joemilitary
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Post by joemilitary on Dec 24, 2014 5:33:44 GMT -5
Also looking into troops to teachers program.....
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joemilitary
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Post by joemilitary on Dec 25, 2014 7:17:19 GMT -5
so wondering on other military that made the transition. I know there is life after the military. But it is a big adjustment.
The biggest for me will be the lack of "uniform". I am really not into fashion and things like that. I usually wear jeans and t-shirts / sweaters. And usually I just wear my uniform to work, come home, eat dinner, and then we go to the gym (workout clothes) and then I just chill in my sleep clothes. On weekends I mostly wear jeans and sweaters.
If I don't pursue the troops to teachers, how hard would it be to press the "reset" button with a civilian company? I mean I have over 20 years military experience doing important stuff (but I know from watching Rambo that doesn't always translate) and I have a pretty good MBA. But I am wanting to start over on the ground-ish floor (or maybe mid level management maybe).
Do you think firms would be willing to start me like I was a new MBA grad? In the area we are going to, I see some management training programs I would be interested in.
either way I knew I had to leave the Army soon. I had plan to do it in no later than 2 years anyway
interested in any advice.
thanks all
and merry christmas
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buystoys
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Post by buystoys on Dec 25, 2014 9:59:26 GMT -5
My brother and brother-in-law both retired from the military (Air Force) after 20 years. For both of them, they were hired as civilians doing the same job (for the most part) as they did while enlisted. One day they went to work in uniform, the next day in civvies. They both received pay increases when going civilian and neither started at the bottom. I will point out that they were both just transferring into a civilian position that was equivalent to their military position, though.
Your security clearance can be a big point in your favor for getting a civilian position. I know a lot of the companies here look at it quite favorably as it's a hurdle that's already been crossed and won't be a problem once they hire for a position.
The work "uniform" is very company dependent. Many places today have a corporate casual dress code. That would mean slacks or khakis and a polo shirt or casual button down. You could start picking some clothes up now when things are on sale to expand your wardrobe and be prepared.
Best of luck and thank you for your service!
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Dec 25, 2014 10:05:50 GMT -5
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Dec 25, 2014 10:14:52 GMT -5
joemilitary - does the military have some type of transition to civilian life and career office you could visit? Or maybe consider seeking out some off-base career counseling guidance based upon your skills and interests.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Dec 25, 2014 11:53:09 GMT -5
Sounds like it's the time to get out, retire, and move on.
I know it sucks to see a job/career end the way you didn't want it to.
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joemilitary
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Post by joemilitary on Dec 25, 2014 12:02:59 GMT -5
Thanks again all.
Like I said, mainly I just want "a" job. It doesn't have to be "the" job. Like I said, honestly, $50 -60 K is the goal (with commensurate duties - - - I realize all jobs are "work", and I don't think any job will be "easy"......but I kind of want to start again from the ground-ish up........that's why I think I did well in the military up to now (I started low ranking enlisted and made it to mid grade officer)
like I said, there are a few management training programs that would interest me
I do think teaching would be interesting....but some of you all have me re-thinking that (and I could take the pay cut w/ teaching if I get a pension and things)
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Dec 25, 2014 13:42:44 GMT -5
joemilitary, Aren't there websites regarding transitioning from military to civilian? When I was living in San Diego and selling real estate (now 30 years ago) I dealt with a lot of folks who had been hired by big defense contractors SAIC, for example, after they had done their 20. Do you currently work with a lot of civilians? Who do they work for? Would you like to do their job? If so, I'd start my networking with them.
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joemilitary
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Post by joemilitary on Dec 25, 2014 15:52:44 GMT -5
In the area we would go to I know quite a few civilians doing something similar to me.....so that is a possibility.......
Either way it was time for me to leave the military soon regardless
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Peace77
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Post by Peace77 on Dec 25, 2014 16:20:18 GMT -5
Maybe you should read the book, "30 Days to the Work you Love". if you're interested in government work, check out the website: www.usajobs.gov
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2014 18:46:53 GMT -5
If something happen to you will wife still receive pension? She can be scared that enough savings with pension is good but not if pension is lost later.
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joemilitary
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Post by joemilitary on Dec 26, 2014 5:35:35 GMT -5
there is the survivor benefit plan (SBP) so wife still gets like half of my pension if something happens to me
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joemilitary
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Post by joemilitary on Dec 30, 2014 16:10:53 GMT -5
Have you thought about moving? I know DF would like to hire someone good.
hey Zib where? and what is the job? PM me? I can't send PMs......
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joemilitary
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Post by joemilitary on Jan 2, 2015 12:24:05 GMT -5
hey all, so I find myself beating myself up now.........either way it was a no-win situation to me.......just the other way would have been a little bit better........but not much......
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Ombud
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Post by Ombud on Jan 2, 2015 12:33:09 GMT -5
Have you thought about moving? I know DF would like to hire someone good.
hey Zib where? and what is the job? PM me? I can't send PMs......
Can't you click on her name then send msg? Not sure how it works on a computer, I just use the droid, but it should be the same
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joemilitary
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Post by joemilitary on Jan 2, 2015 12:36:37 GMT -5
hey Zib where? and what is the job? PM me? I can't send PMs......
Can't you click on her name then send msg? Not sure how it works on a computer, I just use the droid, but it should be the same
it's taken care of.....thanks
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vonna
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Post by vonna on Jan 2, 2015 13:43:24 GMT -5
Joemilitary,
Sorry to hear you are ending your career on such a sour note. Hopefully, once time has passed you will be able to reflect on the positive experiences of your military career. Most people who serve 20 or more years have at least one horrible tour/boss experience, but it really sucks if it is that last one, can leave a really bitter taste.
I know the quality varies greatly, but have you attended the TAP class? (or whatever it is called these days -- the Transition program). Some bases break it out for those retiring vs separating, and even if the actual course is not that great, you may find the resources are.
Also, you may want to check out Doug Nordman's book -- he's a retired Navy O-4 that literally "wrote the book" on Military Retirement and Financial Independence. I will add the link below, there is a lot to go through -- but if you have the patience to read through it you can read a good portion of his book at the website.
the-military-guide.com/
There are also some pretty good online communities with a lot of military and military retirees you may want to check out. You can read them and see if you think it would benefit you to join and ask questions -- some really good "been there, done that" advice. Doug Nordman answers posts at both of these sites, under the screen name "Nords"
My favorite is the early retirement board: www.early-retirement.org/
Another is Mister Money Mustache: forum.mrmoneymustache.com/
Good luck as you navigate your retirement and beyond. Sounds like you and your DW have set yourselves up to have choices. Choices are good! But it is still sometimes stressful having to make those decisions!
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joemilitary
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Post by joemilitary on Jan 2, 2015 14:00:41 GMT -5
Hey vonna if you mind to PM me for a minute? my PM is not working. I know you are military too, wanted to ask you something...
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