Deb Miller ⋅ Bardstown , KY US Postal Service ⋅ 16 years experience

Hi, David, USPS hires tech personnel at our Raleigh, NC location. You would interact with USPS personnel as they face IT challenges and would work IT work. Something to think about - check out www.usps.com, go to the bottom of the page - click on careers - hope this is helpful.

Leslie Masuzzo ⋅ Montclair , NJ Montclair Public Schools ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi David, as some of the other folks said, the tech field is so far-reaching (as you know)! It would help (me) to know more specifically about the tech background you have. It makes sense that you would not necessarily want the additional demands of a management position right away. On the other hand, in my experience as an HR manager, it is difficult, in many ways, to go from having management authority to not having it. I just wouldn't rule it out if the right position came along. I'm wondering if something in the tech retail field would suit you initially. You'd have set hours, interact with people and customers every day, etc. The retailers often provide several layers of customer service, with each layer having greater expertise. You could perhaps work in one of these higher levels (without actually being in a management role). Of course, pay is often an issue in the retail industry but companies do pay for greater knowledge, skills and abilities. Please update your post with a bit more information, if possible. Regardless, as you head out on interviews, etc., stay positive and always looking forward, to the bright future that awaits you and your family!!

Michael Crowley ⋅ Andover , MA Schneider Electric ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi David:

I would mirror Patricia's answer that a Field Service Engineer job would be a good fit. There is customer interaction, you generally get to be the hero and get the equipment back running (after you smooth out whatever feathers were ruffled!). Being able to handle customers will also position you for future career options if you so desire.

Drew and Casey also provided some great advice on how to evaluate different options. I think the most important factor is a can-do attitude, once you identify a job you think is a good fit, imagine yourself doing the job, your confidence will show during interviews.

Thanks for your service and good luck!

Casey Jensen ⋅ Saint Louis , MO Express Scripts ⋅ 17 years experience

Hey David,

The nice thing about the tech field, almost every company needs them. From the help desk function to resolve problems via phone, setup a new employees system, to managing a cyber security team. You can find several different types of job at various levels or responsibility. I would recommend to further define what type of tech job you are really searching for. Using sites like Linkedin, career builder, and monster can help you narrow down the specifics that you are looking for. You really do have a ton of options.

I hope this helps and if you need anything, do not hesitate to reach out again!

Casey

Drew Schildwächter ⋅ Wilmington , NC Salesforce ⋅ 7 years experience

David: I know that you goal is to settle in TX, but FitBit is local to you there in San Diego. Might be worth poking around there and doing some informational interviews to sharpen your focus on your desired job. Even if they are not your thing, they might help you to figure out how fitness and IT intersect.

Oracle has great jobs for veterans offering completely flexible locations, people-focused roles, and IT interactions ...but I am not sure about involving your love for health and fitness. Still, I'd be glad to speak with you about opportunities if you just want to build your information.

Best of luck!
Drew

Patricia Sanderlin ⋅ Hempstead , TX HP ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi David, thank you for your service!
What type of tech job are you looking for? If it some sort of computer technician or similar, you could become a field service engineer or do installations for some of the larger companies who supply systems to medium sized or enterprise businesses. There are tons of options. I think it would help to get more detail about the field you want to work in.

Patricia