1

Don’t give up.

2

Start your transition early - 12 months out is not to early to work on a resume, to start exploring job opportunities or building a larger network.

Know what you want to do after the military - the world is your after you depart the service and there are a lot of opportunities; however, companies do not buy jacks-of-all-trades.

Find a mentor - The civilian world is completely different animal. A mentor, whether someone in the industry you want to work in or veteran who has successfully transitioned can lend a lot of experience.

Do not pay for professional [general/catch all] resume - This was a costly mistake I made and they do not work. Transitioning service members need to know and learn what companies are looking for.

Learn how to brand and market yourself - We are a product and service, we have to sell our product and services to companies. Without knowing how to do that companies won't buy it or even show interest in it.

Build your network - Networking is huge and this is how we find jobs in the "hidden job market". Remember if you have a way in to a job it is easier to than submitting your resume in the ATS black hole.

Don't be disappointed - Many companies love to claim to be a "veteran friendly employer"; however, they will expect you to have the same qualifications as any civilian. So if you apply to one of these veteran friendly and don't hear anything back don't be disappointed.

Veteran Friendly Employers - They like to tout it, but very few follow through with it.

Learn to speak civilian - Companies don't speak military, even if they are veteran friendly, if you want a shot at working with the company you need to speak their lingo. For veterans it is a one way street in the civilian workforce and that direction is not in our favor.

3

Get a job, even if it's not perfect, build civilian occupational and professional skills, build civilian professional contacts, then start looking for the perfect job while you have a job.

4

Begin networking years out. Commit to owning your own transition. Decide what you want to do in time enough to ensure you are qualified to do it. Do not expect anything to be given to you - expect to earn it.

5

Step #1 to prepare is to conduct a full and in depth self assessment/analysis. If done honestly and correctly the process and results of a self assessment will ensure success during a transition and make writing a resume, interviewing, and networking much easier.

6

Don't be afraid to start at the bottom. Do not make light of the civilian business, even though you have been in a high stress environment. It is all serious to them.

7

Start early

8

First be sure that you want to separate. Maintain as many connections as possible.

9

Use the skills you learned in the military to make a better workplace, not to measure those around you in the workplace. Civilians don't do things the way fellow veterans would. That doesn't make it wrong or even more inefficient, it just makes it different. Apply your skills to learn the best way in your work and them build from there to make it better.

10

Be prepared that if you are, attempting to work in a civilian organization that the people there very well may be intimidated by your experience level and leadership ability. People seem to quickly become fearful that we can our well try to take their position. When in truth, we often respect the managers and are simply anxious to learn what they know in order to improve ourselves. Creating friendly, respectful relationships often quells a lot of that stress.

11

Use all resources to write a resume that converts military experience into civilian business lingo. Practice interview strategies. Research the kind of "real jobs" you are interested in and take a course in that field.

12

prepare at least 12 months prior to retiring or getting out of the service

13

Patience. Loads of it. Depending on the job or career, the lack of discipline, organization and unwarranted whining requires it. Seldom is there proper management and follow up of nuisance in comparison to the military. Also, have a degree, certification for a trade or take government job assessments prior to transitioning.

14

You need to "civilianize" your military background and experience.

15

Out of the chute, it's who you know...work your network....this is when to call in favors from those who you served with who transitioned before you. Modify your resume so civilians understand it (translate jargon, explain acronyms, spell out the places you worked in English, etc).

16

Take advantage on getting educated,have to have some formal education to completed and assimilate in Corporate environment,after that while going to school plenty of first level jobs to get then hands on needed to be familiar,with basic systems knowledge,really I did not have the the support,our vets have now,but I have a lot of knowledge and assets love to share

17

Know what skills you have and how they fit into civilian life. Get back into school and build up on your skills.

18

Networking and don't be afraid to ask for help.

19

Own your own transition. Do your own research years in advance and decide what you want to be. Use you last few years to ensure you are prepared and have the education and certs to be competitive. It's no one else's job and no one else's fault when you can't get a jeb because you are not qualified.

20

Use the GI Bill! Also, don't expect anyone to provide you any kudos or extra effort to help you because you served your country. Most people don't care. It took me a while to accept that and I did let it bother me. If someone acknowledges your service it is a bonus, but 90% of Americans will disregard it.

21

Understanding how your service experience translates into the civilian world. Additionally understand where you are going in the next 5-10 years. IF you are not focused employers will not understand how you can help them and you wont either.

22

You military experience is only worth what your potential employer decides it's worth - you HAVE to sell it. Don't expect that people will respect your skills. If you decide to go reseve/guard after active duty it WILL be harder to get a job - companies do want veterans, but they prefer people whose ties with the military are completely over.

23

No one cares that you're a veteran.They care about your skills and abilities. When you're building your brand/selling yourself to potential employers, focus on what you bring to the table, not on the fact that you're a veteran. Emphasize accomplishments, not duties/responsibilities.

24

Joining the military is easier than getting out, DoD and your branch has to take care of you. Aside from a TAPS class, I didn't receive much else as far as information, just the "good luck" speech. I believe I learned more from brothers in arms who transitioned before me and I picked their brains. Important topics: financial safety net (probably around $5k to be safe), if you're able separate near the beginning of a university/college semester and be enrolled before you separate! Have a plan and don't be enticed by camp couch.

25

Career fairs are a waste of time, better to apply online.

26

Go to college and get a degree that is worth something, not an English or sociology degree.

27

1 Complete your VA claim prior to leaving the service; 2 Have a money set aside to get you through the first 4-6 months after your last paycheck from DOD; 3 Take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI bill; 4 Don't come out to the civilian sector thinking your are special because you served. Competition is for jobs out here is no joke; 4 Seek a veteran mentor who has completed his/her transition successfully.

28

Despite how much active duty life is difficult and frustrating, you will miss it. You will miss the aspects of knowing that those around you will fight for you if the need arises, and that leaders care about your well-being. Be careful to consider the extras that you will lose such as tricare and tax benefits.

29

Network your ass off in the field you enjoyed. Record contractor, government, part-time/full-time personnel contacts while you're active duty and stay in touch if appropriate for your end goal. Record the name/nomenclature of EVERY piece of equipment you ever operated/maintained; you'll need all that crap for a corporate/contract mandated "resume" if you go that route…once "out" that data is tough to retrieve.

30

The most important I learned was to create a resume without the jargon. Translate your skills into a language that anyone could easily understand. Use resources like onetonline.org to help get a better understanding of the skills that you learned while in the military.

31

Copy all service records, medical records, and remember the most important part, once you sign that DD 214. You have no more so-called friend’s in the military.

32

My advice to active duty servicepersons is to get to a TAP Class ASAP and more than once. Listen attentively and engage & participate in the opportunities. (As A TAP Intructor, I used to bring in local EDD Vet Staff to briefly speak about their services). Look into any mentoring or internship program and expand your network (such as Vet-Net). Veterans are very resourceful individuals with a can-do attitude and working with other Veterans, especially State of CA -EDD Veteran Representatives will shorten the unemployment time frame.

33

Clearly identify what you want to do for the next several decades. If you dont know, start talking to people about their experience. Dont rule anything out, but be realistic and be willing to get additional training or education to achieve your goals.

34

Get our there and Network. There is a lot of programs out there statewide to help you, plus give you free education/certificates to get you back to work for free without touching your military education benefits!

35

Decompress during your Terminal Leave and Permissive TAD. The hardest part in the transition is making the switch from the Military to Civilian.

36

Put together records of all official schools and training received and assignments you've held and try to relate them to position you are seeking

37

First, decide the where or what. Where you want to live or what you want to do after leaving the military. Learn how to (1) prepare a resume that converts military knowledge, skills, and abilities into civilian wording; (2) learn how to prepare a letter of interest to accompany applications; and (3) learn how to prepare for and participate in job interviews.

38

Employers more than 20 years ago did not care if you were a vet. Most even looked down on those that served as being free loaders that tax payers took care of. I had many where I applied still talking about "baby killers" and the losers that were in the military. Many times after my E.A.S. I wished that I would have completed my 20 and retired. Retired military members were looked at differently. Transitioning out then was, "sign here and you're done."

39

Never feel like you are owed something because you were in the service. That's the best advice in getting a job.

40

Be open to moving to a different location than your HOR.

41

Try to complete as much of a college education as possible during your active duty time. Preparing for post-service life should always be a priority.

42

Be open minded. Plan early and strive to gather enough information to have a good idea of what you think you want to do so you can be focused in your approach to achieve your goals. If you don't have an idea of what you want to do, it will be hard for others to help you in the transition. If you are interested in starting a private sector career, engage with a military recruiter like Orion that already has a network and track record of success getting veterans new careers. They can provide great insight into the types of roles you are a good fit for and help you get prepared to interview on top of potentially getting you into that 1st job. After that, it is up to you to perform and build your career and options!

43

Transition is a full time job requiring intentional focus, a strong network of supporters and advisors, and it will have challenges.

44

Seek out other veterans when transitioning from military services to civilian life. In my experience other veterans experiences and help was most beneficial to me as they could better understand my situation.

45

Be as prepared as possible for the transition.

46

Start networking early. Get off base and in contact with various business groups like the local Chamber of Commerce or one of the various networking organizations that plan local events. Start you LinkedIn account profile and complete it. Yesterday.

47

Do not rely on having military service/veteran status to get you a job. You're skills don't correlate as much as you think they do. Start early...start networking, working on certifications, completing your degree, and your resume.

48

1) Change the way you communicate - it's not the same 2) Lower your expectations over how you will take care of your people - it's not the same 3) Lower your expectations about how you will be taken care of - it's not the same 4) Look for a career, not a position or merely a job 5) Find out what makes you interested and happy - what types of problems do you like to solve? 6) Learn skills and earn credentials that will make you less likely to be laid off, or make it less painful to find another position in your chosen career path if you do... 7) Build a network in your industry and where you live that will help you weather a layoff - one that will help you help others when they are laid off as well; the door swings both ways...8) Don't assume that what you did i the military means squat to the civilians; less than 1% of today's American population have served in uniform - they don't understand you or your mindset....Good luck!

49

You have to demilitarize yourself as much as possible. everything from sometimes the way you talk to the way you walk. People are intimidated or scared by the things that you will do.

50

The transition of one's mindset from Military to Civilian is something that takes time in order for the mind to process reality. Mitigate as many stressors as possible prior to starting the transition. Patience will require a lot of practice. The transition will be life-long and must be accepted in order to function in society.

51

Focus on your education and your financial situation. Always keep a side job or several; never rely on only one source of income. The education will ensure sufficient verifiable knowledge, skills, and abilities to be employable. The income can sustain the job search. The family will do what they do regardless of your efforts, so get your-self squared away first. Job searching can be a full-time effort void of income until the goal is reached. Until then, remember the job search is a marathon not a sprint, so pace yourself and your resources. You are the detailer now; so, get your details in order from past volunteer experiences, old personnel evaluation descriptions, supervisor names, the address and phone numbers you will use to fill out job applications, and even the salary history broken down by promotion including starting and ending dates, starting and ending salary, and significant accomplishments during each period. You need many references, as many as five personal and five professional, so update your addresses, phone numbers, length of time acquainted, and emails for each of these contacts. Salary histories also need to be available in hourly, monthly, and annual to fit different application forms.

52

Build a strong network of connections before you transition, and use them to help you gain employment when you get out.

53

That the mental part of the transition will be intense. Prepare to really discover who you are and expect that your plans may not always work out. Have a few back up plans, and make sure you find a mentor one that is a veteran and one that is not.

54

Start the transition planning at least 5 years out. Get yourself in financial shape to survive if you don't gain a new job. Begin to network early and often, gain the certifications and/or education needed before you leave the military.

55

Use your veteran benefits - don't waste a moment.

56

Network outside of the veteran space!

57

Be prepared! There are many things that need to be address prior to leaving active service. If yo wait until you get out you are already behind the curve and your transition will be much harder. Also, have your medical records reviewed and put in your claim if appropriate prior to leaving active duty.

58

Network! There are very few veterans that transition to non-government corporations. Any connection that can be made is very valuable.

59

While in service, enlisted should take correspondence courses which translate to college credits, take online classes, and/or complete professional certifications- Six Sigma and PMP. While in garrison and on free-time perform freelance or entreprenuerial work for nonprofits or small businesses to enhance skills and gain experience. Don't be afraid to volunteer to gain those resume bullet points. Search on sites such as PPH.com and Upwork.com. Begin exploring civilian jargon and discovering how to best articulate MOS skills to Job skills, NOTE civilian job titles and descriptions don't align or are structured like the military.

60

Prior planning and understanding that there will be significant challenges. Establish a support system before you exit the military!

61

Nobody cares who you are, or what you did. The only thing that matters is what can you do for them. Figure that out....then sell it!

62

Connect with an outside organization to help with transition, TAPS is woefully out of touch with reality and what individuals will face on exit. Make sure to start VA claim early.

63

Planning, I planned my exit 2 years before my EAS. I started researching my job market a year out and started submitting resumes 6 months out.

64

Use your GI Bill

65

Take advantage of tution assistance while still active. It will save you months on your GI Bill.

66

Advice. Go to college or trade school. It's a good way to transition. Be prepared to be disappointed in the way businesses are organized and run. You're employers will not be up to par with what you are used to. Professionalism is a few and far in between idea.

67

Networking, talking with your fellow peers, colleagues on what they are doing when they get out, talking to friends and family on what's available and other leaders in the community or successful business owners and how they got started what they are doing. Get connected and stay connected with as many good people and resources as possible.

68

Make sure you have made the proper preparations on securing work before you get out.

69

When employers say they want either a college degree or military service, it's a lie. They could care less about your military service

70

Prepare early

71

Your work itself my not provide sufficient meaning. I was on two consecutive deployments where it felt like I was doing something important. I EASed almost as soon as my unit got back to the States. My work certainly didn't feel as important as it had, but getting involved with volunteering helped. Veteran's non-profit groups are a great place to start because of the shared culture, but there are lots of other awesome opportunities out there.

72

Don't expect it to be the same. Civilians are selfish and it's all about making themself look good not getting the job done. Don't expect your service to get you ahead, most employers think of us as broken instead of as an asset. Don't be too arrogant, apply for lower level jobs because you essentially are 4 years behind the other applicants and your service doesn't show any experience.

73

Don't let your military service be the only thing that defines you. Let it be a part of what does. It isn't the only thing you will ever accomplish, or the greatest thing. Also, go to a good not-for-profit school.

74

1) The transition will take time, every transition, mental, physical and career, is different. 2) Be patient and be confident and assured you have something unique to offer.

75

Learn to interact with those around you whether it be students or other adults. Don't treat them like young privates, but realize the potential to be a mentor to some of the younger civilians.

76

Make sure yoi hsve all your medicsl records up to date and atleast 3 complete copies. Make appointments with the VA prior to EAS.

77

start your transition as soon as you even think about getting out. Make contacts in the industry you want to be in. The civilian job market is tough and you can't do it on your own. It really is about who you know.

78

Be patient. Becoming a member of the armed forces took months of training, transitioning to civilian life can take years because there is no standard operating procedures. Everyone will have a different perspective on what you should do. Be patient and think every decision through thoroughly.

79

Don't completely let go of who you were as a civilian before you joined. Making an effort to normalize a bit while you're still in will help ease the transition if you're already halfway to thinking and acting like a civilian again.

80

Start looking as soon as you get out but still take a large break so your transition will be smooth and more relaxed

81

Find a veteran service organization that appeals to you. Joining a new team of service oriented veterans helps fill the gaps between civilian and military life.

82

No one owes you a job. Figure out how to frame your skills and talents in a way that shows your value to employers.

83

Think about what it is exactly that you want to do when you are a civilian. If you decide to go to school, think about what you are interested in, but also what you will be able to get a job doing. And college may not be the right choice, there are a lot more vocational possibilities now than there were previously.

84

1. Have written goals that you can monitor achieve with in a certain time frame. 2. Know before hand what your strengths and skill sets are that will be compatible to what your goals are. 3. Get involved with networking early before you leave the services.
4. A very good friend, a retired Marine Colonel, and my former boss of the Director of Veterans Services at San Diego County once told me that you got to have people skills. You need to be able to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with others or you're not going to succeed in life.

85

Start your job search at least 6 months out from separation. Try to have a job by EAS.

86

1) Find a mentor 2) Take advantage of Post 9/11 GI Bill (degree or certifications) 3) Be humble 4) network 5) show appreciation

87

Get transferable skills, certifications and education.

88

Do your homework, study the career you want early, identify the criteria and meet or exceed them before EAS. Write your resume to tell employer and not to yourself.

89

Save a little from each paycheck so you have something for first months rent, or other expenses. Make a plan at least a year before your EAS.

90

Plan and prepare early and don't underestimate the emotional strain.

91

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

92

For new retirees, be aware of your taxes on your retired income. Your new employer will have you complete the W-2 witholdings for Staye and Federal taxes but you have to enter your monthly State witholdings on your MyPay website.

93

Civilianizing certifications and resumes.

94

Start networking OUTSIDE the military as soon as you can and keep it up. Every person you meet could become crucial in your next career.

95

Get your college degree before retirement, learn how to network, and expect to start below what your skill,knowledge, military education and experience demonstrates what your really worth. I have found that even other Veterans who could help you get a foot in the door do not go out of thier way to do so or they are cut off by the HR personnel before they can get to hiring managers. It's harder to land a decent position that pays well than transition workshops and vet assistant organization make it out to be.

96

Lean on and use your military experience in the civilian world but don't expect your new coworkers to embrace and or respond to that way of thinking and life. It is important to adapt to them and the situation you find yourself in after transitioning out.

97

Look at many options, you don't know what is out in the private sector until you look around.

98

1) Have as specific a plan as you can. 2) Know where you want to live. 3) Know what type job you want to do. 4) Target specific companies within the industry or field you want to work in.

99

At least two years prior to separation, look into Entrepreneurship. TAPS did not stress the opportunities to own your own business. There are lots of opportunities out here. Otherwise, as soon as you know you are ending your military career, begin preparing your job/career strategy. Nobody is going to hand you a job. Use LinkedIn.com and other media to help. Find a non-profit organization to help you with employment and transition.

100

Do not give up...when I was ready to join the civilian sector I looked for jobs that fit my skills and criteria exactly. As soon as my unemployment benefits expired I had a job within a couple of days. I started looking for jobs 2 months prior and filled out at least 15-20 applications online daily. I had several interviews and felt confident but some offers were to low and some I just did not get. Until i was finally hired, it was a good start as far as transition was concerned and assisted me in getting a better paying job within 2 years.

101

Disregard the "professionals" opinions on resume's -- make your resume' as detailed as possible in civilian terms (project management, administrative/clerical work, team player, etc). Do not get the mindset that anyone owes you anything (I see to many veterans that get out thinking that way, and it only hinders them). Use your GI Bill -- though, I'd recommend using it at a technical institute/school, as that's more hands on approach and real world training versus any college. However, if you attend a college/university, make sure you get a p/t job of some sort in your field of study. This helps with transition, and hands on approach. Prior to attending any school -- research the top 25 jobs and go to school for those positions (i.e., engineering, medical, etc). Do not go to school thinking that any degree will help you -- that is not true today!!! Network early -- while your school especially -- with people who are in your field of study so that you have your network built up when you graduate -- it's not what you know, but who!!! Remember, it's not what you did in the past that defines you -- rather, what you're doing and want to do...Most importantly, surround yourself with positive people and positive influences.

102

Assume you will NOT get promoted or approved for reenlistment. Research what YOUR benefits will be upon separation or retirement well before you take off the uniform for the last time! Even if you're not sure what you're going to do focus on on where you might like to do it. You need to know what's available and where to find it either at your home of record or future location.

103

Don't expect to secure a civilian job immediately.

104

Make sure you network with people outside of the service and start your transition at least 2 years before retirement.

105

TAP, Networking & SMEAC

106

Jobs are not abundant no matter how many years you served or how qualified you are.

107

Find experts in the community you are going to and lean on them. Gather with Veterans to gain an understanding of the transition and listen to everyone. Ask for critiques of your approach and change based on inputs.

108

Go to transition classes early, make a realistic plan early, at least a year before you separate and start working towards that plan before you separate...

109

Probably to plan early. What I mean by that is start looking into more detail the type of job you are looking into for when you retire. I was in aviation and probably one of the hardest careers to transition into. The military does not make it easy for an individual to transition into say being a mechanic or even a pilot. With so many certifications FAA or even icao is laying out to do those jobs your military career doing the exact same job does not qualify you to do the same position in the civilian market.

110

1) Plan ahead (at least a year out). 2) Don't take for granted the TAP program is all you need 3) Find a mentor(s) at your current location and where you want to settle. 4) Network

111

Unless you are going to work for an employer who has personally served, you will find their perceptions of you are biased through media and social exposure. Keep communication open with them and try to gain an understanding of their perceptions and biases to improve the odds of a successful employment relationship.

112

Keep an open mind when looking at positions and don't sell yourself short.

113

Start as early as possible before seperating. Keep in contact with those you know that separated before you and ask them to share what they see in realtime.

114

Prepare! Gain any certifications needed for transisition & build a strong civilianized resume.

115

Ensure that you have your benefits correct prior to separation, work with local veterans on your transition, ASK FOR HELP. Do not be afraid to ask someone for guidance, you just spent the last 4+ years taking orders and beign told what to do, when to do it and how to do it. You are on your own now, but there are fellow veterans here to help, please ask for our help

116

Be aware that civilian life is not as black-and-white as military life. And that hard work outside the military DOES NOT guarantee you success or promotion.

117

Begin networking -- online and within the community you hope to join -- early... a year out at least.

118

Consider the tax breaks for salary (You need a lot more money on the civilian side to be equal). Figure out what jobs/responsibilities you like in the service and find a similar career path. Translate what you did into what you do or can do for the company you are pursuing. Thanks for your service, but no one care what you did. That want to know what you are going to do.

119

Have a plan and then have several backup plans for your "set" job you have when you get out.

120

You can only be successful when you get out if, you have a goal and are motivated to accomplish it.

121

Learn how to effectively translate (onto a resume) ALL you have done and earned in your particular military career, into words that a civilian employer understand and can comprehend.

122

Don't wait until the last minute to start looking for jobs make sure you have one lined up prior to EASing

123

Get all certifications for your job prior to separation.

124

Begin Networking as soon as you know you are leaving the service, minimum the final year before. Have your Resume completed and if able, have it professionally reviewed. Ensure you are accurately translating your skills from military to civilian. It can make all the difference in getting the job or not. Practice Skype interviews and prepare accordingly. I was hired by the first company I submitted my resume to and was hired in my opinion quickly, however I did not start until a month after the interview process began. So, plan and prepare for setbacks in your timeline and have multiple options in finding a new job if you can't plan to be unemployed that long. You can expect and anticipate being warmly welcomed by an employer. Companies love the leadership that is instilled within us during our Military Careers.

125

1) Take a career transition course or seminar. 2) Get educated. 3) Know what you want to do.

126

Develop a sense of self and build positive relationships.

127

Interviewing skills, and being able to compare your experiences to what the employer is looking for.

128

When you pick your retirement home make sure there are jobs in the area.

129

Start early...

130

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

131

Be flexible, civilians don't react the same way as military in almost every situation....

132

Begin transition planning as early as possible. Get education and get certifications.

133

Prepare, prepare. It depends on your MOS. if you were /are a grunt then you don't have much to work with except that you are loyal, dependable and a steady worker. So basically it starts with the MOS you choose in the beginning. Now a problem you might run into is that employers may fear you have PTSD and there will be issues later, missing work from DR. appts, mood swings. So showing that you didn't serve in combat can eleve some concerns but only tell them if you need to. If you do have PTSD then first take the time to heal before taking on a full time job, maybe start slow and work your way up.

134

I retired as a Marine. There will never be the sense of urgency, loyalty or team work that we had in the military. There is less accountabilty on the civilian side...and people do not hold themselves accountable. I do not miss the bureaucracy of the Marine Corps, but I do miss Marines and their mission-focus and cameraderie.

135

Set goals and prepare for those goals 4 years prior to separation. 4 years gives you time to save money, complete your education, schooling or certification and your resume' will show 4 years knowledge and experience of your field.

136

Network with other veterans who have transitioned into the workforce. Speak to your career centers on base to invite this population into your workshops to give first hand accounts on what to expect and how to prepare.

137

Start researching a career path early and see how your military skills translate to the civilian world.

138

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

139

Figure out what you want to do before you separate.

140

set realistic expectations, work your ass off, and don't be afraid to start at the bottom.

141

1) If separating, make the determination early as to whether you want to re-enlist or get out; so you can formulate your career path. 2) Network, network, network. 3) If retiring, determine what you want to do and get the resume out there.

142

To use your leadership skills and MOS to your advantage. Seek employment that can best use your skill sets. Display a command presence, squared away appearence and highly motivated toward meeting and exceeding goals and objectives.

143

Start applying for jobs about six months out, even if you think you have a friend that will hook you up. It takes time for the whole process from applying to interview and if lucky to hiring. If you are going to college start applying early also and if you are not going to college in your home of record be aware of the cost difference between resident and non resident fees. If you are retiring from the military after 15 -20 years, be prepared for a culture shock, you might think you are ready but you are not.

144

Make a job oit of finding a job...

145

Have a support system, get a dog. Despite having a clear plan after being honorably discharged, at times I felt lost, alone, and frustrated. Having an animal being loyal and dependent on me gave me the sense of stability that I had a hard time letting go when leaving the service.

146

A top secret clearance and a wealth of knowledge, training, and real-world experience (to put it frankly) do not mean shxx. The biggest setback I faced as an enlisted member leaving active duty was a college degree. Without that credential, if you want to do something aside from contracting or taking orders (figuratively and literally), saying you are limited in options would be an understatement. Go to college! And do it BEFORE you get out, even if that means doing 8 years.

147

Have a plan and prepare for different outcomes

148

Start looking for work right now. Start networking with people on the industries that you are interested in right now

149

Spend as much time as you can preparing your finances and researching career opportunities post military career.

150

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

151

Complete school (at least a Bachelors) and all the certificarions you can get in your current military job field and don't make an big finiancial obligations.

152

Transitioning to the civilian workforce is primarily dependent on 3 factors: where you want to live; what you want to do; and how much you want to be compensated. Advice is find a balance between the three. Making a lot of money and not enjoying the job or place doesn't lend itself to be long term employment. Alternately, focusing on job or location not considering compensation doesn't tend to work out either.......Find a balance

153

Prepare to feel like your tribe has moved on without you. And get started finding a new one.
Embrace your new identity as a civilian, and thrive in life. Prepare to put your military career in the past and start making a new life for yourself and your family.

154

Talk to as many actual veterans from various backgrounds as possible and LISTEN to their diverse stories of struggles and successes. Don't assume the negatives they experienced won't happen to you because of your rank, education, support structure, etc.

155

Don't become lazy because people are not pushing you anymore. Get out, go to college, get a part time job, and enjoy your new time as a civilian.

156

Get your education.

157

Many civilians are either ignorant, afraid, or both of military service. If you happen to notice that that is the culture where you work don't try to change yourself for their sake, start looking for a new job.

158

businesses that will hire upon transition. I have been retired since May of 2016 on terminal leave but officially retired July 2017, I have been applying everywhere within law enforcement for various job opportunities and cant get hired either know my civilian background is in law enforcement, it is very depressing to say the least and feel worthless at times because of all the constant rejection. This is no way to treat service members. I have applied for entry level jobs within ballistic forensics (Part time), Police officer, telecommunications dispatch, meter readers.....nobody within law enforcement will touch me. I was discharged with an honorable discharge but now it might as well have been a bad conduct discharge, its very disheartening I was forced to leave the military in which I loved so much only to face this type of BS.