What’s Next: Transitioning Mach 10

WHAT’S NEXT

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Kristin & Eve

TRANSITIONING

Mach 10 Style

In full disclosure, your authors over here have quite an, errrm, semi-obsession with Top Gun Maverick. Between the 2 of us, we’ve seen it 12 times in the theater. Combine that with a passionfor helping our transitioning military be preppedand ready, an we’ve got a relatable one for you this month!

If you haven’t seen it yet, we won’t spoil it. But either way, you can probably relate. You are good at what you do in the military. But transitioning out could seem like your toughest assignment ever. If you think you’re not qualified or don’t have the skills for the civilian world, remember you’ve been well-trained. With the right preparation and mindset, you’re on a mission to success.

Maverick was the MAN in Top Gun. He thought he was coming back to fly the MOST dangerous adventure yet. After all, he was the best. Due to a little ego inflation and pushing the Mach 10 limits against all orders, he’s put in his place. He finds out he’s not flying it. He’s been recruited to TEACH others to fly it. With no opportunity to negotiate, he had to suck it up and trust the commander. Was it a success? (We said we wouldn’t spoil it.)

“Remember, the Navy needs Maverick! Companies need you”

“Coach? Sir?”

Life may not deliver exactly what you expected. As you transition out you may be asked to do something you don’t feel prepared to do, or even want to do. Do it anyway. Don’t be afraid to take yourself outside of your limits. You just may find out that if you do it, the outcome will be rewarding.

“I don’t like that face, Maverick.” “It’s the only one I got.”

You are you - a unique blend of skills, talents, experiences. Your past and present experiences shape your future, so use those to decide what you want your future to look like. Where do you want to live? What kind of work excites you? Research your options before transitioning out and stick to what speaks to only YOUR unique self.

“You got us into this. How are you going to get us out?”

So, you feel like you’re flying with a fellow F18 taunting you from above. How will you respond? Do you stubbornly dive below the hard deck? Are you too distracted thinking about your past? Let your past accomplishments AND failures propel you to make your future more successful.

“It’s time to let go.”

Don’t dwell on the wins or the mistakes. Accept you have a new future and a new adventure ahead. Some things will inevitably change. Some things you can’t control. You CAN control your attitude and you CAN control the direction that you decide you want to go.

“You’re not serious.”

In your next career you may not have the opportunity to steal an F-14 and take off from a “very short taxiway” but you do need to have more than a very short time to plan your transition. Start early and plan accordingly so you hit the career target that coincides with your aim.

“Don’t think, just do.”

This applies to overthinking and procrastinating. Stop thinking about getting help with your resume or networking with people about jobs. Just do it. Don’t think about getting a mentor. Just do it.

Just trust your gut and trust yourself. If you’re interviewing for a job that starts to feel off, then it is. Don’t fear asking the right questions to determine if it’s the right fit. And, don’t take just the first thing that comes your way. The first available job may not be the Jim best for your career. Keep “doing” until it’s right. Gruny

“I graduated second in my class. Just want to set expectations, Sir.”

Don’t overestimate your skill level. Don’t underestimate it either. You’ll probably need additional training to get the job you want, so get it.Use your GI bill for your own self-improvement! There are plenty of educational programs that partner with the government to provide free or low cost classes that get you the certifications you need.

“No idea what they’re saying.”

Sometimes you may not have any idea what’s going on. Maybe civilian speech doesn’t resonate with you. Or the interview process doesn’t make sense. Your mentors and your network will help you. If you don’t have any idea what they’re saying, just ask to clarify. Or, pull a Maverick. Just smile and wave while you admit that you have no idea what’s going on.

“You’re grounded. Permanently”

There will be times where the future seems bleak. Mentally look beyond what is happening now. Imagine yourself in your ideal job and the present agony will become tomorrow’s memory. Use the challenges you face today as motivation to propel you into a great career opportunity.

“He couldn’t keep up.”

Don’t leave your wingman. In many cases, this means your spouse. Their opinion is just as important as yours as you decide what’s next. Make sure your wingman (or wingwoman!) is considered, appreciated and treated as your rock throughout this transition process.

“It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot”

You’re the pilot of your own destination! Know that companies need you and want you, as do other fellow employees. You have a ‘can do, ‘team oriented ‘ mindset not often found in the civilian work sector.

Remember, the Navy needs Maverick! Companies need you. There’s no autopilot in this process. Put forth your best energy and efforts as you transition. But for pete’s sake, keep it below Mach 10.3!