I have been a scout in the army for 5 yrs. I recently got out and got divorced. It doesn't seem that many if any of my skills tranfer to the civilian world unless I want to be a cop or a rentacop. Does anyone have advice on career fields or tranferible skills that may help me land a job that pays the bills. I need around $15 to make ends meet.
Answers
Matthew: I strongly recommend you look at "technical" fields, if you are somewhat mechanically inclined at all, such as building controls (a growing sector), PV installation (energy sector), or field or equipment maintenance/installation of any kind (telecom, IT, military/government, etc.). You may have to go to a technical college for a little bit to get started (GI Bill!), or start at the bottom, but within a year or two you will put all of your leadership skills into play by supervising others, being dependable, and managing projects. Pay and benefits are usually competitive in these fields once you get started. Search on careerbuilder.com or monster.com for target words like "troubleshoot", "technician", "repair", and see who is hiring in your area. Do that before signing up for classes, so you know you can find a job where you want to live before you pursue an education for work that isn't even in your area. Even without going to school, go straight to potential employers or to their website and apply, and tell them you are a veteran looking for a career opportunity. They may be able to hire you and help you get the training you need. Message me if you need help building a resume or need help with your VA benefits.
Hi Matthew,
Respectfully, I have to disagree with you. As a fellow infantryman, its my opinion that many of your skills translate to a variety of fields. Though we won't easily find a direct translation (such as a Marine air traffic controller getting out, and subsequently working for the FAA), many of our soft skills such as risk management, decisiveness and resolution within ambiguity have a valued place in many industries.
Check out this video, produced by ACP and Goldman Sachs. I think it may surprise you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFjPKwZK_W8
I'd also recommend using your Post 9/11 GI Bill to attend the very best college you can get into.
S/F
Daniel
Right- Throughout time, how does a soldier get home. There are indications real life won't be as intense from where you came soldier. Your not going to get cuts in the chow-line for having served. Few civilians care as they are fighting for their own survival in todays big-deal. You served. After many years as a 100% Service-Connected Veteran of South East Asia I tried to get back home. Took me many years to figure that it isn't what I have coming, it's what I'm doing for others. See Point Man Ministries PMIM. I was angry for many years. Only hurt me. What I want to say is take your time, keep your plan updated, check your gear. Stay out of trouble, Don't go there. There is no return from some places. Don't shoot yourself in the foot. Settle down and scout your direction. Find your passion, your likely doing it already. Figure out if you are a "hunter or gatherer" or do you "make and mend". Which are you? Really falls in these areas. The trades opportunities are thin. Service Job if you can get one. I need you to be patient and keep your eyes peeled. Mind clear. VA Rehab allowed me an Independent Living Grant long ago. The question was what did I want to do with my time. A 100% service-connected is to go home and go to bed. Probably not. I had been eat up with Digital Video without proper equipment, training or access to gear. In Gods great sense of timing I received a substantial Video Production system. Nice if you can get it as I did pay dearly for the honor to serve. I haven't charged a Veteran or their survivor a dime for this Gift. My total objective is returning the gift to soldiers, families or their widows. Sometimes falling into the area of insanity, I give my time and materials to this Passion. Through over 120 World War Two and Korea War Veterans interviews I understand what some did to survive the rest of their lives. Same stuff, different day. Your spirit knows what it is.
http://magazine.creativecow.net/article/the-taps-project
See Youtube.Com/HodgeWilliams http://www.youtube.com/user/hodgewilliams?feature=mhee where there are 34 uploads directed toward Veterans, Widows, and families. I give it all back. It keeps me alive. After many years I live in my own skin.
Wayne Williams
Soldier
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