I separated from the Navy at the end of 2024, doing just under 9 years. Prior to the end of my first tour, I realized that I was not in a good place to separate – even though I still had about 2 years on my contract. So I took orders that required an extension in the hopes that I’d both enjoy my tour, and be well positioned for when I got out.
About half way through my second and final tour, I started to occasionally think about what that transition process would be like. I began to think that I would be in the driver’s seat, with my choice of job opportunities. I reflected on my scenario to make sure that I wasn’t lying to myself. And I didn’t think I was: I was a technical director, had a software development background, managed multiple computer networks, responsible for a multi-million dollar budget, knowledgable about cyber operations, created product requirements, interacted with vendors, led a team, and had a security clearance. But with about 2 months remaining till I separated, three kids under the age of 4, I started to get nervous. Whether it was the job market, the way I was marketing myself, or my skill set – things were not turning out the way I planned.
About the time, I started on the pathway that landed me the job I left the Navy with (which I’ll touch on). I got the job offer on my way home after I got my DD214 and left base for the last time. The job I landed exceeded my dream job. The process that got me here was part luck, part hard work, and a little skill.
After I finally accepted the job offer – it really hit me how difficult the process was, despite the role and skillset that I was leaving the military with. In the Navy there’s a saying – “Choose your rate, choose your fate.” And it’s true. Being a software developer made the transition process much easier than if I was responsible for loading ordnance onto jets on an aircraft carrier – and I don’t think that concept is fully acknowledged, but it should be. I’m writing this blog to document my thoughts on the process, but I hope that it’s also able to help someone along the way, no matter their position. Some transitions will require more work than others, and hopefully, you have the time.
A lot of advice you hear about transitioning is either b.s., or not actionable. The plan here is to give an actionable roadmap to my former self, and others, after already have been through the process once. It bothers me that people give ample praise to the military and comment about how remarkable service members are, but once those same vets leave the military, they struggle to find their footing in the civilian world. I wanted to share what I learned in the hopes of helping to change that.