Military Transitions - Copeland Coaching

Military Transitions One question I hear often from readers is about military transitions. Many members of the military devote the first twenty years of their career to the US Military. Around age forty, theyll retire and start entirely new careers in the civilian world. I receive questions about how to successfully make this change. The number one thing I see that trips up people transitioning is this. They dont realize just how hard it is. And, neither do those around them. The military will often help people who are transitioning by offering a class about how to get a job. Many of the people Ive met who have attended this class assume that the transition will be quick, painless, and easy. They also assume that they will be compensated the same or more than they were in the military. To make matters more complex, their loved ones also believe the transition should be easy. Unfortunately, this is a problem not just with military folks, but with anyone looking for a job. Your family can never understand whats taking you so long. This can leave the job seeker feeling lonely and deflated, as if theyre the only one who has ever had to work this hard to find a job. If we can agree that job searching is hard, then what? The people Ive seen with the smoothest transitions have done three things well. First, theyve started early. They didnt wait until they were out of the military to begin looking for something new. Second, they put their fears and limitations on hold. In other words, they were willing to step out of their comfort zones to explore jobs they may not have considered. And, third, they kept their personal expenses low. In the civilian world, a paycheck is not a guarantee. Especially in the beginning, if you can keep your costs down, it will be less stressful if your search takes time. Beyond that, listen to yourself. When you are job searching, youd be surprised at how many people come out of the woodwork with advice. Your great uncle Bob who you barely know will suddenly have an opinion on what you should be doing with your life. If youve spent your entire career in one field, this guidance can feel good. But, dont fall into the trap. Great uncle Bob probably has no real experience in the work hes advising you on. Start early. Form a support group. Reach out to people who have been through this transition before. Dont be afraid to reach out to people you dont know through networking site, LinkedIn. And, be on the lookout for companies that specifically recruit transitioning members of the military. Last, but not least, be patient with yourself. Youre starting an entirely new career. This is hard for anyone â€" military or civilian. It takes time. Its going to be hard. But, in the end, its worth it. I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here. Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If youve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in iTunes or Stitcher. Happy hunting! Angela Copeland @CopelandCoach