Mathew C.

My Journey to a Post-Military Career

As Mathew started transitioning from a 20-year career in the military to the civilian job market, the path ahead seemed daunting and uncertain. The challenges faced were not merely professional; they were deeply personal, testing his resilience in ways never experienced before.

The biggest hurdle? Confidence – or rather, the lack thereof. Leaving the military meant leaving behind the security of a life he had known for two decades. The familiar structure, the camaraderie, and the reassurance of a stable paycheck were replaced with the anxiety of the unknown. It was a stark shift from the familiar routine of military life to the unpredictable terrain of the civilian job market.

“Being in the military is a very secure life position, and after 20 years of having that kind of job security, not having a job and searching for one was stressful and anxiety producing."

‘Searching for a job is a full-time job,’ they say. How true that turned out to be. The process demanded constant vigilance – checking job boards, filling out applications, networking, attending job fairs, and tirelessly tweaking his resume and cover letters to align with each prospective position. The transition was challenging.

So, Mathew sought assistance from SSV’s Career & Transition Team. Resume counseling became his first step toward navigating the complex job market. It was here that he learned to translate his military experience into a language that resonated with civilian employers. He also attended a SSV day-long employment workshop, Navigating the Transition Wilderness, near Fort Moore, further refining his approach, and providing valuable insights that proved instrumental in securing a position. Then he received one-on-one advice for an upcoming interview, this guidance brightened the path ahead and helped him prepare for his first big interview in over 30 years.

The turning point came on a day that proved to be pivotal in his job search journey. "The same day that I had my resume counseling appointment and received some interviewing advice, I also had my first in-person interview already scheduled later that day.”  Armed with newfound confidence and insights from the counseling, he faced the interview with a sense of purpose. The skills he had honed in the military seamlessly translated into qualities sought after in the civilian workforce.  “A week later, I received an offer on that job.”  – a testament to the impact of seeking guidance and embracing the uncertainty of the job search process. 

The journey from military life to the civilian job market is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, adaptability, and seeking assistance when needed. The challenges may be formidable, but with the right support and a steadfast commitment to the search, the rewards are within reach.

To all fellow Veterans embarking on a similar journey, we offer this advice: treat the job search like a full-time mission. Embrace the challenges, seek assistance, and above all, believe in the unique skills and qualities you bring to the table. The battlefield may be different, but the discipline, dedication, and determination cultivated in the military will undoubtedly set you on a path to success in the civilian world.

#VeteransHelpingVeterans

Still Serving Veterans' primary mission is to offer no-cost career and transition counseling services that help Veterans build rewarding careers and meaningful lives. This is done by meeting the Veteran where they are on their journey. It’s easy to connect with the Counselors because they are also Veterans themselves and know the challenges of transitioning into the civilian world.