Level Up Aviation Director | Empowering Youth in Aviation | Speaker | Advocate | Veteran
3 Transition Myths I Was Overconfident About… 1. Transitioning isn’t that hard as long as you are prepared: FALSE - Although thorough preparation and a positive attitude can mitigate some of the challenges of military transition, they don't eliminate them entirely. Keep an open mind and expect some ambiguity in the beginning. 2. Instant Job Offers: Mostly FALSE - Some assume that veterans receive instant job offers due to their military background, but it often requires networking and skill translation. Start building your network outside the service long before you leave, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn. Personally, I utilized programs like Hiring Our Heroes, which not only aided me in finding ideal employment but also provided valuable free coaching. 3. No Mental Health Challenges: FALSE - There's a misconception that leaving the military means leaving mental health issues behind, but many veterans face mental health struggles post-service. For me that’s where it started to get hard because it was the first time I slowed down to face my internal challenges. Don't be afraid to use resources like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ask for help. What was your transition like? #veterans #military #skillbridge #leadership #networking #linkedin
"If you want a job in the defense sector, especially as a senior officer, they'll be lining up at your door to hire you". -Absolutely False. I was wide open to any type of job, but I was told to expect that Defense Aerospace would be a sure thing, a safety net if some of the less traditional options didn't pan out. This was not the case. Defense heavies like Northrop Grumman, RTX, Lockheed Martin have many, many applicants identical to me and you. Their hiring processes for transitioning veterans seemed passive. The timelines were also very long, which really starts to hurt after terminal leave ends.
“You’ll miss the comradery”, which I actually think they meant was the “boys’ club”. False. My new team is more collaborative, open-minded, welcoming, and engaging than I could ever hope for. Diversity and inclusion for the win! ✌️
Robert Paulding
2mo
I was informed by my transitional team that there wouldn't be any issues as I had years of F-16 experience and flight test experience. All resumes and applications that went out went nanswered. Then in one interview, one (piece of work) asked me, so Robert what dis you do in the Air Force specifically. I stated I was an F-16 technician. Then he swings his chair around and looks out the window and says, "well I don't see any F-16's out there"! That evil right side of my brain was focusing on his neck but my rational side of my brain talked him out of it. When it's all said and done, you are your best advocate.
Craig R. Jones
2mo
My first transition from Active duty was relatively easy. I had a lot of good job offers as an engineer. My second transition retiring from the Reserves was also easy. Was forced out by the LtCol High Tenure Program. AMF.
Hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Going through it now. Everything in this post is spot on.
Gil Baker
2mo
Jessica, very well written! There are so many challenges in the transition. Thankfully I had good friends in my network to help! Since there were few flying jobs in 2012, I was thankful to land a job as a technical writer with the FAA in the TERPS standards branch. You never know where the path will lead. Having an open mind and positive attitude definitely helps!
Yes. We have so Many resources but I've found many are pushed to the side from the veteran. It's the strangest thing
Jef G.
2mo
Regret…
Tim Randolph
2mo
#3, so much that I had not dealt with after 30 years as a firefighter. I’m slowly chipping away at it now.
Air Force Research Laboratory
2moSomewhat related but I decided I was going to be in better shape once I got out of the Army. I started learning more about fitness and used actual training plans rather than the PT that was thrown at me every morning. It worked. I'm in better shape now in my 40s than in my 20s. Also that service ends when you get out of the military. I've done a lot more for the military since leaving the Army than I was ever allowed to do while in.