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Hi, I'm leaving Citi in 2 months.It's hard to make this decision. I have an offer from a small startup.In citi, my previous experience was not considered and was reskilled to different tech which is the reason for change.I don't like to exit citi. As I like the company so much.But considering my current knowledge,I am in the middle of the sea.I am afraid now that the new company's offer would be revoked due to this recession?Or can I take back my resignation in citi before the last working day.Is this wise decision?
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be humble; you’re pivoting your career and will usually be behind those who didn’t detour. Acting entitled is a surefire way to get stuck.
Even if you’re a pilot going to an airline, need to learn the new processes, culture and bureaucracies.
Talk to vets who are actually doing well in the civilian world and don’t take all the advice you hear at TAP class. You do not need a multi page resume. Check out sitreps2steercos on IG.
That you Kyle?
The biggest mistake I’ve seen in the 15+ years I’ve been out is that many vets refuse to try and fit back in and think the world should change for them. It’s a hard pill to swallow after serving but is a reality in private and public sector careers. Wearing a Grunt Style tshirt to work and seeming angry all the time will handicap your chances of integrating into a new culture. Outside of work, make sure you stay up on your physical and mental heath. I’ve found a different level of stress in the private sector. I’m not getting shot at anymore like the early days in Iraq but I’m almost more stressed now at the pressures of life and work. Staying fit helps me manage that stress.
I second this. The salty senior Officer/NCO demeanor that is projected and often encouraged in the military does not land well at all in a corporate setting.
Be humble and relax.
Pro
Be curious, be courteous, and remember that most civilian employers don’t care about or understand your service in any meaningful way.
Don’t be entitled, and don’t be a bro-vet. And be proud of your service, but don’t go Uncle Rico about it.
hard drugs are your friend
One of the main mistakes I’ve seen veterans make is that sometimes we think that we’re something special just because we served.
We should always be proud of our service, to be clear, but people have some amazing stories and backgrounds (veteran and non veteran).
For Enlisted: 1. Nobody cares and that's OK. 2. Use your GI Bill, ya dummy! 3. Get a good job; the only thing Veteran designation is good for is to benefit from preferential hiring without having the normal nepotism connections required. 4. Don't pigeon-hole yourself to Federal employment; the pay is crap and you can manage better in basically any civilian sector job at the bachelor's level
If you're looking for a mentor check out Veterati.
If you have a security clearance don't let it go to waste unless you want a career in a different industry entirely- keep this in mind especially if enrolling in a 4 year degree. By the end of year 2 your clearance will have expired. Lots of big money in the cleared community.
Don't let the military or your veteran status be your whole identity. You have the right to be proud and the things you have experienced may have been extremely significant, but be humble. Civilians just don't understand and many don't care. Last thing we need is more big headed veterans.
If wanting a career in cyber security check out VET TEC or SANS Veterans Cyber Academy.
If you want an MBA and are prior enlisted check out Enlisted Exfil. Many top ranked programs love veterans (they want our GI Bill).
Do you like to write? Check out the Veterans Writing Project.
Do learn how to write your resume to translate your service into civilian terms; and learn how to negotiate so you aren't leaving money on the table. I went from 65K to 165K in 5 years.
Stay fit. Many that I served with got complacent and packed on the pounds. Not that I blame them, regular civilian life doesn't prioritize exercise and with the lack of accountability it's easy to neglect the body. But stay fit. Even a brisk walk a few times a week is better than nothing.
Do not tell anyone except a spouse or family that you trust about your disability rating (if applicable).
Do prioritize finding like minded community. Veteran loneliness is extremely difficult and isolating. We need a support network.
Good luck!
Emphasis on the stay fit part. It gets harder as you get older and priorities for your time mount. Great for you in so many ways
I’ll address from the outside of work POV. If you can, move to a vet friendly state especially if you’re a disabled vet. This will allow you to take advantage of the many valuable benefits that some states offer. It will also allow you to experience a sense of community among other vets making the same transition as you as other vets tend to live in or move to those states. There’s a Reddit page that gives you a state-by-state benefits breakdown. I wish I would’ve known about it when I separated from the military. Good luck!
I moved to Texas and have been here for 18 years now. Yes I’m an old soldier and old school. Texas and Florida are the 2 top states that have the best veterans packages. I’m 100% now and I do not pay any taxes. Saves me about $700 dollars a month on my house payment. Also we get free hunting and fishing licenses. Good luck and stay calm. It’s a different world. I actually got 30% for not being able to just. I have a big mouth but also know when to shut up.
A rehash of what’s in this thread, but:
1) be a voracious learner. It’s a new field, and you need to be open to all the tools available to be successful.
2) seek a mentor. They do not have to be a vet, but there are a lot of seasoned ones who always want to help the new gen.
3) learn from the successful veterans. Your SVP in a Fortune 10 can offer a lot on navigating the success of getting there.
4) MBAs are great tools for success, but they’re not in the cards of everyone’s path, and that’s ok. Certs and upskilling are still helpful to not become obsolete in corporate.
5) Network your ass off and drop the imposter syndrome. Everyone you see is winging it to a degree. You’ve got this.
6) you’re not that thing any more. It was a great experience for a time and it’s over. It’s not an identity, but only an experience once it’s all over. Focus on being the best new thing.