Job Search Update
I know this has been a long time coming (I’ve been back in CONUS for a little over three months now), I’m finally going to update y’all (probably give you more detail than you wanted) on what’s happening.
Sheryl, Joshua and I have decided that it would be best for our family if I separated from Active Duty if I cannot find a non-deployable job in southern California. I am not retiring at this point, but that is an option depending on how things pan out. Our preference is to remain in this area for continuity in Joshua’s education (he’s partially completed a six year dual language immersion program). I am willing to travel up to 25% of the year, and Sheryl will begin the initial phases of her job search in June (we will probably need two incomes to maintain quality of life and stay in this area, as many of my job skills are not directly transferrable; it is realistic to presume movement into the civilian sector slightly below middle management vice upper or senior management).
I have participated in military-to-civilian career transition classes offered by Marine Corps Community Services and the Veterans Administration, and continue to attend classes as I have opportunity (I’m signed up for another one next week regarding the Government Service job application process). I am in two different job networking and transition groups that I physically meet with on occasion (one at church and one on base), have had my resume reviewed by three different professional sources (at no cost to myself, fortunately), have perfected my 30 second “commercial” and am working on my 90 second “commercial.” I have as a goal to apply for a job, post my resume to a career site, or enroll in at least one job search site every day. I’ve got hard copies of my resume handy on 35# ivory paper; I’ve got plenty of business cards, one with contact information only and one with four “bullets” on the back; I’ve got business envelopes and stationary for “official” business correspondence; my business wardrobe is cleaned and pressed and can be donned at a moment’s notice (admittedly, I had to have some of the items tailored, everything appeared to have shrunk somewhat over time); and I’ve had some time to practice answers to the twelve categories of questions I can be asked during an interview.
I will come off orders on 01 July; however, over the 90 days following that, I can perform 38 days of Reserve duty that will produce over 60 days of pay. Following 01 October (the new fiscal year), I can exercise the same options, taking us through to 01 January, 2010. If during this time I receive a viable job offer, I can almost immediately cease Reserve duty and accept the job. Having this flexibility, with a projected income for the rest of the year, is a tremendous blessing.
I’ll post more later, but for now, thanks for your prayers, your support, and your continued encouragement.
Semper Fi, JarHedJon
Sheryl, Joshua and I have decided that it would be best for our family if I separated from Active Duty if I cannot find a non-deployable job in southern California. I am not retiring at this point, but that is an option depending on how things pan out. Our preference is to remain in this area for continuity in Joshua’s education (he’s partially completed a six year dual language immersion program). I am willing to travel up to 25% of the year, and Sheryl will begin the initial phases of her job search in June (we will probably need two incomes to maintain quality of life and stay in this area, as many of my job skills are not directly transferrable; it is realistic to presume movement into the civilian sector slightly below middle management vice upper or senior management).
I have participated in military-to-civilian career transition classes offered by Marine Corps Community Services and the Veterans Administration, and continue to attend classes as I have opportunity (I’m signed up for another one next week regarding the Government Service job application process). I am in two different job networking and transition groups that I physically meet with on occasion (one at church and one on base), have had my resume reviewed by three different professional sources (at no cost to myself, fortunately), have perfected my 30 second “commercial” and am working on my 90 second “commercial.” I have as a goal to apply for a job, post my resume to a career site, or enroll in at least one job search site every day. I’ve got hard copies of my resume handy on 35# ivory paper; I’ve got plenty of business cards, one with contact information only and one with four “bullets” on the back; I’ve got business envelopes and stationary for “official” business correspondence; my business wardrobe is cleaned and pressed and can be donned at a moment’s notice (admittedly, I had to have some of the items tailored, everything appeared to have shrunk somewhat over time); and I’ve had some time to practice answers to the twelve categories of questions I can be asked during an interview.
I will come off orders on 01 July; however, over the 90 days following that, I can perform 38 days of Reserve duty that will produce over 60 days of pay. Following 01 October (the new fiscal year), I can exercise the same options, taking us through to 01 January, 2010. If during this time I receive a viable job offer, I can almost immediately cease Reserve duty and accept the job. Having this flexibility, with a projected income for the rest of the year, is a tremendous blessing.
I’ll post more later, but for now, thanks for your prayers, your support, and your continued encouragement.
Semper Fi, JarHedJon
posted by JarHedJon | 8:23 PM
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