SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 – After serving the country for a good twenty years or more as a member of the military, you may be eligible to go into retirement. Of course, you’re also entitled to several retirement benefits. But does it really have to mark the end of your career life? Absolutely not!
With some guidance, finding a job that suits and satisfies your needs is not really that hard. Even as you transition from a military kind of life to a civilian’s, read for tips on starting an industrial career after retiring from the military.
Why Vets Work After Retirement
You may not even consider yourself old enough to hang your boots just yet by the time your end of active service arrives. So, like many other ex-military officials, you decide to find a new career after retirement.
Besides, it’s a great way to supplement the income you’ll be getting from your retirement package. Better yet, working can actually be a great way to ward off and deal with any negative emotions that you could experience after leaving the military.
Important Tips for Starting a Career as a Veteran
Despite your reasons for considering a civilian career after retirement from the military, you will need a solid plan from the word go. Below are some helpful tips you could borrow for inspiration.
Revisit Your Passions
What did you want to become before joining the military? Or, better yet, what other profession would satisfy you if you didn’t make it to the navy? Do you have some special skills or talents outside the lines of combat and the uniform? Finding answers to these questions could spearhead you in the right direction and help you find a career line that you’ll be passionate about.
Consider a College Course
In today’s world, the majority of industrial jobs require some sort of basic education. Some of the best-paying jobs will also demand a college diploma at the very least, if not specialized training and experience.
If you want to become a construction engineer, for instance, it could mean pursuing a 4-year degree course in civil engineering before you put yourself out there in the job market. The good thing is that you can find jobs that don’t require formal education, some of which could pay decently enough to help raise your college tuition.
Take Up Woodworking (Or Other Crafts)
There’s a good reason why many people take up different kinds of crafts as hobbies, with woodworking being among the most popular options. As an ex-military, woodworking projects can be a great way to calm the mind, ward off stress, and even combat mental health concerns like PTSD.
It’s even more enjoyable if you have a workshop with all the right equipment. And if you ever think of switching careers, you can sell your used CNC machines at Revelation Machinery, donate your tools, or keep your woodworking equipment handy for spare time projects.
Consider a Career Where You Could Utilize Your Military Skills
While there are several other jobs out there for veterans and military personnel, there are some professions in particular where you can utilize your military skills. For instance, you could offer to provide security services for the company you’re eyeing to work for.
It is a perfect opportunity for you to use some of your combat skills in the competitive industry. You could also become a personal trainer, which is among the fastest-growing industries today by demand.
Start Networking (Including on Social Media)
Once you have determined the kind of career path you want to pursue, the next thing you should do is network. Reach out to potential employers and professionals from your previous work experience. Also, it’s a good idea to find a mentor that could guide you through your post-military career journey.
You could reach out to former colleagues, members of veterans’ associations, or even college professors in your search for a mentor. Don’t forget to brush up on your social media profiles and utilize platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn for your job search. In fact, LinkedIn is one of the best places to seek advice and information from peers from around the globe.
Finally, job searches are often tedious and exhausting. Finding a way to keep yourself positive, upbeat, and motivated while at it is a crucial aspect of turning a post-military career into a successful one. With the tips above, starting an industrial career after leaving the military can be easier and possibly enjoyable.