It's probably a little late for me to ask this since I have already executed this plan and part of me wonders if it was the right move. I'm not looking for validation, but thoughts and opinions on it. I sought the opinions a few people, who I look up to as great leaders, prior to making the decision and was comfortable with it. I still am comfortable with it; however, I continually see articles, discussions, etc on how being unemployed can damper a career search.
Finishing my degree was not the only reason I resigned from my job as there was another [huge] key factor that ultimately drove me to it. I know I left the right impression as both of the directors told me when/if I wanted to come back or I found myself in a tight spot and needed a job to call them and they would bring me back.
Going to school vice working when I retired from the military was a consideration, but I felt like I needed to work as the man of my family and someone who has worked since the age of 14.
As professionals who have been in the civilian work world for years, how do you perceive an applicant who has made this move?
I know being unemployed can be hard to get around and technically I am unemployed; do you think it will be hard to overcome when I begin to apply for jobs again? I mean, I get it, it's up to the prospective employer to make that decision.
What are your opinions on the subject though?
Thank you for your time!
Answers
Thank you for your service. I applaud you on your decision and conviction. I do believe that you can tell your narrative to employers. One way that I would suggest would be composing it, ie story, journey. Think of of it as a one page profile statement before anyone sees your resume. You could use that to sharpen your speaking points or use it as an actual delivery tool. I hope this helps and am glad to assist.
Best-
Doug
To All - Thank you for your input and well noted. Like I said initially I don't regret doing it and I am almost done! Without working I have been able to add additional classes and it sped up the process, come September I will have about 6 months left. It shortened everything by about 9 months which should save substantially on my GI Bill and give me more to apply towards my Masters...one step at a time though!
Thank you again.
Warmest Regards,
Shane
I've known individuals to make a conscious decision like yours, to complete their degree/education and then refocus on career. If the economy is slow this can be problematic, but not insurmountable! Think of the experience you have in addition to your degree that a 22 or 23 year old graduate doesn't possess. Sometimes it helps to indicate on a resume, Reason for leaving: To focus on degree completion.
Best wishes in your career,
Sincerely
Deborah Meyer
If you were on the other side of the desk, I would put you on the top of the list. You took the time to get an education and deal with people and projects. You will see the world more broadly, then just the "how". Do not look back. When you complete the degree, you will get hired. Your kids will go to college and graduate college. You will have less lay-offs then someone with out a degree. You will shop at Costco instead of Sam's Club because of your degree.
My aunt went back to school at 70 to get her PhD and did it. Its never too late to get degree, have something positive and stimulating to do during the day at the very least. In fact there are programs that you can earn $3,800 a month going back to school. This is a great source of family income for soldiers they deserve it. I hope more and more soldiers visit the social workers office in VA hospitals. They are there to help and again you deserve it and its yours to sign up for and use it. You can never go wrong and thank you for your service Mr. Snyder.
Shane,
As a general rule of thumb, it's easier to get a job if you have a job. That being said, leaving the workforce under your circumstances, and working toward relevant education is not a bad thing. Having solid leadership experience from all your years in the service is a major plus these days and a real compliment to a resume. Not so when I got out of the military in the late 60's.
But if your school schedule allows, I would try to get some work...even if part time or an intern position...in your chosen field. The military, the education, and the experience in the field add up to a candidate worth looking at.
Good luck.
Arsène Gerber
Gunny,
If you can do light sales and may have a language skill, I would really recommend you take a look at Arise.com for outgoing sales. Pay is about ranges anywhere from 13-20 Dls. an hour and you work at home and they love veterans.
I have been out of the military for 9 years, and I very happy with the results.
.
Cheers,
James B. Kirk, CW5 (ARNG-(r)))
PC NETCOM, LLC.
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