3 minute read
Successful Transitioning Stories
By Dr. Julie Ducharme www.synergylearninginstitute.org
This month I am excited to talk with Ryan Adams. Ryan’s Navy career started on a nuclear fast attack submarine and moved into the Navy Special Operations Community where he served as a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator among our country’s most elite units. His Naval career fueled his lifelong passion for the water where after retiring from the Navy after a 28 year career in the Navy, he became a licensed Yacht Sales Professional with Jeff Brown Yachts and obtained his US Coast Guard Captain’s Credential where he often helps new and seasoned boat owners with on the water training and enhancing their boating experience. With Ryan’s recent transition, we got a chance to get some great tips on transitioning.
Ryan who helped you in your transition?
I worked with the Honor Foundation on my transition and they did an excellent job helping me transition. They provided a great mentor and really helped me find my why and what I wanted to do as I transitioned out. I learned I did not want a conventional 9-5 job and be stuck in an office all day. I found out I was really competitive and sales fit me very well. And I loved boats so getting into the Yacht club sales seemed like a good fit. It was flexible, it was sales, and I loved the adrenaline of the sales industry. And by getting my Captain License, I also get to captain boats for many clients. And there was no cap on my salary, I could make as much as I wanted. I just had to put in the work.
What are some tips you can give to transitioning veterans?
You owe it to yourself to work on your transition at least 12-24 months ahead of leaving the military. You need to research many industries, network, start making it your part time job to work on your transition before you get out.
What where some of the ways you researched the industry?
I researched my industry and sales. I talked to the Mayor of my town as he had to go door to door, so this is part of sales. I sat in on Amazon webinars, I educated myself so I could really find out what my passion was, what I wanted to do. Most important is to stick with your passion as it may not evolve overnight but give it time it will move in the right direction.
What do you feel was most helpful in transitioning?
I was able to do some internships in the industry that I was interested in. That helped me get experience, build a good network, and guide me on if this industry really fit with what I wanted to do. When I had my retirement party, a large amount of people attending were people from the new industry and job I was entering into because I spent so much time working with them, building relationships, and learning the industry.
Any other tips?
Many don’t realize when they transition they need to be ready for all the paperwork and processing. This can take time and many do not get their checks right away so be prepared financially and have some money put back to support you. Also, I set up my transition that I transitioned out and was starting my new job shortly after I officially retired.
To get education from Dr. Tiffany click link below
https://drtiffanytajiri.com/meet-dr-tiffany/
To watch the Dr. Tiffany live interview click the link below
https://youtu.be/oeWm4Oa3keA
For more help on active duty transition, education, and more click the link below
