We are well into our Nashville adventure now, eating and exploring our way through the city. The trip up was uneventful and we are settling into a rhythm. I start the new job next week, by flying around the country doing intro training in Kansas City and Dallas. I am looking forward to getting my feet under me and really getting into the business.
The purpose of this post is to throw a few pointers out into cyberspace for those seeking to transition out of the military. This is by no means all encompassing, nor will all of these gems apply to everyone, but I certainly hope that the advice is received and used in some measure by those taking the leap.
1. Dress for success. When you spend day after day not worrying about what you wear, it is easy to ignore the rules of proper attire on the "outside.". Specifically, when you get into the physical interviewing, you have to have your wardrobe tight. In working with Cameron Brooks, I was able to learn the particulars of what you truly needed, and have tailored this to my own experience. In no particular order, you will need the following:
2 legit business suits. One in charcoal, one in navy blue. Two button, center vent, normal cut, cuffed trousers, and tailored if necessary. This is probably the most important investment you will make in your transition, so spend the dough on something that is worthwhile. Unless you come from money, or saved a ton, you will go somewhat middle of the road like me. I chose the Joseph A. Bank "traveler" collection. The cut is perfect and most of all it is wrinkle and stain resistant. This will be important as you find yourself flying all over the place, or worse, having to fly in a suit and step off the plane into an interview.
At least 4 substantial, white dress shirts. I again chose JAB travelers collection because they don't wrinkle. At 70 bucks a pop they aren't cheap, but man are they worth it.
At least 2 "power ties". I'm not going to get into colors, google it. Just know that if your tie doesn't walk a fine line between professional and stylish, you could be shunned immediately. Don't rob grandpas tie rack, and don't go buy versace.
Shoes. I'm going to spend some time on shoes. You know why you hated wearing dress shoes as a kid? Why they were so uncomfortable? Its because they probably sucked. Go and find yourself a decent Oxford or wingtip in either black, or burgundy, and start wearing them. I chose Johnson and Murphy "Meltons" because of their basic design and high recommendations online. At around 175 bucks they are a great investment that will surely last. They also take a shine really well. Allen Edmonds is another great brand and are considered the gold standard in business dress. Loafers are alright, but a lace up is really what you want. Whichever you choose, ensure they are leather soled and of good quality. If you drop the bank anywhere in this ordeal, let it be on the shoes. Walk into an interview with the shoes you wore to the bars in college and you will lose. Rightfully so.
Last, a sport coat and a few pairs of trousers that can all easily be matched. Likely, you will interview in the suit, and then perhaps go to dinner or tour a work site in business casual. A few key items will allow you to do so and also be able to coordinate appropriately.
Again, this list is just a start, but the takeaway is that if you want to be taken seriously on the outside, you have to look the part. This will require a substantial financial investment on your part, so plan accordingly. Once you figure out what you will be wearing day to day, go buy that stuff, but for interviewing see above.
2. Consider health insurance seriously. While interviewing, I came across a number of different premiums and plans, and they all cost money every month. In the army, it's paid for and you don't think about it, but on the outside you need to get smart real quick. Deductibles, premiums, copays...all of these things will vary from company to company. In fact, once you crunch the numbers, you may find that a company offering to pay you more, but has higher premiums, may end up netting you less every month than a company paying you less, but subsidizing more. Do the math and pay attention. This can range from nothing, to 1500 bones a month for a family of 4.
3. Buying a house. Of course, right now is a great time to buy in most markets. The point I want to make here is that it is taking more and more to get approved for a mortgage. You are transitioning out of a solid job, moving to a new place, And trying to convince someone to loan you hundreds of thousands of dollars. The old rules are out, new rules in. That lender is going to want some measure of assurance that your new job is solid. We found some that said the offer letter was sufficient, and some wanted 6 months of pay stubs. How, precisely, am I supposed to move to a new city, with all of our crap, and start a new job when I cant buy a house for 6 months? We moved as fast as humanly possible to lock ours in, and we are still going to be living in a hotel for upwards of 35 days waiting to close. The army will move your final shipment and store it for up to 3 months, so we are good. But if you are finding yourself having to start a new job, and not being able to close on a house for months, you could be SOL. Then you have to move into an apt, THEN move into your house later on. All I am saying is do your homework and consider all your options. I was fortunate in that I negotiated to have the company pay for this hotel time. Most companies should offer something similar.
4. Take the travel advance. The army will not only move your stuff one last time, but also give you DLA as well. To boot, they will front you 80% within about 3 days of applying. Nice chunk of change considering gas prices. Just make sure you file the voucher later on or you are "stealing" from the "government.".
5. Make the Army give you the time you need. Left unchecked, your bosses will continue to use you until the day you sign out on terminal leave. Communicate with them and let them know yo need time to job search and take care of your family. You have put in plenty of time over the years, you shouldn't feel guilty for taking some back to facilitate the biggest transition of your life.
That's all I can think of for now. Now we are off to find some great St Paddy's day grub here in Nashville. Cheers!
Derek
