Don't Work in a Poultry Plant, Unless You Have To
February 4, 2009
After high school (1981), I enlisted in the Air Force because there was little employment in my hometown of Ohio and because I didn't want to go to college. I was sick of school. I wasn't sure what specialty I wanted to go into so I found a Intell. job that sounded interesting.
After three years, eight months,and 29 days overseas I got out of the Air Force and found out that Intell. jobs are not that easy to find on the outside. Since I didn't have any civilian skills that were usable -- not to many people hire Morse Code Operators these days -- I took a job as a Security Guard at a new and used car lot and also a a psychiatric hospital.
I've had several jobs since then (pizza delivery, electrician's helper, production worker at a poultry plant, steel press operator, and most recently working in a freezer warehouse).
The moral of the story is that maybe it would be worth you while to think seriously about college after high school or the service, or find a good transitional job that you can use in the civilian world when you get out. Finally,don't ever work in a poultry plant...unless theres no other work.
(Submitted by Mr. J. Harrison)
I very much agree with this entire article. I have had the same experience upon leaving the Marine Corps and later leaving the Army. I have never been able to get a job with the military training that i received. If you're thinking about joining the military, make sure you pick a job that will be useful in civilian life just in case you decide to get out. Personally I wish I would have just stayed in the Corps from the beginning, I could be retired now.
Posted by: S. Curry | February 07, 2009 at 07:52 AM
I APPLIED MY SKILLS AS A BUCK SGT AND WORK NOW AT KENWORTH MACK DEALERSHIP AS A BODYSHOP MGR AND USE THE SAME VALUES AT WORK AND I DO FINE.
Posted by: cris medellin | February 07, 2009 at 12:03 PM
I guess it's really just a matter of picking the right job in the military. some jobs transfer well while others not so well.
Posted by: S. Curry | February 07, 2009 at 02:12 PM
The moral of the story is don't get out of the military if you don't have a back-up plan. In this tough job market, you need to prepare yourself well in advance of your RELAD date. Take college classes, go to job fairs, network, research the job market. I agree with Cris - the military developed my self-discipline, motivation, confidence, self-reliance, team work - qualities employers look for. You should consider getting a professional to help you craft a good resume that highlights the skills and qualities you learned in the military.
Posted by: amanda | February 07, 2009 at 03:55 PM
The moral of the story is don't get out of the military if you don't have a back-up plan. In this tough job market, you need to prepare yourself well in advance of your RELAD date. Take college classes, go to job fairs, network, research the job market. I agree with Cris - the military developed my self-discipline, motivation, confidence, self-reliance, team work - qualities employers look for. You should consider getting a professional to help you craft a good resume that highlights the skills and qualities you learned in the military.
Posted by: amanda | February 07, 2009 at 03:57 PM
I too am a former Mil.Intel. member and can tell you that there are thousands of DoD job openings throughout the US and overseas. You need to do the RESEARCH and use the tools that are available to you on government internet sites and other available sources.
Use your military background to your advantage. You have pride, discipline, confidence to tackle any obstacle placed in your way. Do not ever quit! But one thing for sure, plan ahead!
"DoD Member since 1973"
"ASA Lives"
Posted by: carlos | February 12, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Forgot to add, If you have a TS Clearance, don't let it go to waste. You are a valuable asset!
I too am a former Mil.Intel. member and can tell you that there are thousands of DoD job openings throughout the US and overseas. You need to do the RESEARCH and use the tools that are available to you on government internet sites and other available sources.
Use your military background to your advantage. You have pride, discipline, confidence to tackle any obstacle placed in your way. Do not ever quit! But one thing for sure, plan ahead!
"DoD Member since 1973"
"ASA Lives"
Posted by: carlos | February 12, 2009 at 09:20 AM
I was an autoworker before enlisting during the Vietnam War. When I returned I went back to work as an autoworker. While my military experience didn't directly apply to my job, the work ethics I learned while serving did. This is the main reason that employers should consider a veteran first for employment. I retired a few years ago and now devote my time helping and promoting veterans.
Things are different today since most of our jobs are now in China and Mexico. You will now find me advising military personnel to stay where they are. There is NOTHING on the outside unless you go to China.
Posted by: John Ayres | February 12, 2009 at 10:23 AM
More advice, when separating from the service, think if going back home and living is the ideal choice for you even if family and old friends are the lure. The support network can be useful but often times the same geographical conditions that led some to join the military in the first place such as poor job prospects, low wages, and a bad local economy are still prevalent in some areas and waiting for your return. This is regardless of how much time has lapsed and how professionally developed you are.
Posted by: Blake Olson | February 18, 2009 at 06:55 PM