Retirement or just leaving military service is a stressful time for both the service member and family members alike. Sometimes children change schools, and when they are in high school, it can be especially tough. It was for my kids. Just the thought of going somewhere and becoming part of the civilian community can be intimidating. I know because I did it myself as an old warrant officer almost 20 years ago, and I bet the feeling is still the same. My wife and I transitioned with five children. Not fun! But you have to take that leap, and when you do, there is risk. If you didn’t take that leap, there would be risk. So what the heck, jump! You won’t regret it.
Remember, what made you successful in the military is probably the same thing that will take you places in the civilian world. The leadership and self-starting attitude that you honed over many years is a valuable asset. Your maturity and ability to work in stressful situations is also a plus. Do not sell yourself short. A perfect resume is not the goal. The resume needs to capture your experiences accurately and be tailored to the job position you are seeking. It is designed to get you in the door and invited for an interview, nothing more. You do the rest in person or on the phone or both. Take your time and do not overthink it. Start early and be determined. Your connections and contacts are valuable, so make sure you leverage them.
If possible, take advantage of the new intern program and train with industry for 90 days if you can. Our company, Chenega IT Enterprise Services, LLC welcomes service members who might be interested in working and training with us. If you ever feel the need or want to talk to retired service members, we are happy to field calls when available, tell you our stories, and help you to the best of our ability. That helped me a lot. Best of luck to all of you beginning your transition. Be determined, be prepared, and most of all be confident.
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