Having finished your military duty, you may be unsure of what your next career move should be. Even though you may have a few skills and some training under your belt, you may not have a clue as to which career path you should take. You have a wide range of career options at your disposal, but at the same time, you may feel overwhelmed by all the choices.
As a former military member, you have the advantage of knowing how to work under pressure, focus on the task at hand, and follow orders. These are the kinds of skills that employers are looking for, so the question is, how can you best utilize your skills and experience in a way that will benefit you, your family, and your employer?
One way to go around it is to look for easy-going jobs that will pay well. A truck driver position might suit you well since it allows for a lot of freedom and adventure. Another way to go about it is to look for a career that matches your temper – healthcare, teaching, or business. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to follow your heart. And so, below are some of the best career choices for transitioning veterans.
Automotive Mechanic
If you are good with your hands and have a knack for fixing things, you can become an automotive mechanic. Although this may sound like spending days fixing small sedans that gave up right after the warranty period, it isn’t always like that. Most auto shops are busy places that specialize in different car brands and types. Plus, there are many areas where you can specialize, like auto body or transmission work.
With a military background, it is easy to learn the ropes of this field. You probably already know the basics of vehicle maintenance, so no matter whether you decide to work on hot rods and muscle cars or tune-ups and tire changes, you will be able to learn the trade quickly. Some shops are even willing to hire veterans with no experience in the field as it is a form of community service, so don’t hesitate – ask around, and you might be surprised with what your next project may be.
Political Activist
Your veteran leadership skills will come in handy if you decide to become a political activist – as soldiers, unlike some other government-funded jobs, are still well-respected among many Americans. In this line of work, your task is to influence other people to make changes around them. It should be noted that this itself won’t make you much money; however, if you manage to get a job as an influential political figure or in the media, the pay can be very good.
You can even become a lobbyist or investigator, depending on your skills. Both are extremely important professions as they help in advancing political issues in the right direction. Or maybe, you’ll set on the quest to mitigate the political divisiveness in the mainstream media today and try to improve the relationship between politicians and the people. If you have a plan to change something for the better, there’s no place like politics to do it.
Business Owner or Manager
Some people say that in business, you need a strong stomach and a thick skin. If you think that’s you, you might be able to succeed as a business owner. Think about what would be the perfect niche for you, and see where you can fit in. Once you decide on your product, service, or project, you will need to draw up a business plan. There are many veteran-friendly business grants and loans that you can apply for, so if you play your cards right, it might not be that difficult to get your business off the ground.
Being a former military member, you can use that to your advantage and put the need for discipline and organization to good use. You may have to learn a lot of new things, but with a bit of research and a lot of hard work, you will be able to figure out the ins and outs of business ownership. There’s nothing more gratifying than being your own boss, so if this is what you look for after your military career, don’t hesitate to pursue it.
Public Security Officer
The public security field is a perfect match for veterans who want to continue their military career in a civilian environment. You can apply to become a police officer, a sheriff’s deputy, or join a community organization. You will usually be required to pass physical and other tests, but if you are a former military member, you probably don’t have to worry about that.
The pay will depend on the job position that you apply for, but it is worth noting that most public security jobs will pay well, especially if you are a former member of the military. You will have the option to work in different cities and states or work in the local community. It all depends on your preferences and the needs of the organization that you work for.
