Guest Post on Finding A Civilian Job After the Military

Hi, friends! I'm off enjoying the weekend with my family, but I wanted to share this article with you in the event you or your spouse is faced with transitioning out of the armed forces. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

Finding a Civilian Job After Your Time in the Military
Following your military career, you will probably be faced with the challenge of finding gainful employment in the private sector. Although many opportunities are available, you may find navigating the job market intimidating. Many myths concerning the job market simply increase the anxiety experienced by many military personnel and veterans.
Myth #1: Employers don’t care about applicants.
Truth: In today’s competitive job market, even employers who receive hundreds of job applications each week understand the importance of finding and attracting the best talent available. Some employers offer special perks such as the opportunity to work from home or daycare facilities onsite in order to attract quality workers. Many companies have streamlined their application process to make it easier on job seekers by partnering with services like JIBE, a mobile recruiting company. Platforms such as this allow you to upload your resume and other job-related documents right from your smartphone or tablet.
Myth #2: Although programs exist to help you, there won’t be an actual human who can assist you in transitioning into a civilian job.
Truth: Veterans who have served since 9/11 can meet face-to-face with professionals who will assist them in reintegrating into the private sector. The Gold Card, a new employment initiative for veterans, enables these individuals to meet with a career counselor at a local One-Stop Career Center. During these meetings, you will have the opportunity to develop an Individual Development Plan, receive job referrals and more.
Myth #3: Your job search is just a process of sending out resumes and then waiting.
Truth: You should actively engage in the process of finding a job. Research companies where you might enjoy working. Attend networking events. Volunteer in your community or with a business or organization where you would like to work. Connect with people and companies online through social media. There are many ways to engage potential employers. Once you have sent out a resume, be proactive and follow up with the company as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for an interview.
Myth #4: Companies do not seek military veterans to fill positions.
Truth: Today’s companies recognize the training and skill sets military veterans have, and many employers actively seek veterans to fill available jobs. Also, several incentive programs offer perks to companies that employ veterans. In order to learn more about companies seeking to hire veterans, go to VeteranJobListings.com. There you can apply to jobs and learn more about the companies that may be interested in hiring you.
Although change can be uncomfortable, it often comes with opportunities. Take advantage of the resources available to help you through this transition, and you will succeed.

Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network with people from around the world! Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/!

We're moving to...

When emails pile up, financial tasks need to be done, last minute baby preps are abundant, and my Scentsy business begs to be organized, the first thing to go was blogging. It's only been a few days, but I missed this space and I'm happy to be back with pretty good news.

If you've been following along here long enough, you know that Captain J is finishing up his service to the Army in January. We've been very nervous yet excited for this new curve in our lives. He spent much time deliberating whether this was the right decision for our family, but ultimately he knew that he didn't want to spend a year away from his sweet son if he didn't have to. That was the deciding factor. He wanted out. I supported this decision and eagerly began daydreaming of moving back to East Tennessee where so many of my friends are and where most of my family resides. We knew we wanted to be close as we've spent all of our relationship away from the ones we love. Alaska--Georgia--Louisiana-- it was time to go home.

Meanwhile, J partnered with a head hunter group to try to get a leg up when it comes to finding a job post Army. This was the beginning of our plans starting to shift. The further he got into the process, the more he became aware what he wants to do, what motivates him, and where we may (or may not) end up. There were slim pickin's in Tennessee as you might imagine. I was actually pretty upset about this until very recently. I wanted to go home! Watch my nephews and niece grow up! Hang with my old pals. Drop the kids off with their grandparents. Spend a Thanksgiving in good ole Loudon for a change.

A couple weeks ago, Captain J nervously set out to a hiring conference unsure of what to expect. If I may brag on my husband for a minute, let me say that I'm so very proud of him. It must be difficult to shift from Infantry Officer to a business mindset after so many years of service in the Army. Thus far, he has excelled at what he has set out to do. He's currently finishing up an MBA, keeping up with his duties at work and home, and he took a few days off to fly all over the country interviewing and kickin' butt at it. We were blessed to have many opportunities, many second and third interviews! After much deliberation, he narrowed his options down to three offers...

none of which were anywhere near "home."

The nearest was Northern Atlanta, but the work hours were depressing to say the least. In addition, we had already lived near there back when we were stationed at Ft. Benning for MCCC. We didn't love the area, but it was nice to be within driving distance of our hometowns. Still, it was a fiasco just trying to get home. It was about a four hour drive and that was before we had kids. That margin of time would only grow. We imagined being pretty close to home but never actually being able to go home due to the long work hours J was facing. Finally, we were swayed by insanely cheap real estate in...

Sunny Florida!

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I'm kidding, sort of. J, of course, didn't choose his next job because of real estate there. Still, we have weighed our options and landed on the job that will take us to the Jacksonville area. I'll be honest- at first I was pretty sad. I'm a country mouse at heart. I have never had much of a desire to live in a big city. I feel most at home in the mountains and I desperately wanted four seasons. Mostly, I wanted K & A to know their family well. Over the past week, however, I've begun to accept and be happy about this change. J told me he wasn't too fond of living too close to where he grew up and I understand why he feels that way. Anyway, I'm beginning to picture our lives as a family of four in a warm climate with palm trees and plenty of opportunity to soak up some rays on my soon-to-be toned body again (Ok, perhaps I'm slightly delusional still). The point is, I can finally brush aside the dark clouds surrounding my mind and focus on the fact that this is a blessing. We'll get back to TN eventually, but until then-

God has provided for us yet again. With so many people struggling in this lowly economy, we worried it might be difficult to find work. Not only did J have multiple job offers, but I also truly believe now that God wants us to be in Northern Florida. We are excited about finding a church family there that is closer to what we are looking for from a congregation. We look forward to finding a reliable sitter so that we can finally start dating each other again. I've googled Mom and Me groups in the area so K can have that socialization that is ever important at this age. We're looking forward to moving on to what will be our fourth state in three years. Hopefully, we can stay there a bit longer than we've been averaging at previous duty stations! We're ready to have a home.

I hope that we make Florida home to us. I know it's all about perspective and for better or worse, the Cap'n and I are in this together, forever. He is my family. I'm his. We'll be happy any ole place...

Right?

Roll With The Punches

The phone rang this morning. Early. And now I'm in a bad mood.

Remember when I mentioned that Captain J was done with his time in the field? I said that we would never have to deal with a rotation ever again? Well, it turns out I lied. The Army made a liar out of me and truly, I should have known better.

I'm frustrated and I've really no reason to be. It's just that we had plans and frankly? I get annoyed when I have to parent alone. My pregnant body hasn't been that kind to me and by the end of the day I'm in gobs of pain from bending over the bathtub trying to wash Baby K. My knees are hurting from the constant climbing over of the baby gate. And I'll not mention some of the other physical ailments that pregnancy tends to bring along.

We're a few months away from being out of the Army for good which begs the question- What's next?

We still don't know. Next weekend, Captain J is off to a hiring conference. There, he'll have six interviews from jobs that will likely be all over the country. Our preference is to be in the Southeast, but I fear this large company looking for employment options for J does not care about our geographical preferences. Anyway, the job interviews will filter in from various corporations but the opportunities will primarily be in the field of business. Captain J is currently working on finishing a Master's in Business. Of course, he isn't promised a job offer, only interviews.

He got a call the other day suggesting he interview for a company that would require him to travel every 6-8 weeks for a calendar year. Keep in mind his reasoning for getting out of the military is so that he could be around to see the babes grow up. Obviously, this scenario isn't ideal for us. He'd be gone for a year with some availability to visit, but not much. The other option is that Baby K, Baby A, and I pack up with him every 6-8 weeks and travel the country, too. Ideally, how neat? Realistically? We'd have two under two on the road with cloth diapers. Schedules would fly out the window. And I would still not get to properly decorate for Christmas! Kidding on that last one. Actually, no I'm not.

I want a home that is ours. One that isn't too far from family in Tennessee. One that we can settle in, find a reliable babysitter, make friends, and find a church home we love.

I understand that when one is just starting out, they have to pay their dues. Unfortunately, the dues Captain J paid years ago won't translate in the civilian world. Now, we start over.

I'm sure it will be exciting, difficult, and chaotic all at the same time. The transition already feels that way. We don't have much of a plan at this point. Everything is up in the air, just like with the Army so in that way our lack of a plan does feel like home. Frustrating but comforting.

So if you ask what our plans are post military, I'll have to tell you that we don't know. And when we get one, it might change. That's life.

Roll with the punches.

Source: weightoffmyshoulders.com via Mrs. on Pinterest

My One Inch Window

One inch windows. Have you heard of this notion? It's the suggestion made by Anne Lamont that writing can be done within the confines of what can be seen out of a one inch window. Imagine cutting out a one inch window from a piece of paper and carrying it with you on all the experiences you can't wait to write home about. You may want to gush and gush on every minor detail in hopes of preserving it in your own mind or enlightening those around you, but you can't. You may only choose to describe what shines through the tee-tiny space. What would you write about?

I was pondering this while I was perched on my couch with a bird's eye view of my puppy sleeping down below. I had been tip toeing around that hyper dog all day long trying to get some chores around the house accomplished. I was annoyed- No, not at him but at my situation. You see, I'm just another one of those twenty something year olds who have no idea what they want to do with themselves. Daily I wonder how my life would have been different if I had continued my education and finished up my Master's. I wonder if when we do start a family if I'll still have the desire to be a stay at home mom that I have now. Then, I think, what's next? I'll send the hypothetical kid(s) off to kindergarten and then where will I be?

I yearn for productivity. I want to be helpful financially in my marriage, but I also want to be happy (which I am!). I know working a mediocre job that I do not enjoy will only make me miserable. A couple years ago, I had this job that seemed like it should be an awesome experience. I was working in my field (psychology) and I was helping people. Who doesn't want to do that? But it turns out, helping people is much harder than it looks. Especially when the people I was supposed to help didn't want to help themselves. After much debate, I ended my employment there and never looked back. I went off to grad school to ensure that I would never have a crappy job again. It turns out, that's probably a pipe dream.

This brings me to where I am today. If not counseling, then what? I realize now is the time for school. Now is the time to be saving for our future. We are saving, but I know I should be helping now but I just don't know what I want to do. I don't mind getting a part time job that I'm less than interested in because I know it will only be temporary and I want to contribute. But as far as school goes, I don't know what I would want to study now. In addition to that, I don't know if finishing my Master's is a goal because I feel like I NEED it or if I hate that I started something and never finished.

I will never regret taking time off from school to come up to Alaska with Captain J. Never. I know this is where I'm supposed to be right now and I am content in my present. It's my fear of the unknown, of my future that really sends me into a frenzy. Oh, to be one of those individuals who are completely free, living in the moment.

As far as my one inch window of today, I look out and see green trees blowing in the wind. The window is opened slightly and the fresh Alaskan air is blowing in. Candles are neatly placed on the sill and below this there's a comfy place to read. I have a wonderful life with my silly Drifter and the best husband I could ever ask for. There's no point in dwelling on concerns for tomorrow. Life is good today.

Love,

Just dreamin'

Well, I've found my purpose, my ideal job, my hopes and dreams. Unfortunately, one thousand applicants found it before me. I was browsing the news today and came across this excellent idea found here. If you do not feel led to read the article, I'll give you the gist of it: It. is. bloody. awesome.

It's right up my alley. First of all, if chosen, the "employee" is forced paid to travel to amazing honeymoon destinations all over the world, get a feel for the area via beaches, luxurious dining, champagne, et cetera, and then report back by writing entries in a blog on his or her experiences there. It's a couples thing, too! In short, some lucky son of a gun is going to travel the world with their spouse and have everything paid for. Jealous doesn't quite describe what I'm feeling now.

Oh, to travel somewhere warm! I'd give anything. Well, almost anything. I miss the sand between my toes as my skin is browning and my eyes are shut tightly cat napping in the warm breeze. I miss being by the pool with a book I can't put down. I miss shorts and sandals and the way my hair curls up with the humidity in the air. Oh, Alaska, how I scorn thee today.

I've always been a beach girl. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing I love more than a nice drive or hike in the mountains. If God ever seems distant, I seem to always find Him there. But there's something about the ocean that calls to me. The salty water, the shells, and the atmosphere beckon my carefree side to sit and stay awhile. This is the longest stretch of time that I've gone without a quick trip to Florida or any beach elsewhere. Jordan better know how much I've given up for him. :) ha I guess I'll just rest my eyes and pretend I'm somewhere tropical, soakin' up the rays, with only the worry of what book I'll read next on my mind.

White coats and football

Take a look at this photo and tell me I had a bad weekend! It's hard to have a bad weekend when I have my feet propped up next to a warm fire sitting beside my man.

Friday night, we ended up going to the emergency room to deal with my ailments. I got some antibiotics and I'm feeling much better now. While there, a nurse checked my blood pressure and it was 150/93 which is terribly high for me. The doctor asked if I was nervous to which I replied "YES!" and he said I also suffered from white coat syndrome. No surprise there. I felt significantly more at ease as soon as I walked out the huge front doors of the hospital. Free at last!

The majority of our furniture has arrived so Jordan spent the rest of Friday night putting together our new, comfy bed. We finally drifted off to sleep after a late night.

Saturday we got a late start to the day. We woke up rather late and after breakfast we sat by the fire, read, and cat-napped for awhile. It was so nice. On Sunday I had to work, but I decided not to accept the position for several reasons. One of them being that Jordan wasn't happy about me having to work on the weekends. He works so much throughout the week so when he does get time off we like to enjoy it together. Even though this job was at a church, I felt like it would alter my time with God too much. I like attending church services on Sundays and by accepting this job, I would be giving that up. There were other factors as well. One biggie was that the hours weren't set in stone so it would be difficult for me to tell Jordan when to pick me up and drop me off. With his job as time demanding as it can be, it just wasn't going to work for us. Oh well. The job search continues.

After leaving the church on post, I came home to Jordan plugging away in the kitchen preparing appetizers for our company coming over to watch the Superbowl. He made his dad's spectacular guacemole recipe while I prepared a queso dip. We prepared some other foods and sat down in front of the t.v. to what we thought was going to be a blowout with the Colts ahead...looks like we thought wrong. Maybe next year, Peyton. :(

Despite the loss, I had a pretty good weekend. I hope all of you can say the same!

With love,

Kacy Sue

Fakers

I became frustrated today with internet scams. I spent so much time searching for a job, critiquing and editing cover letters, and filling out applications only to find out half way through the process that many of them were fake job postings on craigslist. Grr :( I was clued in when they told me what to set my password as. I quit filling out information after that, but not before I had already given them my phone number. Unfortunately, I received two solicitation phone calls- one at 3:14am and another at 4am. Then the text messages started....really?!

Oh well.

I made more cards today.



Then I felt better.

Tonight Jordan and I are having pizza and settling in for the Biggest Loser. Something isn't right here? hehe Anyway, we are moving on Thursday! I cannot tell you how excited I am. And when we get settled into our new place, I'm getting back into my routine of working out. Hold me to it!