Lower Expectations the Answer?

I retired as an Air Force cook 10 years ago. I attended two TAP sessions and quite frankly neither one met my needs to join the "real world." 

I swore I would be happy just digging ditches and painting lines on the road. My wish came true. 

For the last 10 years I have been working at my city's water plant. The pay, then and the pay now, isn't so great but I made a lot of friends. I have four children and we are happy with the simple life. Sounds crazy but lowering your expectations and not letting money drive you is the way to go.

(Submitted by Rich J)

It's Tough Out Here, Be Prepared

I had as great a career while serving in the Air Force for six years.

Awards, BTZ, making E-5 my first time and a distinguished graduate of my tech school. I feel I am what any employer in my field is looking for in the civilian world. In fact, I had up to a year left in my enlistment when I started submitting resumes to test the waters. I wanted to get a feel of what the job searching process would be like should I decide to transition back to civilian life.

I got four responses in two months after submitting a few resumes offering me more than I expected and they all told me my resume and phone interview made me stand out from the rest. Unfortunately, those positions were required to fill ASAP so I would have to apply for early separation which was something I was not willing to do. I wanted to fulfill my entire enlistment.

With that in mind though, it seemed like transitioning out would be fairly easy and I should land a position quickly. Well that was not the case as I transitioned in the worst time right at the start of this recession. I have been unemployed for seven months and have not heard from one employer in five months. It's really tough out here so if you are contemplating separation be prepared for the same. The great thing is the GI Bill so if you plan on separating to go to school full time that would be the way to go. Good luck to all.

(Submitted by Mr. TJ)

Advice Needed: Re-enlist or Get Out?

I haven't transitioned yet but I have one year and six months left before my major decision of re-enlisting or using my GI Bill and going to school.

I'm on my first tour. I've been in since February 2006. I'm a corpsman stationed in CP at the moment. The only thing I can really think of is getting out, going to school full-time and just being out of the military already.

I'm a little bit apprehensive at the moment. I don't hate the Navy, it just gets tiring sometime -- as does everything else, I'm sure. Overall I like it. I never experienced civilian life in a mature state or college because I came in straight from high school.

I would just like some advice from those that have been through or are going through the same decisions. Maybe there are others in my shoes as well that may benefit from any of your advice.

Here's the stuff I think about that I need some advice on:

I often think of getting out using the GI Bill and going to school full time. Possibly re entering as an officer. I was motivated to be accepted to the enlisted to officer programs like STA-21 but for that I have to stay within my enlisted field and I have no desire to become a medical officer.

I've only been in three and a half years. I feel it's too early to shoot for the 20-year mark.

If I stay in it will take very long to reach a bachelor's or master's degree in anything, compared to going to school full time.

As of late I've been hearing plenty of stories of people who have degrees not being able to find jobs due to our economy.

So, I'm a little lost.

Get out, go to school, get my degree and hopefully our economy is better enough to get a job a few years down the road or go to OCS.

Stay in, continue being okay and comfortable with my current life situation and security that being in the military gives.

Thank you for any of the help, good luck to everyone.

(Submitted by Danny Rodriiguez)

11 Things I figured Out About the Civilian Workforce

It took eight years, but now I'm happier than a hog in a mud hole. I found a position as a contractor for the Army. To tell the truth, only another Vet (my former NCOIC) helped me get the position. The young captain that reviewed my resume stated, "He's way too over qualified for this position." They initially hired a young person with no clue about military life or operations. Never made it to work on time, forged time cards, etc. A month later, my former NCOIC dropped a line for me and now the command says they're happy as hell I'm there.

Things I finally figured out:
1. Understand where you "fit in." Don't try to fit in where you definitely won't. It'll make you a miserable vet!! (If a Ranger tried to be a "ballet dancer," I don't think the pink tutu would work.)

2. As stated many times before, get your education. BNCOC -- isn't "education" by civilian standards.

3. Research the civilian world. You wouldn't plan a patrol through Baghdad without intel.

4. Maintain contact with those who you've worked with. You'll definitely need references or an ear to vent into.

5. In the same thought as above, some of those references have knowledge of openings and hiring practices.

6. Understand that you may be looked upon as an alien. Folks don't have a clue about military service - and don't want to, for the most part.

7. Get dressed like you want the position. You may work in a "casual dress" environment - don't dress like it for the interview.

8. Ditch the cadence calling in the hallways -- it annoys "normal" people. :)

9. Learn to pick your battles. In Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Somalia, or wherever, we didn't always have that luxury.

10. Don't lose your personality, just maintain a level exposure. Uncle Sam didn't take it away, why let another employer do it?

11. Last, but not least -- do something you enjoy. Enjoy your work and your off time. You didn't stay in the military because you hated it. Why stay with a civilian employer that you absolutely hate?

(Submitted by Mr. Ray Inabnitt)