“A Transitional Experience”

Looking back on my transition I broke an old axiom to never make a big decision at a time of great life change. Leaving the military after 20 years of service would definitely qualify. I would also mention an additional factor in my case was that I was going through a pretty tumultuous divorce. Thank the Lord that I wasn’t dealing with PTSD, major disability or separating from an overseas post. All would have greatly added to the turbulence.

I had made the decision to retire after 20 years of service approximately 14 months prior to my separation. I had attended a few career symposiums and job fares in the local area. For some reason I became enamored with owning a franchise business. Once I latched on to this plan I was totally committed. To be honest friends and family were warning me directly and indirectly about going down this path. They were completely correct I was not even close to the mental or emotional state to start and run small business. Leaping feet first into retirement giving 100 percent to my job of starting a new business and not putting much thought into post military life. I battled for approximately nine months struggling to keep the business running and moving in the right direction. Thank God for some great employees that I had in my corner. The business stabilized however cash flow was always an issue. About a year into this venture it finally became obvious to me that this was not what I was cut out to do for the rest of my live. Making blocks of time for self-reflection I realized I had to change course. That was an extremely difficult decision. I set some goals that needed to be accomplished to ensure a successful career change. Utilizing the G.I. Bill to attend school to update and add qualifications to my resume. Simultaneously I reached out to everyone I could think of to let them know I was in the market. The response was overwhelming. The soul lifts and energy is added to any task when you realize you are not alone.

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