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)

Comments

[Randy]

I am curious to know where you moved to after you did your ETS? Did you move to a city where there was work to be had? Are you marketing such things as whatever clearance you had when you got out? I live outside a of Washington DC and I can't find good people to hire. Also did you think to stay in the reserve system? Good luck in finding what you are looking for.

Randy

[Pedro Fuentes]

I am in the same boat also I've been looking for work for 6 months now and landed some interviews but they've passed on me. I have some good mechanical abilities but these companies especially because of the recession are not willing to hire someone if they require some kind of extra training they are looking for someone ready to go. It is fustrating and I think to myself they want someone who knows their equipment but we know that being military that everytime you change commands you get retrained in whatever you'll be doing. I'm still pushing it though out here in the bay area California but seems that maybe I should just finish off my degree and go to school full time. Just thought I'd share my experience since I've been out earlier this year. Good luck out there to all those transitioning out.

[bdave]

I retired from the AF--2 associate's, one and 3/4 bachelors' degrees, working ona master's, two foreign languages, intel background, computer background, management/leadership experience--I was out of work for almost three years. I had to finally take a position as a contractor, not in a company of my goals.

However, as Randy noted in his comments, I believe it's the area. My wife is still active duty and we are stationed in San Angelo, in West Central Texas, pretty much middle of nowhere. The work I am qualified for is nowhere to be found. In fact, even when I qualify for jobs on the base here through USAJobs, my background means nothing, as there are more people leaving every day, and they are well-known by the base civilians. I've been told time and again that once I "become known", I will eventually get picked up. I will see.

It is very disheartening and humbling to put in more than 20 years of experience, to come back to the base where you first entered advanced training, only to be told you are not qualified, to see people with less time in getting hired on.

It is an experience that TAP sugarcoats by telling you how much "they" want prior military personnel, only to find you are not wanted at all.

When my wife finally retires, we will more than likely head to a "big city" where I hope what I have accomplished over the decades will be recognized. I continue to attend college, to work in the field I am in now with the contractor, and bide my time--I hope it's worth the wait.

[malchiki boistra]

I the separated AF in 06 as enlisted. I'm finishing my 2nd bachelors, getting ready for grad school, possibly on to phd. Its tough right now for separating vets. The post 911 GI Bill is a God send in these tough times.

[AD]

I agree with all the comments posted. I retired in Mar 09 and I was in the HR arena..(or so I thought)it appears that Miitary HR is very different than Cilvilian HR and I am still unemployed. So now, I too am now looking in to going back to school to complete my Masters.
P.S. Randy, I am that good person you are looking to hire and I live in Alexandria VA :-)

[Waldo Waldman]

I am a former combat fighter, and when I got out I wanted to start my own business as a motivational speaker. For those of you who cannot get hired is there a way for you to begin using your learned skills as a means to earn more income?

If you are not interested in starting a business then try working with a recruiter. They have contacts with employers all over the country. The best part is the service is free to you. When they get you hired the company pays them directly.

Just Google them to find the ones nearest you.

Your Wingman