I honorably served nearly 12 years as an enlisted man on Active Duty in the Marines (following my fathers 20 year Marine career) and departed in '07. I did a security job at Yahoo! and worked as a VA work-study, all while attending a four-year school full-time and graduating with honors. I took a corporate job for a year then became a business partner, as my experience trumped even the executives at a Fortune 500 company. A year later I started my own corporation and have been consulting big companies for the past four years. To get your attention, here are the numbers: I financially went from $50k to $80k during college (three years), to $160k in two more years, and ~$200k+ two years later. The road I took is both ethical and legal, and anyone can do it. I'm no better than the next veteran. I successfully transitioned using the core skills from the military, which are now my company's motto: Integrity, Initiative, Innovation. They are the three pillars on a foundation of commitment, meaning "Never Quit!"

I will share my little story. Honestly, I assumed that law enforcement, real estate (peak of bubble in '07), or anything similar to a cliché "aggressive Marine" would be the ideal transition. First and foremost, please know it's not any form of insurance to go government for employment, go back in the service, or pursue a degree that you feel pressured to earn for "false security thinking" (I was pressured for Criminal Justice because I was a Marine). Instead, I went back to school for Business Administration. I went to a school that was cost effective (GI Bill) and opened the "social" network. I started a Veteran Student Organization at SJSU for many reasons: they didn't have an American Flag on campus, Veterans hid their identity like they were X-Men, and there were many gaps in supporting Veterans’ needs.

Like me, most transitioning veterans have the "Herd" mentality, (after years as a team player it happens) which is devastating in many facets of civilian life. The hallmark of the military is teamwork, yet the sad truth is that civilians are Semper I, which impacts veterans in seeking employment BUT NOT entrepreneurship (note the caps). Veterans, you have the most valuable and proprietary soft and hard skills/experience regardless of degree. Veterans "get-it" when it comes to mission accomplishment, a competitive advantage that you must sell!

I knew I had peerless Managerial and Leadership experience. I concentrated in technology as I'm a proud gamer and geek (not a nerdy programmer) who loves to create cool ways of doing things "better," which naturally will cut costs or make revenue within the corporate world. I capitalized on having access to Silicon Valley leaders via my professors. This is a culture that admires innovative ability versus a good ole boy pedigree, as money talks from a successful startup. University brand or an incestuous inner circle does NOT guarantee success.

I can't complain now, other than I miss the Corps and the good times, and that business is too good. I’m working on two secret startups with huge potential, writing a book, and working a 9-5 co-designing software…not bad for a near high school dropout and someone who started out with two NJPs, issued canteens, counted cots, police calls, humps, and cleaned weapons.

In summary, do what you truly love AND are good at. Account for economics (supply & demand) for what you love, and both market and educate yourself always. You will naturally succeed from having the inherent military traits and characteristics. Here's a bigger confidence booster and statistical fact: follow the Marines, as we are unable to quit. We may take things slow for a while or get knocked down but we are tactically and strategically quick and nimble, rising harder and faster, and people will either lead, follow, or get out of the way. Do what you were trained to do: lead.

Feel free to connect with me on Linkedin. I'm an early adopter and have a broad network that can map you to people who can guide you in your next career. I will share why an S Corporation in Nevada, working in CA, and keeping ~30% of my income targeted for taxes is a win-win and legal. Semper Fi.