How has it been transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce?

Question

Im in the Army and im wondering what I should do when I get out.

Answer 1

My transition wasn't that bad. I got out then started working a delivery job while I was in school. As many people veteran status alone may not be good enough, unless you are willing to do the same work you did as a soldier in the civilian sector. But I have found that I was hunted down by almost every company I applied at after I got my college degree. A lot of the recruiters were very impressed to see a veteran with a 4-year college degree.

Answer 2

Depends on what civilian job skills you have.

Don't expect a job, just because your a veteran.

Thats not gonna happen.

If you have no job skills, then plan on using your GI Bill to gain some.

You don't have to use the GI Bill for college, you can use it for a trade school also.

Infantry skills, just don't translate into the civilan job market to well.

Not even toward being a Police Officer, since most departments want a college degree for thier officers now.

Answer 3

I was a 91 Bravo which at the time was a medic. I think it is a 68W now. I used my GI bill to go to nursing school and have worked as an RN since then. When my lung injury caught up with me the VA started paying my medical bills. I can't complain about my military service at all.

Answer 4

I went and carefully inventoried my skills before I retired. Since I knew that my security clearance has value outside - I looked at the jobs that I could leverage using a clearance.

I fairly quickly found a job managing the handling of classified material and security clearances at a small defense contractor.

One thing that people fail to do is look at themselves from the point of view of a potential employer. Think of what a potential employer is looking for and make sure that he/she sees that in the very beginning of your resume.

Answer 5

It's been hard for me. Before I joined I worked at an art store. Then I went into the infantry. I tried to become a cop but was not hired. So my skills are art and killing. Maybe I should be a killer artist! LOL......Oh yeah they say veterans have a preference but that is not true. I've applied to over 100's of places and not got hired.

Answer 6

It really different, frustrating, no discipline, no respect....can see it in the neighboring kids not just in civilian work environment.

I seen this the other night on the news...might be worth a try

http://media.hireahero.com/

Answer 7

well i was an infantryman for 4 years on active duty and a army reserve soldier for two. i have been out of work since jan of 06. home depot even turned me down. its pathetic. ive been tryin to stay home to be a father to my son whom was born 1 month into my tour in iraq. i have to go back top active duty because of my unemployment situation.

Answer 8

I know alot of wives whose husbands got out at the four year mark and ended up getting back in after a eyar or two. Its tough out there.

Answer 9

just remember you wont be in an environment where honor and respect are a way of life you will be exposed to the general public the people you fought to protect so watch your temper cause the general public are a selfish and unappreciative lot

Answer 10

i farted around and partied for awhile but it didn't take long to find a job (air traffic control) once i started looking...P.S. do NOT take a job supervising civilians right off of the bat...trust me on that one

lvillejj...apply for a govt. job http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/