Deborah Meyer ⋅ Columbus, OH Anthem, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Vincent, Now is the time to definitely begin networking and researching what companies and industries interest you for your next position. Realize that most posted jobs anticipate a start date within 6-12 weeks. As Joan indicated late May and June will be key timelines to actively pursue posted jobs. Viewing job postings now for requirements/preferences can help you to better view and align your own resume. Computer skills can be learned quickly/easily and added to your resume.

Michael Del Vecchio ⋅ Killingworth, CT U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 3 years served

Hi,

I would consider self employment - as a NCO, you have experience running your own outfit. You have direct employee management experience - as an example, while I was in the Army in the 1960's as a SGT and SSG - I had some difficult cases to work through, I am sure you also had some challenges - and a background with credibility. Consider starting a HR consulting firm, it will excite and motivate you, give you time in retirement, use your staff experience, background and education, all the while you have a safety net with retirement and SSA pay. I would start now, contact a local SCORE (https://www.score.org/) or SBDC (https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/sbdc) to help you think it through and plan. Contact me if you want to discuss further.

Good luck.

Joan Maney ⋅ Normal, IL 1st Farm Credit Services ⋅ 26 years experience

I would suggest that you start watching for open positions now. If something fits your interest and skill set, you can always contact them and let them know you are looking for something after retirement; however, you should start looking for active interviews in June or July.

John Chamberlain ⋅ Coventry, RI MetLife ⋅ 34 years experience

Vincent,

That answer depends on how much you depend on your job to maintain your standard of living. If you need the check, it would be prudent as other recommended to begin networking and applying immediately so you can line something up before you actually retire.
If your pensions are enough to maintain your standard of living, definitely start networking and find yourself a pursuit you truly enjoy. Nothing is more fulfilling than doing something you love where you also get paid.
I would be remiss to not mention your third choice, if it is an option. It sounds like you have had two robust careers. Could it be time to simply enjoy life. Concerns over what would you do without another job can quickly be put to rest if you explore volunteer opportunities.
Best of luck with your decision and thank you for your service.

John

Prabhakara Choudary ⋅ Davis, CA University of California and the VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, CA ⋅ 40 years experience

Vincent,
From my own experience, I recommend that you start the process today and now. Depending upon the type and level of position you are seeking, landing a new job is anything but a short process. Further, if you are interested in a government job, add at least another 3 months. So, right away, update your resume (contribution/achievement-based), update your social media sites, rank-order the employers you like to target, and start sending out applications as soon as you find a vacancy of your passion. Finally, please spread the word among your friends/network of your interest in finding a new job and about the employers of your interest. Should you receive an offer much before August, you can always accept the offer with a start date in August. I can't imagine any employer not being agreeable to such a proposal from you. All the best, and 'Go For It', my friend!

Michael Millman ⋅ New Orleans, LA Arena Advisors, LLC ⋅ 40 years experience

Vincent:
Congratulations on your impending retirement and many thanks for your service. Unlike many of the answers to your question that I have reviewed, I urge you to go in a different direction. If you have the financial ability to take a few months off before you re-enter the career market, please do so. In my experience, transitions are important and you will be making lifetime decisions as you make this next one. Life is short and often fragile. Please allow yourself to have some fun before your dive back into the work pool.

Roger Wilcox ⋅ Waverly, IA Waverly-She'll Rock CSD ⋅ 36 years experience

I would start now. If you get an interview, you can tell then when you would be available to start.

Kristin Garcia ⋅ Norman, OK The University of Oklahoma, Tom Love Innovation Hub ⋅ 15 years experience

I would start looking into career options now but applying in a few months. What does that mean? Start doing self discovery on what you might want to do when you leave, research companies and start working on your resume for those options. Now, you could do some interviews to practice and I would highly recommend that sooner rather than later.
Check out our blog on your ETS time. http://blog.guide-on.com/2015/09/ets-equals-active-job-seekers/

Christen Carbonaro ⋅ Escalon, CA MCP_Independent VOB Clinical Research Company ⋅ 3 years experience

DEAR MR. WIGGINS,
Congratulations on your decision to retire after serving two deployments for our country. There is a slight issue in your discernment of meaning of retirement, because you are specifically seeking work in this post, this is commonly referred to as "Active Retirement" meaning you are retired as an active member of society, seeking employment with your current state of pension benefit withdraw,

Your wants, and need for the future are more than attainable through MCP_Independent VOB Company whom will guide you through the distance of procuring an active retirement plan for the future. This is our specialty, I am the founder of this company, and it is firmly established online at the location below:
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Please copy & paste this link into your browser, review the company site here, and allow yourself time to contact me with your specific needs so I may supply you with all your answers directly by email: mphd.kee.calligandes@gmail.com

I would like to provide you with planning options, and connections to employers who most need your specific types of skill set and learning curvature. The labor union is on its way to being restored, in the mean time I provide non-profit services free of charge to all Veterans of ACP Adviser Net and their military families.

I work for the VA and the DoD so it is my job to keep your wishes in swing, and to support, and foster your growth as a civilian veteran of the U.S. army.

I look forward to aiding you, thank you for your service.

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Bryon Keim ⋅ Jacksonville, FL CSX Transportation ⋅ 21 years experience

Vincent,
My advice would be to start looking now, it may take awhile for you to find the right opportunity. When do find something you're interested in, apply for it. In many large companies the hiring process can take 4-6 months depending on when you apply and when the job closes. The job interview, drug testing, background checks all take time. If you make it to the interview stage be honest and let them know that you are retiring from your current job and when you will be available to start.

Hope that helped.

George Tweedy ⋅ Kingsland, GA Lockheed Martin ⋅ 25 years experience

Frist of all I would like to thank you for your service. My suggestion is to apply for positions while you are employed. During the interview process be honest in the interview by telling them that you are currently employed and upon accepting this position give them an estimated time when you will be able to start the job. I hope this helps. V/r George Tweedy TSGT U.S. Airforce Ret.

William Bahrt ⋅ Sequim, WA Arizona Public Service Company ⋅ 15 years experience

Most of the advice you have been given is great. Just a couple of things. First, prepare a maximum 2 page resume you plan to give to potential employers. Then prepare an in-depth resume outlining all of the areas of your employment. It doesn't matter how many pages this one is. This resume you keep in a notebook to use in an interview and of special use when you are filling out applications. Make certain you have all of the names of employers and their contact information. Be especially careful that you tell the truth. Most people lie on applications and resumes and employers know it! In any area of your experience that is unique, have materials documenting your experience. Use fitness reports instead of letters of recommendation. People will give a good letter to get rid of a bad employee, but fitness reports are an actual record of your accomplishments and cannot be faked. The interview notebook you prepare can be an invaluable source for the interview. Good luck and thank you for your service.

Brandi Perrigo ⋅ Albuquerque, NM ⋅ 19 years experience

Vincent, you have really great advice above, but be careful announcing to the company you are currently working for that you are going to leave. I would give them a two month notice at best, but start looking for positions and get your resume ready. It takes longer than you think to get through some companies hiring processes, and to tweak your resume for the jobs that you are applying for. Good luck!

Roger Wilcox ⋅ Waverly, IA Waverly-She'll Rock CSD ⋅ 36 years experience

I am retiring as a MS principal in Iowa. I have announced my retirement, official at the end of the school year in June. It has given the district time to find a replacement and given me time to apply for other jobs.

I'd announce soon unless you feel as though it your current employer would want you gone ASAP....

Bob Stinchcum ⋅ Americus, GA Stinchcum and Associates, LLC ⋅ 25 years experience

Thank you for your service. I would recommend you begin your job search now. The experience of getting your resume fine tuned, going through interviews and thinking about who and how you want to work is invaluable. Also getting your network of friends and contacts up to speed on your plans is important. Start now and the pressure is much less.

Best wishes for success.

Gene Kiley ⋅ Exton, PA Cell-Con, Inc ⋅ 45 years experience

My suggestions - Check carefully your UPS retirement plan. The applicable details may or not in your favor.
Your Human Resources degree may well be attractive. Here's why:
1. small ( $1 - $10 million revenue ) cannot afford a full HR person - offer yourself to several companies as a consultant ( you'll need a professional resume -- big help )
2. small companies ignore often personnel issues - unfair firing, mess up pension / 401K plan, mistreatment of women, minorities, un kept promises..................
My compliments in your successful careers - GOOD LUCK ! Gene

Stacey Murphy ⋅ Denville, NJ Beacon Consulting ⋅ 18 years experience

Victor, I would also suggest, as Joan and Deborah mentioned, there are things you could do now to start preparing. For example, make sure that your linked in profile is up to date and making linked in connections; maybe getting linked in recommendations from people. Also if you have a resume, share it with some of your supporters, mainly to ask for their input and suggestions, so it's as strong as it needs to be once you're out looking.

Also start thinking about what kind of environment you would like to work in. You're making a big leap from two very different roles into a new role - Human Resources. And you'll be competing against people who have human resources experience. It may be a big stretch to get an HR role in a big corporation; it might be easier to look into positions in smaller firms that have an operational role (leveraging your Master Sergeant experience) that have some Human Resource components. You also may want to do some non-profit volunteering where you build HR experience to boost that component of your resume. You could start the ball rolling on that now rather than later. If I had worked as long and hard as you have, I don't think I'd be out looking for a third career, I admire your fortitude! Good luck!

Vincent Wiggins ⋅ Fayetteville, GA U.S. Army Reserve, Master Sergeant ⋅ 24 years served

Thank you for the advice, it really helped.