What’s Next: Two Transitions

WHAT’S NEXT

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Two Transitions with “No Exit Plans”

In this monthly article, we strive to help active military prepare for a successful transition to civilian life. We offer helpful tips from those who’ve transitioned, and a big part of this success is focused on planning. There’s planning how to figure out what job interests you. There’s planning how to interview, how to network, how to optimize your LInkedIn profile, and get a mentor.

But what if the transition comes without planning? Here are 2 no-exit plan examples that surprisingly have happy endings.

So, if you don’t plan, or if your transition decision comes suddenly, once again - you are not alone!

The Journey of Faith Transition

Reginald Screen spent nearly every waking (and sleeping) moment dreaming about being a pro basketball star. In addition to his love for the sport and his desire to be remarkably successful, his dream would allow him to care for his mother who had always taken care of him. However, a shattered ankle led to a shattered dream, ending his future sports career during his senior year of high school. Soon after, an Air Force recruiter came to his school and brought Reginald on to a different type of team. He ended up forming lifelong friendships, while enjoying the travel and diversity that came with his military experience.

A Leap of Faith

“I wish I could say my exit from the military was well thought out and planned, but it wasn’t. It was a leap of faith as I just followed my fiancée, now wife of 31 years, to Atlanta with only the money I had from selling my unused leave back.”

This leap of faith was also a realization that it was time for Reginald to find his calling for his next phase of life post-military. He shares a simple example in what this means:

Take a Look Inside

If you saw two bags and had to guess who owned them, you’d have to look inside. If you saw a stethoscope and a thermometer in one, you’d guess that a doctor owned it. If you saw a hammer and a level in another, you’d guess it was a construction worker.

What this means is you must look inside yourself and see what tools and gifts have been given to you. Think about what you like to talk about all the time. What makes you happy? What do you think you do well? What do you think others think you do well? These answers will help you find your calling.

For Reginald, he understood that his calling was in his faith and helping others. By following his true calling, he became a successful Pastor, coach and mentor to transitioning veterans.

Reginald Screen says, “I’m a lover of God and people.” He is eager to connect with you to offer any advice he can as you transition.

Transition from Hell?

Vince Seropian served on the Ohio class Trident. He was excited to be one of the first four of the guided missile subs. He says, “Being there was Hell, but it was a good experience that trained me for life. “

The Fear is Real

Like many, Vince was scared to transition, as he was very good at being a Sailor and he enjoyed it. However, he felt he hit a ceiling and believed that there was more for him outside of the military.

“The reality is that when you are in, you have a secure paycheck. You don’t need to think about when you can have free time or make decisions on what’s next. It’s all scheduled for you,” says Vince.

Use Your Resources - Particularly Your GI Bill

Vince, like Reginald, did not have an exit plan. He did a little networking and was fortunate to meet a veteran mentor who helped him into the financial planning industry. Getting experience in the civilian world under the tutelage of someone who both served and who was successful in civilian life was a God-send.

Vince encourages you to use your GI bill. He leveraged the benefits towards a cyber security degree and the rest, as he says, is history. He met the Founder of Cyber Security company, SekureNation, Ron Shepard and the two forged a lasting partnership.

His advice is to get trained by someone who has actually done the job you are looking to do, versus simply teaching theory on it. Real world experience leads to success, and SekureNation’s cyber security training program provided Vince with the hands-on experience to be successful there.

Mindset Matters

Vince says the right mindset is critical for transitioning success. “Be prepared to win the battle. In the military, you do not prepare to win or lose. You prepare to win. Do that with planning your next career and you will be successful. Find the mentors and training you need and go out there and win.“