, just to make ends meet.

244

More difficult

I have not been able to secure long term employment since leaving the military.

245

Easier

I got lucky with the timing and job.

246

More difficult

I have bounced from job to job, unable to stay on anything for more than a year.

247

More difficult

I thought everyone would want to hire a veteran which I found wasn't the case.

248

More difficult

There is no order. Civilians have poor work ethics.

249

Easier

Major challenge lay in not being in a military community for my family, otherwise it's been very smooth

250

More difficult

It was the hardest thing I ever experienced before. It is a major transition from a way of life and life-style to a completely different one.

251

As expected

I was ready... I'm satisfied with my transition and the information provided by the transition program I attended was very helpful...

252

As expected

The transition assistance programs aligned expectations with reality.

253

More difficult

First I was not ready to leave the military. My health dectated otherwise. The transition was difficult in trying to find a civilian skill set that matches my military trade.

254

More difficult

Attended TAP shortly after it began. Curriculum was not as tailored as it is now-a-days.

255

Easier

I knew what I was getting in to before I got out so I expected it to be challenging to find someone who was willing to "take a chance" on someone who had a lot of experience which paralleled the skills most firms look for in a developer. I was actually pleasantly surprised to find that I had several opportunities around the company and was able to be a little selective.

256

As expected

I expected it to be easy. It was

257

As expected

Right place, right time, right job offer.

258

As expected

I made it work

259

More difficult

It was hard to serve as a government contractor after being in command positions in the Air Force. It was a big adjustment for me to leave that behind. After year and a half I was selected for a government civilian job in the same agency and a much happier because of the responsibilities I now have.

260

As expected

I had a job lined up ahead of time. It matched my skill set. I ended up not liking it very much and changing directions about 18 months after getting out.

261

As expected

I had spent a lot of time planning to become my own employer. Based on the discussions I'd had with a lot of business people as well as within my chain of command, my expectations ended up being very realistic. The more difficult part of the transition was finding out that not everyone you work is as dedicated to the job as I found in the military; punching the time clock at the end of the day is often more important than finishing a job on time.

262

More difficult

The civilian culture was so much different than the military culture. I eventually adapted and was quite happy.

263

As expected

Networking was central to finding my first job after retirement. Connecting with people who knew my work and had jobs available.

264

As expected

It took some effort

265

Easier

I was recruited by two companies, both of which could have been a good fit. The company I selected was a great culture.

266

Easier

I took my first job while I was on separation leave for 119 days, so I was earning two paychecks.

267

More difficult

They have twelve people doing what 1 does in the military.

268

Easier

I started early, asked for and got a lot of help; plus I am highly marketable (civil engineer with a certification).

269

Easier

I was fortunate to have a solid network who prepared me

270

Easier

TAP made me expect it would be much harder than it actually was.

271

Easier

Networking helped me get my job

272

More difficult

2010-2011 I experienced an 8 month search for the first job which was much longer than I planned for

273

Easier

I had and have a tremendous support system.

274

More difficult

I liked the structure of the military and have problems with individuals that don't respect their supervisors and managers.

275

More difficult

We are taught that we have all of hear skills. But in reality most of what we know either doesn't convert to the civilian world or is outdated and no longer used.

276

More difficult

Finding a job became a full time job. Submitting hundreds of applications and resumes with no answer from employers. Constantly drafting and editing a resume for each individual job application.

277

More difficult

The people that have answers are hard to reach.

278

As expected

I became a full time student for 1 1/2 before I started working, so my transition was fairly easy.

279

More difficult

Took more time than expected.

280

As expected

I had sone lots of research prior to my separation to make it as smooth as possible.

281

Easier

An existing government contractor at the base recruited me.

282

Easier

Used my military leadership skills to bring the best portions of the military to the civilian sector

283

As expected

My boss said she would fire me if I kept standing up when she came into my office. To be fair though, I was a Reservist at the time, so I was dual hatted with my professional skills.

284

As expected

Based on the TAP info and personal study of various resources, the challenges, frustrations, and issues were not new. Of course knowledge and awareness are completely different from actually experiencing events but at least I wasn't blindsided and had resources to review and study to help overcome challenges and issues.

285

Easier

The transition classes I attended tended to make the civilian employment process sound much more difficult than it actually was.

286

More difficult

I was surprised I missed the military

287

As expected

I had a job lined up with a business that my wife worked at. I knew the employer and had already been providing some consulting work before I retired. In the end it didn't work out because of financial promises not being fulfilled. At that point I did not know what to do. It took me 6 months to require out a direction and get a job. That job only lasted 6 months, but then I landed a position in a new field and have been grown in that field 10 fold in the past 18 years. I now am considered an expert and make a 6 figure salary. Not to bad for a retired E-7.

288

As expected

I had heard from a number of friends how difficult the transition could be and how different it was from the military. It ended up being much as I expected.

289

More difficult

the civilian workforce pales in comparison to military work ethic.

290

As expected

I was ready for it financially. Even though my now ex-wife bailed and took all of the savings and the cars with her, I could afford existing on my retirement and GI Bill benefits. I knew I would find work but didn't know how soon. The fiscal burden was there but it was manageable. I believe this was the greatest burden. I was ready because of minimal debt.

291

As expected

Because I had a job already, most of the challenges had more to do with adjusting to civilian culture and missing aspects of military life.

292

Easier

I was prepared to transition and had several jobs lined up; Post Office, ROTC and company z.

293

More difficult

I missed the camaraderie more than I thought I would and I should have better understood the cost of living and pay I should have requested to compensate.

294

As expected

Wasn't too difficult but wasn't easy.

295

More difficult

I went through around 35 interviews before landing a job. The interview was identified as the problem area in every follow-up call I made in which they were willing to identify the problem.

296

More difficult

I felt lost. No one seemed to want to hire a middle age woman who retired from the AF. I might as well been an alien from outer space when they asked why I retired in the first place.

297

More difficult

I was career military and I liked it. My difficulty came from going from a structured life to an unstructured one.

298

As expected

I worked part-time as a trainer/consultant to the State during the last few years of active duty.

299

As expected

As a military cop for over twenty years, there are few occupations, in that field, where it is easy to start over. The work was quite different than any civilian counterpart (I was AF on the security side, not LE side), so back to school while I worked part time.

300

More difficult

Leaving behind friends and an environment I was comfortable with since birth. Being over qualified to do a job was not an answer I was expected to hear. I went to various schools and completed various on-line courses to better prepared for the outside.

301

As expected

I obtained a GS position prior to retirement which was quicker than expected

302

More difficult

It took me a while to adjust to the loss of my military job, the status I had in my last military job and the loss of the income.

303

More difficult

As a former Air National Guardsman, it was difficult to find work outside of menial labor roles. Once I stated on my resume that my military service was ending, and that I was also in graduate school, things got much better. It was downright nasty prior to that point.

304

As expected

I interviewed other retirees and vets and consulted with mentors, so was prepared for the challenges and changes of the transition. It made some of it easier, but not all of it. The parts that were not easier, were still less stressful because I was not completely surprised by them.

305

More difficult

Learning how to use the "system" to find and apply for jobs correctly. Additionally, learning how to network your way into a job. Learning later how to write a good civilian resume and utilize a professional resume writer.

306

More difficult

Did not know how to talk civilian and understand civilian culture - purpose

307

More difficult

Non-responses, outright rejection, competitive but non-selection exact a mental well being toll that I hadn't prepared for or even been warned about.

308

More difficult

I expected to land a good job quickly, and none came.

309

As expected

Looking back there were dozens of jobs. I had too narrow of a vision.

310

More difficult

Emotionally it took a very hard toll on me. The time of year I transitioned was not great either. No one hires during the holidays.

311

More difficult

After 3 years, still unemployed!

312

As expected

I was pregnant at the time of my transition so itmade things a little more difficult

313

Easier

Personal connection gave me an opportunity that started the day I separated.

314

As expected

I received and accepted a good job offer before I started terminal leave. That is the good part. The bigger challenge was adapting to my new organization's culture. It seemed like nobody ever wanted to make a decision and everything was ultra-collaborative. I ended up leaving this organization (a large, well-known company that provides services to active military and veterans) after two years and am now self-employed.

315

More difficult

Thought I would be more marketable. "Veteran" became a great bumper sticker, but what companies really wanted was first/second term vets...not career individuals.

316

More difficult

There are few job opportunities in my skillset that pay enough.

317

As expected

The transition is only as difficult as you make it. Be flexible and keep setting goals. Don't settle for entry-level but also don't be afraid to start at the bottom because the reality is that's where you're headed, but as a vet you can climb that ladder quicker than most. You'll be where you want to in no time. Stay driven.

318

As expected

Sluggishness of hiring process...I think Applicant Tracking Systems are completely stacked in favor of the company and overall force resumé falsehoods rather than finding/highlighting quality candidates. A 360 degree resume or Repify like process would be much better.

319

Easier

I started applying for jobs 6 months before my retirement. I didn't have any success in getting interviews until I was within 30 days of retirement. Companies aren't interested in waiting when they have a position to fill. It was discouraging not to get call backs right away.

320

More difficult

I was not able to find work in my military career. For several years, I worked temp jobs because the availability of jobs in the area we lived in was low. I never worked in my career field again. 7 years after I separated, I went back to school and changed careers.

321

More difficult

There are so many organizations that say they offer assistance to veterans, but it's still too many veterans who don't have employment

322

More difficult

Since I did not receive any assistance, I had a difficult time. In fact, I am still not aware of all of the benefits I'm eligible for.

323

More difficult

too much neg press. Generals do not do us favors..

324

As expected

Hard but manageable

325

More difficult

Took several months to get an interview

326

More difficult

My job- Air Traffic Control Radar Specialist didn't translate to a job in electric profession. I chose Speech Language pathology, then switched to psychology. So for school- socially, I was much older, and 1st generation college, just didn't know how it all worked going from school to a job.

327

More difficult

I was expecting to obtain employment in the HR field as a result of my positions held in the service. This was completely wrong as I could not get an entry level HR position without a college degree.

328

Easier

I had a friend who worked in my field in NYC, and she helped me get a job with her company and ensured that I would be well-paid for my efforts. I was unemployed for a few months, but I lived off my savings and my BAH from my GI Bill.

329

As expected

With all the information out there, one has little excuse for finding it more difficult than they expected—very few have an easy time (I was very fortunate) but the bottom line is this is one of the toughest things you will do if transitioning as a retiree—especially if serving 30+ years.