Exploring Jobs For Retired Military With Mike Wallace

Leaving the military and transitioning into civilian life is a significant milestone that comes with its own set of challenges and adjustments. One aspect that often catches veterans by surprise is the difference in vacation and benefits between active duty and the civilian world. In this blog post, we will explore the nuances of transitioning from military life to civilian work in terms of vacation time, holidays, work-from-home options, and negotiating compensation packages. Understanding these differences and being prepared can help veterans make a smoother transition and navigate the civilian job market successfully.

The Value of Military-Paid Vacation

The video begins with Scott Tucker and Mike “Norm” Wallace discussing their experiences transitioning from active duty to civilian life. Scott, who has been self-employed for over a decade, acknowledges the appreciation for military-paid vacation. He highlights how clients and friends who retired from the military experienced a shock when it came to having less time off or a less structured schedule in their civilian jobs. This realization emphasizes the value and importance of understanding the vacation benefits offered by potential employers during the transition.

Negotiating Your Compensation Package

Mike and Todd Flannery, a retired Navy Captain, discuss the importance of negotiating a comprehensive compensation package beyond just monetary aspects. Todd emphasizes that members need to realize that negotiating compensation includes factors such as paid time off (PTO), vacations, and holidays. Different companies offer various approaches to PTO, such as accruing time off or starting with a set amount. It is crucial to educate yourself and understand what is negotiable in terms of vacation time to ensure that your needs and expectations align with the offered benefits.

Different Companies, Different Policies

Mike further emphasizes that vacation policies vary among companies. It is not a one-size-fits-all situation, making it essential for veterans to do their homework. Some companies may not offer any PTO initially but allow it to accrue over time. Others may have a use-it-or-lose-it policy or allow carrying over a certain amount of unused vacation days. By understanding the vacation policies of potential employers, veterans can better prepare and negotiate what suits their needs.

Considerations for Remote Work

The discussion also touches on the recent shift towards remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Scott raises the question of whether remote work impacts vacation time and coordination. Mike and Todd agree that remote work offers flexibility and is considered a benefit by many. However, they highlight that some companies are now reevaluating remote work policies and bringing employees back into the office to varying degrees. When negotiating your compensation package, it is crucial to discuss work-from-home options and understand a company’s stance on remote work to align your expectations with their policies.

Prioritizing and Strategizing

Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding personal priorities throughout the job search and transitioning process. He suggests considering factors such as office culture, work environment, and personal preferences when negotiating vacation time. Some individuals may prioritize work environment and office interactions over extended vacation time, while others may value more time off. Having a clear understanding of what is most important to you will help you build a negotiation strategy that aligns with your preferences and needs.

Embracing Failure and Learning

Todd shares valuable insights based on his experiences, emphasizing the importance of not being afraid to admit failure and explaining how you recovered from those failures or mistakes. He highlights that discussing failure and exemplifying growth and improvement during interviews resonated positively with employers. Embracing failure and showcasing how you overcame challenges can demonstrate resilience and adaptability.

Transitioning from active duty to civilian life involves navigating various adjustments, including differences in vacation time and benefits. By understanding the nuances of vacation policies, negotiating compensation packages, and aligning personal priorities, veterans can better adjust to and thrive in the civilian work environment. Remember to do your homework, be prepared, and seek guidance from resources like Blue Water Advisors and US VetWealth to ensure a successful and fulfilling transition to civilian life.

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