1

I have encountered some really great people in non profit groups and some VA postions, but unfortunately a lot of lip service and wind and smoke not much success; hang in there looking for work , especially families single Daddys my prayers are with you

2

Start working on your resume before you start the TAP classes. Start looking at how to translate your military terminology into civilian terminology.

3

Prepare early and get the civilian certifications for whatever you do.

4

Education!

5

1) Read all papers you sign to ensure everything is correct when out processing. Dates/Awards Deployments/Rank. 2) Ask questions if you do not understand what they are saying to you. 3) Prepare a good resume, bullet points on exp.

6

1) Listen to your briefers, take name + rank. 2) Ask questions, don't let them avoid answering, have them find out the info while you are still at briefing. 3) Ask questions in front of others so you have back up if need be.

7

Explore career fields that have an accepted Body of Knowledge, a professional credential indicating a command of that BOK, and are in demand. Then obtain the credential and discuss your military experience in the language of the BOK. The credential then corroborates your experience which sounds familiar to the hiring official because it's in the language of the career/discipline/profession. Examples of fields are Human Resources, Project Management, Accounting, etc.

8

to start planning ahead and start looking for jobs a year out from seperation or retirement.

9

Be open minded and willing to adapt and change. Don't be so set in your ways that you miss out on opportunities

10

To simply not expect the civilian world to value military service in the ways that veterans would expect. Most civilian hiring managers have no concept of how soldiers are trained in the military, how rigorous that training is, or the level of individual responsibility that each soldier has during her/his career. Things as simple as being responsible for a vehicle in the motorpool sounds so unimportant to a civilian, but veterans understand the work with something like that. It's all about translation of skills and responsibilities to civilian nomenclature.

11

Be ready for a struggle. Military experience doesn't necessarily transition to the workforce. People may appreciated your service but it doesn't mean it will help you get the position.

12

Not everyone understands what or why you seems so different

13

The civilian sector is completely different from the military. Honesty and hard work are not always rewarded.

14

People are often jealous of those who have served and don't wish you well.

15

long term future plans of employment in relations to health conditions deteriorating in old age.

16

Never give up

17

1) Complete your higher education, that's a must. At 50 now looking to go back to school, not a thing I was planning on but I find it both necessary, and the best thing I can do, even at 50. 2) Find a mentor, get involved with fellow veterans in your area. Stay focused, stay involved and if you need help, don't be afraid to ask. 3) Remember, it's a crazy world out there, learn civilian English, translate your skill so civilians can understand it, Just like researching the area you want to get into is important, so is learning the language. 4) Job Fairs is a good resource, job workshops as well, networking extremely important, become a "KNOWN" candidate, I got that from my mentor, if nobody knows who you are, your chances are smaller. This does not mean 500+ FB friends.

18

Translating your skills into a more civilianized format. Understanding that some employers are going to place judgment simply because of a Veteran status. You may need to downplay your skills in order to look like a fit for a position.

19

Get a career coach. You are in no mind to process TAP when it is offered to you.

20

Do not think for a second that the military is setting you up for success after you depart. Learn what civilian success looks like first before you enter the year window if you can help it and prepare yourself as a civilan prepares themselves for a career transition. My Big Tip -- There are "tracks" (employment, entrepreneur and school), Dont pick one, pick all three, learn about each one extensively and make multiple contingency plans.

21

Make as many connections you can with veterans outreach groups (such as American Legion, VFW leaders) and any other types of independent outreach groups in your area. Do your homework! Know which ones are legit and have good reputations. Don't just take their website's word for it. Go out and talk to the people who work for the organization. Find out what kinds of things they can provide for you and take advantage of them.

22

Have a job set up. Understand nothing will feel the same as when you were in. Or have school ready.

23

Keep your gung-ho attitude, but be prepared to be humble when only offered entry level jobs, despite your numerous awards for military achievements.

24

Prepare for your transition early! Get the equivalent civilian certifications as soon as you can instead of waiting until you are out. Go to college. If possible go to a community or local college, not an online program, this way if you don't like your program your credits will transfer to another school. And save money. It will most likely take you 2 to 3 times longer and twice as much per month as you think.

25

Make sure you have copies of all your records (medical, personnel, etc) of your own so that if there's any discrepancy later on you have something to use in an attempt to fix it

26

Learn there is an adjustment period. There are also resources to help adjust during this time.

27

Jobs will not just come to, you will need to work hard to find a job. Learn how your skills will translate to a civilian job.

28

Do not sweat the small stuff. Emotional Intelligence is important.

29

Get out of debt before you leave the military. Do not count on earning more cash as a civilian than you did as a service member. My military take home pay was about $4,000 per month. In San Antonio, TX one would be lucky to earn a take home pay of $2,500 after taxes, Soc. Sec., medical and dental insurance premiums, etc. I had to make a huge lifestyle adjustment after leaving the military. The debts are still there and it will take me longer to pay them off with a reduced income.

30

Most civilian employers will not understand military service.

31

Take time to plan your return to civilian life. Begin as far in advance as you can to research jobs, desirable locations (with the aforementioned jobs) and whether or not the state or location you're looking at offers readjustment benefits for separating veterans. Remember, those who fail to plan, plan to fail.

32

Get your training/education started before you ETS. Get all the information and a signed contract by HR in the company you are being hired by, with a firm contract. Make sure all medical needs are included in contract and you're family will be taken care of.

33

Be diligent in looking for your new career of choice. Don't look at the dollar signs, they won't make you happy. Choose something you would like to see yourself doing 20 years from now. Remember, the work environment is what you make it. If you go to work with a smile on your face, chances are you'll brighter someone else's day and your day will be brighter too. If you hate your job or just hate what you're doing, get away from it. You're only making yourself miserable as well as everyone around you. Have a good attitude. It will show in how you do your job. People will notice.

34

Have a plan and find out all of the resources available to veterans in the particular city, county, and state you move to.

35

Understanding that there will be a need for some type and/or degree of change process and taking ownership and responsibility for one's change process, is key. This includes an understanding that the change process will take some time and may require that the individual seek some help from others, including family, friends and outside individuals from among the many veterans organizations that are now available to assist in this transition process.

36

Commit to it as much as you committed to joining the military in the first place. If you constantly have the attitude that the military life was so much better and I'm so much superior because of it, and the civilian world is horrible, incompetent, etc. ... you will have a great deal of trouble.

37

Things probably will not go as planned. If you think you have saved enough you probably havent. Do not rely on or expect ANYTHING from the VA.

38

Do not limit yourself to just thinking a federal job is the "best" way to go. There are countless civilian organizations out there who offer great, if not better, opportunities and benefits compared to federal jobs.

39

Be prepared, stay away from the negative rumors. If you are not sure about separating do not separate from the service.

40

It’s important that they be very strategic in their approach to entering the civilian sector. There are several resources available to Veterans that can assist them with a successful transition to include the following: Connect with a Veteran who had a successful transition from the military to the civilian sector. They can serve as a Mentor and give you sound advice on how to formulate and navigate your plan to attain employment. Going back to school or attain a certification. There are many programs out there that will offer free training such as IT, project management and six sigma training. There are also many colleges and universities who have programs set up to assist with transitioning Veterans with gaining a degree which can lead to successful careers.

41

Plan, Plan, Plan! Starting at least 2 years before you transition you need a flexible plan. Where are you moving to, what career field will you work. What certifications do you need. Meet people and build relationships with folks in the area and field that you are going into.

42

Plan, Plan, Plan! Starting at least 2 years before you transition you need a flexible plan. Where are you moving to, what career field will you work. What certifications do you need. Meet people and build relationships with folks in the area and field that you are going into.

43

Use your education benefits.

44

Make sure you have a good medical team. Behavioral health - couldn't get in three months in a row then I was out without help..

45

Take your time. Get involved in a good vets group. Seek help soon if you think you need it. People do want you to succeed.

46

Start your resume early, begin preparing your documents for any claims you may anticipate filing with Veterans Affairs. Be patient and consistent. Save all the extra money you can, this is an important time to budget. SAVE SAVE SAVE

47

Go beyond TAPS GPS or whatever it is called at your time of separation. Begin early, as much as mission will allow if you plan on leaving the state in which you separate than contact the state you are heading to and reach out to the local WIOA and EDD employment teams in that city or county they can help with all sorts of info and assist your transition.

48

Find out Frist what is offered and how to apply and who to talk too

49

Go where the jobs are. In 1998 I was allowed to search for jobs across the country 6 months prior to ETS. Everyone has their priorities, if making money is one of them, go where the money is.

50

Keep everything medical records, supply inventory, make sure before you get out to do a last medical evaluation on your own. Consider talking to current vets that just got out within 1-5yrs so maybe they can assist you and point you in the right direction. People always say they got your back until its time to find them.

51

Don't fool yourself into believing your military service is valued. It is not. You are a psycho who cannot be trusted. Hide your service. "Peace Corp Volunteer" is better than Soldier any day.

52

Listen to those who love you and those who try to help. We're often more damaged than we want to admit. (AKA A fish doesn't know he's wet.)

53

Take any job you get and don't expect to live comfortably.

54

No institution cares if you served. Yeah you get 5 veterans points in hiring but its essentially meaningless. Companies will hire a college grad who has never done anything over a veteran every day of the week

55

The first statement that comes to mind is "Don't do it, stay in!" But if you really want to get out you need to have a plan A and a plan B. I would suggest starting to plan a year before you separate.

56

Know what you want to do and understand the path to get there. I had tons of resources but they were unless because i didn`t know what i wanted life after the military.

57

Try to have something lined up before your final paycheck. Don't expect much from employers, even "veteran friendly" employers, interviews. Most don't care how long you were in, or what you did. Their profits matter more than your service. Most don't even know what to make of you or your service, but will say "thanks for your service" right before you don't get the job.

58

Stay in shape, don't drink, get a practical degree with your benefits. Get a good advocate to battle the VA. Get your disability and appeal lined up as fast as you can. Then hit college hard while simutaneously doing cognitive behavior therapy. Remember, nobody owes you anything.

59

Learn how to sell your military accomplishments to a civilian recruiter; how does your military experience benefit their company.

60

figure some of the big stuff out before you get out, even if you plan on going to school-run degree audits so you can maximize courses.

61

Be prepared to deal with civilians, as they are not as professional, or as Courteous and there is no military bearing out here!!!

62

I went from active duty (for seven years) into the reserves (for about a little more than two years) until finally being medically discharged. I would highly advise veterans to join the guard or the reserves. It will lighten the fall immensely and help to transition. You will be a civilian, but you will also not be entirely disconnected. When you give your DD-214 to the VA, ensure you give it to both the medical and the education departments separately -- they do not talk to one another and even though I technically sent my DD-214 to the VA, I did not get my Chapter 33 GI Bill housing allowance for months and I could not figure out why. They thought I was still active duty and wanting to use my GI Bill. Have a plan, there will be a huge drop in pay. You will be amazed and astonished at how your civilian friends (who never joined) ever survived as Millennials in this economy.

63

Two things that will greatly benefit your transition into civilian life: support structure and contingency plans. Support structure can either be the main drive/goal that motivates you to move on or people in your life that support you in all your endeavors (mentors, friends, or family). Contingency plans: there must be several goals you have in mind to accomplish; whether it be pursuing an education or a specific job. That said, have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D. The more plans you have the more likely you are to be successful in your transition. As a Veteran, we should be accustomed to Plan A falling through and moving on from there. Therefore, one would be better prepared to take the next step to Plan B and so on.

64

While your transitioning out your provided a lot of good resources. Take your time & take advantage of them ALL. don't be in such a rush to get out. You have it better than you think and no matter what you think, you'll miss it.

65

Begin the process early. The dream job in a dream location may not be possible. It's better to find that out early.

66

I was reminded that things do not work in the civilian world as they do in the military. Services, orderliness, accountability, and chain of responsibility are often less clearly defined.

67

Ask all questions needed prior to and have good contact info regarding benefits, etc.

68

You can't think and act the same way in this civilian world as you did within your military branch of service.

69

You have to remember that no one owes you anything. You will have to work as hard at your future endeavors as you did in the military, but there will be no one there forcing you into success. Even a nation grateful for your service is not required to provide you an opportunity over someone who is better than you, or who will outwork you. Don't ever let anyone outwork you.

70

very few potential emoyers understand the benefits of hiring a military member. You have to as a veteran frame your experience in a way to show them everythingthey get in you as a person that relates to civilian work.

71

Transition assistance (ACAP). It help me apply for jobs and honed my interview skills and also refined my resume.

72

As soon as you decide in your mind that you will either retire or separate, start networking and researching. Start getting your resume prepared early. Don't rely solely on one source. Use multiple sources of information. It may seem like overload but the earlier you start the better. One thing I have heard many of my friends who separate say is they wait until after they take leave or when they officially leave to start job searching. Do it as early as possible. I started working while on Transition leave. I took about 30 days of leave only to relocate and get familiar with the location I moved to. It was a personal choice for me but I knew I didn't want a lag time in between being a single parent, I needed to start working.

73

Start planning early and come up with a back-up plan

74

Be patient. Civilians think differently and act differently than we do. Network now to transition smoothly into the workforce.

75

Keep in mind that the military leadership is a lot sharper and faster to adapt than the public civilian sector is in law enforcement. Yet law enforcement loves to recruit and promote prior military. Any leadership schools and training you can attend while still on active duty is a really big plus to help you in the civilian world.

76

Be sure to have a copy of your medical records, DD214 and all awards you have received. Be checking into Civilian jobs before you get out. I got out in Belgium, then lived another two years there and in Germany. I didn't have a lot of the information I should have been given when I ETS'd. It made it difficult to get Veteran's Care. I have not been able to file for disability because my medical records seem to have disappeared.

77

Take as many resume, interview and networking workshops and seminars as possible. Don't rush getting out once you receive your orders for separation. And focus on translating military skills into effective civilian skill sets. It will broaden and strengthen marketing yourself.

78

Use a local Veteran Center career counselor for transition and research openings on USA jobs and your local career link office (it's free for veterans).

79

Take time and consider your career options. Don't just jump into something.

80

Working in the military you learn preparation, planning, team work and confirmation. In civilian life, in some organizations they do accomplish these tasks. But in some they don't even come close. As long as you, maintain your "esprit de core" , you will prevail and feel satisfied that you did your job and your job in assisting others.

81

Utilize the available resources that can make transitioning from the military to civilian life easier, whether it's through the local VA office or the base transition office.

82

Start working on certification for your civilian equivalent of your military MOS before you transition from the military.

83

To have better supports from the military, both while still on active duty as well as for the newly separated veteran.

84

Utilize your educational benefits and file a disability claim.

85

Be prepared. I would at least enroll in a community college or university in order to advance your skills to meet the workforce requirement. Every one served in the Armed Forces, had a different MOS. It depends on what job you were in if it is transferable outside of the military.

86

To just enjoy the experience of meeting new friends and learning how people from around the word live. Keep an open mind in every experience you are given.

87

Line up work prior to ets

88

Do not attempt to hide or minimize your military service. Highlight your leadership, attention to detail, and work ethic. Many of us that were in the military either were or became very good at problem solving, often with little or no resources. This is something that employers like to see and appreciate.

89

Have a plan, even if you don't have any intentions of leaving the service. My medical issue crept up, and put me out. Luckily I had a plan and was able to enter the civilian sector without any major issues.

90

Look at all your options. Make sure getting out is really what is best for you.

91

1) Start your VA disability claim 6 months before you get out. 2) Prepare your resume 1 year before you get out. 3) Start looking for a job or applying for school 9 months before you get out.

92

Don't focus on changing yourself to fit the norm. Focus on ways to build rapport with others even when their experience doesn't match yours. They can use skills you've built, but won't know it. They have to see it, but would take listen if you say it. Just show them.

93

Take care of yourself. Get your BA claim started early and stay on top of it.

94

Figure out what you want to do and ensure your resume speaks to it….Linked IN is a must.

95

If you're using GI Bill, "Budget for the Break!" And also consider online (Distance Learning) courses with minimal butt-in-seat classes. You're still able to draw full MHA.

96

You are starting over at the very bottom, no matter how much responsibility you held in the service. Most of the civilian world simply doesn't care.

97

Have your documents ready and dont let anyone tell you no.

98

LinkedIn!! Use this website and learn how to write a proper resume. The DoL workshops are perfect for this as well as using your transition counselor.

99

I recommend that you stay in for at least 20 years to receive retirement benefits, and increase your eligibility for civilian employment. Most veterans that I talked to who left the military early say they wish they hadn't. If you are determined to get out, then have a plan, especially for employment. The job market in the civilian world is tough and getting tougher. If your current MOS doesn't have transferable skills, and many don't, then reenlist to one that does so you don't find yourself up a creek without a paddle.

100

Do not panic! Have a plan and work it. Join a veteran service organization so you can still have comraderie. Transition is lonely!

101

Get a masters degree. Employers don't care that you spent 8-10 years in the military.

102

Mentally adjust your way of thinking such that most corporate jobs no one takes responsibility for their own actions. Corporate America does not want to rock the boat and enforce any sort of discipline. Get used to working with a lot of Foreign Nationals that are well educated (Book Smart) but are not trained to think for themselves or as so called "Out of the Box". Extremely hard to get promoted or recognized for work well done. But they are quick to inform you how bad you screwed up. Also I found when trying to negotiate a salary and they find out your receiving retirement from the Military they try to short change you. If you take a Management position in the Civilian world the ONE most thing to wrap your head around is YOU are not in the Military anymore. You are not allowed to instill any type of discipline. Last but not least take the time to research the Company, see how they stand on hiring Military folks. How long they have been in business and if possible how many Layoffs that they've had in their History.

103

1) Take the advice and have a solid plan for getting out, stick to it. 2) A good job goes a long way. 3) Dont be discouraged by leadership that doesn't understand your mentality, most of us have a very different train of thought

104

I believe a lot of how you transition from military to civilian workforce depends on your attitude and outlook. Having a positive attitude and outlook leaves a lasting impression on prospective employers; even when things aren't going your way. I feel fortunate that I found my current career in only about 4 months after returning from my last deployment. I feel my positive attitude, confidence (but not cockiness), and my military experiences get me the position I am in now.

105

Plan ahead. The real world is NOTHING like the military. Get a college degree.

106

Consider all of the benefits you will be giving up before you make your final decision about transitioning. Have a plan and some money to fall back on. The grass isn't always greener on this side. There is very little security/stability. Since getting out of the military I have held approximately 5 different jobs at different companies and currently looking for number 6.

107

figuring out the transferable skills and how to communicate them via statements on the resume

108

I absolutely could not agree more in regards to the wisdom of considering a serious transition plan, I'll probably integrate a form of plans, B, C and however many ... just in case situations ... for the unique personal circumstances to all of us, many situations indeed that our previous background make us "ideal hires" but to some other "recruiters-human resources personnel" we translate to "not so ideal hires" . Transitional characteristics, individual MOS not so nontransferable accrued job skills, and so many other ones to even try to mention. It is a real ocean like array of possibilities out there, however it also takes, a real resilient mindset to navigate the endeavor or the job to find a solid employment nowadays in America.

109

GI bill and master your strengths. Use the resources. Get the mentality of entitlements out of your head and remain empowered

110

Military service is not preparatory in nature. Skill conversions are difficult and training opportunities are nearly nonexistent.

111

To keep focused on what you want to achieve. The initial year after getting out was very difficult. I had lost something in my life that a portion of me believed was the only way to exist.

112

Network Network Network!!!

113

Planning your next career move, medical treatment facility, locations of employment and colleges. Knowing those around you to network your potential.

114

Get as much college education as one can while in the military. Many military careers need a degree in the civilian world.

115

Put your past life (Marine Corps) completely behind and embrace the new life in front of you.

116

Make sure you skills are transferable, and there are not civilian requirements to do the same job. Transferring from medical services for example, you need to ensure you can get licensed in the state you are going to. Understand what the going wage for your skills are. Budget for a reduced pay in some cases

117

Set realistic expectations for potential employment offers. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate! Many times civilian employers lack the understanding of anything military, so ensure your resume has quantifiable data to display achievements.

118

Networking is the key to successful transitions

119

Please, Please! Prepare yourself to act as if you just arrived to "Reception" in order to begin "Week Zero" all over again. Except with ... Civilians. Recognize, quickly that the level of follow-through, consequence, and standards are NOT the same. Prepare to spend just as much time "getting used" to outside the wire as you did getting used to "inside the wire." And then ... give yourself a break. You do not have to be "THE NCO/Commander" of the situation ... Assessing and evaluating the situation for possible mitigation of risks, does not work out here. It is totally OK to not have it all together "yesterday."

120

Think about it first

121

Know yourself. Striving for a goal that fits you as a person is what makes all suc worth it. So put the effort into fighting for what you want and what fits who you are.