'Maybe I'm Doing Something Wrong'

I retired three months ago. I'm not usually a person to judge or complain but when a Soldier retires from an overseas location, they need to be advised far in advance of the difficulties. I have been in Florida in a hotel for two months.

In Florida, I found that the personal first job interview is gone -- it's all online. The first impression that goes along with an application is no longer is there.

I applied for more than 100 jobs using the in-place systems and have had one call back. My resume has been professionally done, and still nothing. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. But when I retired I was given a plane ticket and a hand shake because the military community there is just too busy shutting down and redeploying to give any real assistance.

Thank God my wife is German and is still there. If she wasn't we would be in a hotel together with a son going to school from here. I have asked for grass cutting jobs, just to be able to have stable income, to bring my family here to settle.

Also, I have told a family member, that I came here to help take care of in his old age, that I will have to leave. I'm now just looking for anything in the whole U.S. So please, leadership overseas, please brief your Soldiers. No matter their senior rank, educate them on the difficulties of retiring from overseas and that they may run into trouble after being away from the civilian sector for a long time.

Don't believe the hype about civial companies wanting Soldiers -- not if you're a common combat arms Soldier. I believe I will just soon be a German citizen where I can be employed and live a quiet comfortable life, just not in my home and beloved U.S.

(Submitted by Mr. Roland Meader)

Comments

[debbie wallace]

hi, sounds like you need to go back to school ;never to old to learn nurses make it ,health care field two of my daughters are nurses no problem getting a job -

[dante]

I struggled to, how about trying an online business, where you can work from any where in the world, with the world as your customers. Full support and a multitued of marketing techniques.

Help other fellow soldiers returning home become financially independent.

[JoAnn]

Roland
Before you give up completely...Check with your local VA Hospital, they are very "Veteran Friendly" when it comes to hiring and are always looking to hire veterans before civilians. Also check with your local veterans services organizations for information/assistance on pursuing a second career. The VA also provides job training(vocational rehab). I struggled when i left the military also and took jobs I didn't like but this was because i didn't have a clue about all the services that the VA provide. I am now working with veterans at the VA hospital and can honestly say that this is the best job I've ever had in my life. Remember: Federal jobs (VA Hospitals)still pay more than non-federal agencies. Also there are lots of advancement opportunities for veterans at the VA.
The game has changed a little since you retired...You are expected to call and follow up a week after you submit your resume. They won't always call because they have so many applicants applying on the internet and some agencies print these applications certain times of the week or even month. When you call ask to speak to the "Hiring Manager". You may not get an immediate answer but your calling them to follow up shows that your are very interested in the job and that you're motivated. Sometimes they will ask you to call back, it may be because they want to pull your resume from among the thousands they receive for a preliminary check. Don't leave messages; speak to the hiring manager directly; if he's not there get a time that he will be and call back. Follow up is very important when applying for jobs (competition is tough due to the economy and companies outsourcing) so you have to stand out in some way.
Hang in there. I promise, it gets better. Good Luck!!!

[Diana]

Hello Mr. Meader, Ms. Wallace is right, go back to school, you can always learn more. Believe me you aren't doing anything wrong!!! Try some of these websites...
https://www.employflorida.com
http://www.craigslist.org
There are all sorts of jobs posted. Worst case scenario try going to the businesses and getting to know people; because I too am in Florida (the panhandle to be exact) and the job market is not so great. And remember it’s not what you know it’s who you know!!! Get to know some people it will help. Also try
http://www.usajobs.com
That is the government website; depending on what you did while in the Military there may be a job for you! Good luck.

[Mathis Banks, Jr]

Hello Roland, sorry to hear about your difficulties finding employment in the US. I too am a retiree and feel your pain; you really have to start a year out from retirement. Needless to say retiring overseas, or even in a small town where jobs are scarce is very challenging, but not impossible. You have one thing right, things have changed. The good news is that you are willing to relocate and that’s a plus. There are several military friendly companies out there that may need your skills, SAIC, Northrop Grumman and other companies who are government contractors. I will be glad to look over your resume and assist as much as I can. Please feel free to forward me your resume at mathisbanks2003@yahoo.com, and I’ll see what we can do.

[Roger Cline]

Roland I'm right with you. I recently moved to CA 5 weeks ago and what I came here for fell trough in just 6 days. Now I'm stuck in Sacramento with my truck breaking down, moneys almost gone, 41 yrs old and with having different jobs in the past, the resume dosen't look too appealing I must admit! I have also found out that paper applications are a thing of the past. Everything is online so you can't get an on the spot interview anymore so I don't have a chance to sell myself to them. Very frustrating! with unemployment at its highest in 20 yrs here a job seems impossible.I have also been checking out overseas jobs like Mr. Banks mentioned and the march continues. I hope that our friends with the VA and elsewhere can reach out SOON. Good luck and keep praying. Semper Fi!

[Bruce Collins]

Good Morning Mr. Meader,

Sorry to hear you are having issues. I retired from the Navy in 1997. The email resume and online applications were just getting popular then,and I was NOT computer friendly! A couple comments, I started sending resumes in Dec. didn't get a job until March. Also, 100 in 2 months is not that many. I sent more than 100 a week. You said you had your resume professionally done, personally I had zero responses on those. Be careful of the cutsie "attention getting" devices, like the double margin line; sometimes the formatting doesn't transmit well and it makes your resume unreadable.

Lastly, you didn't mention branch, grade or MOS but I suspect even if you were a mud marine (That's a complement!) for 20 you did more than march and shoot. Those other skills are what you need to examine and sell. Inventory? Personnel? Training? We all did it and generally better than the civilian world. Just remember they don't want to hear that ;-)

Good Luck,

Bruce

[Ray]

Mr. Meader,

First, I found "thinking positive" helps get you through the tough times; keeps you innovative and focused. Everyday will not be a good day, real life.

Second, I'm doing the same thing right now, experiencing the same issues but I KNOW I will decide when I want to hire the company that offers me a job. Because, I'm in control.

Third, because you are a military guy, you're smart, educated and will find a way to figure this out.

Fourth, get out of the hotel, rent a room at your friends or relatives and surround yourself with supportive folks.

Good Luck,

Ray

[Jon]

To all Military Retirees,

It depresses me that a military retired person would not bring the "Get it done" attitude into the civilian work force. We in the Army Corps of Engineers are constantly looking for military retirees who have the "When in doubt, attack" attitude. You will find many such openings at USAJOBS.com
Persistance is the answer to a Govt Service position.

[Jimmy Arocho]

Rolland,
Please pardon my directness, I feel that you are asking for help and want the cold hard facts?

If your expectation was to retire, fly to Florida, score a RELIABLE job, and assimilate your family into American life; yes, you are doing something wrong!

However, maybe I can help. First, thank you for your service! There is no greater honor than to bear arms for the United States of America! The days where this alone promised you a civilian life are GONE! Moving forward you will best represent yourself with a resume submitted over the Internet. READ all the archives posted here (Military.com). Investing an entire YEAR is a common undertaking in the PROCESS of gaining civilian employment. Include in your transition PLAN the research discovered on this web site.

FYI, In Florida "grass-cutting" is a serious and respected profession (Lawn Technician), requiring commensurate Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA). Not to mention insurance, reliable/maintained mower, edger, truck/van, safety gear, and trailer.

Please allow me to characterize your posting and make some assumptions. It appears that you are in FL to look into the care of a family member and to "test-drive" the job market. Let me suggest a different approach to the part that addresses assimilating a civilian life.

Yes, in order to achieve meaningful, reliable, professional employment requires a comprehensive and strategic (long-term) plan for a home, work, education, medical care, childcare, foreign spouse assimilation plan, support group, and money (savings)! You are presently undergoing culture shock! How will your spouse assimilate the American way of life, do you need a sub-plan for language barrier and education? Have you considered the cultural and societal challenges your spouse must endure? All the best planning could crumble under these latter pressures!

Planning for the transition to civilian life should have started at the same instance that the idea of retirement entered your mind. So, lets get caught up!

You are now in the contingency mode. Regroup and attack the transition only after you've properly prepared a PLAN. Please consider this side note. I recommend that you gather everything that you are discovering NOW in your Florida visit. I see opportunity here. I'll close this posting with a job recommendation for you. Consider the following in your transition.

In the military we have MOS proficiency tests, WLC, BNCOC, ANCOC, FSA, CMA, CSMA, Special Skill Identifiers, Verification of Military Experience and Training, DD Form 2586, Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS), DANTES, CLEP, GI Bill, and Tuition Assistance.

It is no different in the civilian world. When one retires, one does not revert to being a civilian-private! One makes a professionally commensurate transition based upon your ability to INTEGRATE what you did as a soldier with what you want to do as a CIVILIAN. Interestingly, this implies that you are least qualified as a Lawn Technician... Strictly speaking!

A component of your PLAN should include a traditional or Vocational education! You know, an associates, bachelors, master’s degree, or vocational certification. Much of the aforementioned MILITARY EDUCATION is transferable into TRADITIONAL EDUCATION (AARTS), so keep your head high! Get into the process! Your new resume will be you; better documented/represented! In regards to what you will do for work is ALL about your PLAN of transferring military education to a comparable civilian role. Do you see how this approach is slightly different from what you are doing now? Remember, EVERY community college AND university, to include many vocational technical schools have an ASSIGNED Veterans Administration (VA) CERTIFYING OFFICIAL, that processes your application for GI Bill. These Soldier-Civilians are in many cases retired military! I would not allow another day to pass without their guidance!!!!

As a senior soldier, you have commensurate skills in leadership and resource management. The KSAs borne from this experience are in GREAT demand! However, you need to have your military education translated into tradition civilian credits for further matching to an education (degree) and a civilian job. Role. Your resumes should be a CUSTOM tailored TOOL for each and every job that you seek. Get away from the catchall resume. I believe that if you follow-through on the recommendation to transfer military education that job ideas will begin to FLY!! The process will both humble and enlighten!

Before you crank up the computer to attack a potential job, start by researching the company, the officers, mission statement, finances, and all relevant job profile data. Work on developing an artful match. Get better at analyzing job profiles! If the potential employer is publicly traded read the 10K, Securities and Exchange (SEC) report. This last recommendation may be a bit much. However, the 10K will provide key insight into Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). Think about this: your resume will focus on the inner working CHALLENGES of your target company! You FASHION (Not a military term) your resume not only amplifying your KSAs but in RESPONSE to the company's SWOT. YOUR KSAs ARE NO LONGER ABOUT PROTECTING AND DEFENDING THEY MUST BE TRANSLATED INTO ATTRIBUTES TOWARDS COMPANY PROFIT AND REVENUE! This is how you get your resume out of the pile and in the hands of the Human Resource staff calling you for interview!

Stay connected to the Internet. A laptop computer and a cell-phone with a data account that works in Germany will help you establish the communications NETWORK essential to your PLAN. Move, Shoot, and Communicate! Have Internet everywhere you go! If you posted this "plea" from a computer at the public library and have listed, a "family-member's" home phone number for your personal contact; you really need a PLAN. Use the SWOT recommendation to fine-tune your candidacy for the job.

Lastly, I mentioned that I had a job recommendation for you. I suggest that you encapsulate your entire experience here in Florida. Document EVERYTHING that you have learned in what to do AND what not to do in a successful military to civilian transition. When you return to your family and Germany, I suggest that you approach G1 and the folks responsible for transitioning soldiers. Offer what you have learned in BUSINESS PLAN format! Share what you have learned in the form of a JOB. Preach what you practice! Help soldiers PLAN the transition so that they don't take a job that they don't qualify for... Lead soldiers through the campaign of assimilating civilian life!

In the final analysis; you will have a transition PLAN that ushers confidence, a great resume, documented civilian education, a job, a place to call home, school for your son, a meaningful plan for your spouse, medical for you and family, and a friend in me...

Good luck soldier!

JImmy Arocho
USA, SFC (R)
jimmy.arocho@us.army.mil

[Jack Caperton]

I retired from the Air Force in 2003. I was a jetengine mecanic my first 20 yrs. Then I was forced to cross train into an Aircraft mechanic and i became a master technition in that field. I have a BSOE and 10 yrs exp. teaching aircraft mechanics along with 12 yrs supervisory exp. I only received 1 interview in 3 yrs searching any posible ave. I could find. The only jobs I have had are, one with my uncles machine shop because I had to support a wife and 3 kids, a temp job with the Airforce due to my disability rating, and now a GS-6 purchasing agent for the VA that I got due to my disability rating.
I never got a phone call in the 3 years I was searching for a high tech job I was used too. I gave up and will do what I must to make ends meet because our country's civilian sector doesn;t seem to want us after we gave the best part of our lives for it.
It almost seems that the years spent in the military never existed so we have no real experience to qualify us for any jobs.
Thank God for the government for accepting me back, the civilian world never did.

[Robert Falco]

Roland,
I retired in 2000. Like you I was a combat arms senior NCO with little formal education outside high school. The first thing you need to do within your resume is emphasize your skills and talents. All combat arms senior NCO's have management experience. Did you run a platoon. If so you managed a department with 30+ persons and 4 direct reports. You are an expert in "Just in Time", 5's, Quality Sysytems, Inventory Management. (Learn these and other Industry terms so when you do get the interview you can speak in their language) If you ran an S -shop you were heavily involved in operational planning and scheduling. If you were an military instructor.. etc. You are also experienced in Safety.
Now catalogue all these leadership and technical skills, learn the civilian lingo and write your resume in "civilian language". Absolutely do not use military acronyms. The first person to see your resume is usually an HR clerk with no military experience and a high school diploma.
Next, get in school. All your military experience means little to most upper management. Remember we are dealing with the kids of Vietnam War protestors. The only thing they really relate to is your college degree. (I found out the hard way. I was running an entire plant (200 employees) on a supervisor salary until I got smart, got my degree and got paid what I'm worth).
Don't think your going to move straight into management. Go after the lead and supervision jobs, show what you know and get promoted. It can be done. I worked my butt off at a job while attending school full time, but I made it. I now run the warehousing and shipping department for a fairly large company in Houston.
Last, MOVE!! You are in the retirement capital of the world. With the economy failing you need to go where the action is. Houston is still humming because we're tied to energy and the forth largest sea port.

[nomad]

Your "beloved" U.S.? Ha, I am still amazed at the brainwashing that still goes on. I am not putting you down my man, but just want to make a point...
I would rather live and work in GERMANY or anywhere in Europe (where everyone has immutable rights regarding this you dont find in u.s.) rather than in the supposebly "wonderful" america, which is a lie. Problem solved, thats a blessing your wife and kid are still over there, get over there! (and yes, i am a marine corps veteran also; but i stopped buying this whole "patriotism" bit long ago.) Its time we all open our eyes.

[Mike Carew]

Mr. Roland Meader,

I am also a retired Combat Arms NCO and may be in position to help. Currently I work for the State of Florida as a Local Veteran Employment Representitive here in Polk County. Roland if you provide me with your location and phone number I will ask the Vet. Rep for your area to assist you in your job search. As Vet Reps we are tasked to provide all forms of employment assistance from resume building to employer referrals for local jobs.

Look forward to assisting you,

Mike Carew SFC (ret) U.S. Army
LVER Polk Works One Stop
500 E. Lake Howard dr.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 508-1100 ext 326

[David Bernier]

Sir,
If you ever get up to central New York (I don't know why you would) I have a place for you to live. They are looking for correctional officers up here and the app has to be in by Feb 17 -09. If you go to NY Dept of Corrections you will be able to get all the info regarding the upcoming test. Pay ain't bad but benefits are great and after 3 years you can get up to 60 K a year. The love vets for this position. In fact it is very si ilar to the military. Many vets are working right now.
Just a thought.
Dave Bernier US Army 69 - 73