'I'm Happy as a Civilian'

I worked hard while I was active duty to finish my Associate and bachelor's degrees so I would be ready and competitive with the job market when I finally separated after 11 1/2 years of active-duty service.

I saved up to 60 days of terminal leave so I could look for a job and interview, and still have a pay check while I searched for work.

I researched military-friendly companies and found a completely unlikely match for my experience. I thought outside of the box, and didn't keep my search limited to my military experience, which had been almost my entire adult work history.

I love the philosophy of and being a member of USAA. When I applied, I wasn't sure where it would lead. It ended up being my first official interview midway through my terminal leave. I separated on a Friday of a holiday weekend and accepted the job first thing Tuesday morning.

I was so excited and I am truly happy as a civilian, still having the opportunity to work with members that serve our country everyday. Best advice: Treat searching for your new job like a personal goal and even though you may be on leave, spend the same amount of time working on your job search as you would be spending at work. Marketing yourself and utilizing veterans workshops to help with resumes, etc...it's definitely worth the time and energy. Keep your military professionalism and future employers will recognize you have a unique edge over the competition.

(Submitted by Ms. M. Muir)