michael convey ⋅ Longboat Key, FL JH Williams Oil Co ⋅ 42 years experience

Thank you for doing what you do. You have excellent credentials, and your experience should be of great value in securing a position. Obviously, identifying what you want to do, where you want to do it and determining what size organization you would like to work for are a very important first step. I think it is important to step back, take a breath and develop a plan to achieve your goal, Your resume should be achievement oriented, and be customized to fit the job you are looking for. Networking is very important with vendors you have established a relationship with along with other personnel that are in the field of your interest. Linkedin is a great tool. You can connect with other individuals in your field, and become involved with committees that discuss industry related situations, problems and opportunities. This will provide another network of people for you to possibly help in your endeavor. Head hunters, corporate websites that have jobs and periodicals in your field are all good places to seek employment. Good luck

Juan Carlos Cruz ⋅ Pompano Beach, FL Britwater Financial Group ⋅ 20 years experience

What area are you interested in working in? Are you available to speak today?

Mike Cottell ⋅ Glen Head, NY Michael T Cottell Consulting ⋅ 42 years experience

Hi Stephen, you have gotten some excellent advice from the advisors to date so I will not duplicate any of the great thoughts, but only share some new ones.
1) Sadly, what you are going through is now the " new normal" with people needing to reinvent themselves not only into new jobs, but also new careers. Stay strong, you can and will succeed.
2) www.my next move.org is an excellent website to seek careers aligned with skill sets. It shows skills required, salary, growth prospects, personality type etc. special link for veterans.
3) your field of inventory management / supply chain is in demand. most businesses have exhausted lowering the cost of the product itself and are turning to this area to allow lower inventories and increase speed to market to address the consumer constantly changing needs and desires.
4) in addition to a suggestion from another advisor, look at the world of apparel fashion and retail for business opportunities. " fast fashion" has changed the entire game for every company and every brand / store is looking to the inventory management and supply chain area for profit.
5) don't be afraid to consider an entirely new area as has been suggested. start to think about your transferable skills and personality traits that you could leverage across many areas. Search both those terms and endless examples will come up to get you going.
6) this area of " reinvention" is very often the secret to success , although it's a little scary at first. make that list and start to explore that website for ideas.
7) a separate section can be given to addressing "how" you make a career change once you get a sense for where you will go.
Finally, as has been pointed out, stay strong and positive as you are by no means alone . you have a wealth of talent that just needs to find the right match. Good Luck to you Stephen and thank you for all you have done for our country.
Best Regards, Mike

Phillip Nelson ⋅ Tyrone, GA Global Franchise Consultants ⋅ 2 years experience

Reading your story creates a pit in my stomach as it brings many memories for me. I spent 23 years in the same industry with 3 employers - I considered each one my "last stop" and each one ended the exact same way: with a lay-off. I had always thought about working for myself but did not really explore that as a possibility until my last lay-off. I looked into franchising and eventually started working with a Franchise consultant who showed me many different options in fields that I had never considered before. The one thing that they all had in common was they aligned with my strengths and skill sets. He was also able to help me explore funding options and helped answer many of the questions I had about actually pursuing life as a business owner. Investing in a franchise is not for everyone, but you might be surprised at what is out there that aligns with what you are looking for. If I can help, please contact me at your convenience. I will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Kevin Goodwin ⋅ Mona, UT U.S. Army National Guard, Specialist ⋅ 8 years served

Stephen,

I know it hurts to get the rug jerked out from under you. I am in the same boat, I was also laid off and have both been offered and taken jobs well under my worth.

I would have you ask yourself the difficult questions of where do I need to be and what do I REALLY want or need to be doing. As hard as being laid off is I hope that you can use it as an opportunity to start down a new path. So often we find ourselves in a comfort zone, one that we would not leave without a kick in the pants.

I will give you my experience or story with the hope that it sparks something inside you and helps you to find your way. I was laid off closer to 3 years ago then 2 now from a job as you put it, I would never have left without being laid off. I was doing product design and development and doing really well at it. I had taken my department from $1.7 million to $5 million in sales in close to 3 years there. I was happy and paid well then one day I was laid off. It wrecked me ... It is hard to put into words how much of our self-worth is tied to our jobs and ability to provide for our families, and I had just lost that.

So, I have spent the last few years since spiraling down into the pit of despair and great or terrible depression and this is what I would hope to spare you from (Please Please Please remember you're true self-worth and do not follow me down this rabbit hole). You are a great person with an even greater value you those closest to you. But along with that please remember that there are also times that we need to rebuild that foundation in order to build a better you. This can be an excruciating experince. I for one was at that point a few months ago where I had finally broken completely mind and soul. But from "rock bottom" or bedrock you can build yourself up upon the sure foundation.

It was at that point of rock bottom that I found myself and understand that I do not want to ever feel this way again and truly want to find ways to help others along the way. I am looking at starting my own companies with my product ideas and use my abilities to get these products to the market. I really see a problem where in so many businesses have sent the manufacturing to other countries at an apparent saving to overhead without fully understanding the hidden variables. They look at the margins and pat themselves on the back my saving a few pennies but then cost their companies and the entire US economy by the jobs lost. The customers they are looking to gain the profit that the numbers tell them is should be there is lost because the worker doesn't have the job that is needed to buy the companies widget.

This is what I want to correct and I hope that all that read this will look deep inside themselves and ask how can I help to fix this problem before it grows beyond our ability to correct.

Stephen, I want you to ask yourself what talents or gifts where you given how can you make difference and use this tragedy of getting laid off to change the world around you for the better.

I hope that this long winded answer to your question is of help and can in some small way inspire those that read it.

Warm Wishes,

Kevin Goodwin

James Bishop ⋅ Columbus, OH Morgan Stanley ⋅ 8 years experience

There is a wealth of information already here.

1) Don't get depressed, if only because you cant afford to be.
2) Do recognize that your prior position may have overpaid the market and that is why you were laid off. They got the desired skill set for less or learned to do without.
3) if your current career will not get you where you need to be, you will need to invest in making a change.

Best of luck, this is a tough time and you need to be you strongest advocate.

Blessings,
Jim

Raymond Harris ⋅ Atlanta, GA AT&T ⋅ 33 years experience

Hey Stephen,
You seem to believe that your location simply doesn't have the positions available at the pay you desire. If that is really true - MOVE. But before you do be sure to check other areas, know what is offered, even apply to a few.
If you are somehow tied to your location, then become comfortable with what is available.
Those are really the only two alternatives. I have moved at least three times to provide better opportunity. In the long run it has been well worth the emotional and financial costs.
Best of luck.

Ray McGarrigal ⋅ Danbury, CT Xerox Corp. ⋅ 15 years experience

Thank you for 21 years of service. Sorry you were laid off. I know how hard that must be for you. If you haven't already done so I suggest making a list of the fastest growing companies that depend on their supply chain for continued growth. This would include companies like Starbucks and Amazon. Both of these companies have a goal to hire veterans. Less famous smaller companies need your type of experience. Don't depend on on-line applications. Write a letter to the companies CEO asking for an opportunity to interview. Include a paragraph of your experience and why you think their company would be a good fit. Feel free to contact me if you think I can help. Again, thank you for your service.

FRANCIS TEPEDINO, ESQ. ⋅ San Diego, CA THE CONDOR GROUP ⋅ 30 years experience

Don't get depressed. I have been "laid off" from some really great jobs. Open your job search area. Be open to move, move, move- change cities; change states; change companies - just change. Your job is to find a job. Shape your resume to fit the industry you are contacting.

Look to Supply Chain Management - purchasing - contracts etc. An MBA is valuable there.

Be flexible on salary - I once took a job at a lower salary - until I could find something better.

Good luck.

DF Jackson ⋅ Washington, DC U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 4 years served

This has been the sad reality that has been plaguing most people. But because you have experience, you might try defense contractors or tech companies if your open to relocation. Also, look into a Headhunter because of your experience. Might help. The market just has lots of people looking with skills and it has taken a longer time for most.

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

GM Steven,

Finding the next move is tough - I was in a similar set of problems over my career. The key is not to give up and treat looking for the career move as a job. Working in a field that is your passion makes life worthwhe.

Several ideas that served me well - consider a career as an entrepreneur. Consider consulting companies. Look at retained search firms. Focus. Never give up. Use your network. Contact me if you want to talk.

Take care.

Stephen Kimball ⋅ Cassopolis, MI U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 21 years served

To answer some questions concerning my background:

I have been in the inventory management/supply chain career field since my days in the military. I enjoy this line of work as it allows me to be a contributor to the overall success of my employer by providing those items needed to keep the plant operating at an efficient level.

I have worked in various industries: manufacturing, construction, and food processing, along with Federal Civil Service. No, I am not willing to go back to Civil Service positions due to the lack of direct promotion opportunities and the restrictive nature of expansion of responsibilities.

If I hadn't been laid off from my previous employer, I would still be there today. It was the excitement and challenges to provide the supplies and services needed that kept me energized. I found "work" changed to "fun." I didn't notice the extra hours I put in daily until the HR department told me I needed to start to go home at a reasonable time.

The Six Sigma certification has been, probably, the hardest thing I ever accomplished. I still have a hard time understanding the concepts and tools needed to succeed with a project. Part is because I don't have a lot of manufacturing experience - that is, making things. I try to ask questions to help me understand how things work or should work.

Overall, I want to move into a warehouse management position, but there seems to be a need for experienced candidates. With nearly 30 years of first-line supervision in this field, how do I move into that next position?

George Wilhelmsen ⋅ Rochelle, IL Sargent & Lundy ⋅ 38 years experience

Good morning,

I've read your posts, and I really can't get a feel for what you like to do. What do you like to do?

Beyond that question, how far are you willing to drive for the position you want? Have you looked further out from the town where you live?

These are pretty basic questions, but I need some feeling for what you want to be able to try to provide some insights to help you.

I look forward to your reply, and hope I will be able to help.

George Wilhelmsen

Henry ("Dr. Hank") Stevens ⋅ Fort Lauderdale, FL Human Resources Quality Assurance, LLC (Now Retired) ⋅ 50 years experience

The VERY short answer is that unless you wind up doing what you want to do, you'll never feel comfortable. It is not about where or how much. It is about understanding and embracing YOUR unique talents & finding opportunities that are consistent with same.

Here is a link to one of the assessment (free) that I use when starting vocational counseling. Share the results with me - to include the associated percentages/numbers and I will help guide you through - if you wish: http://www.humanmetrics.com/hr/jtypesresult.aspx

My off channel EM address is hlstevens@att.net

Happy to help a fellow vet!

Stephen Kimball ⋅ Cassopolis, MI U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 21 years served

I want to thank each of you for your answers and offers for assistance. I have tried to augment my skills with the graduate degree. I seem to find businesses looking for assistance, but their business cycle takes a down turn and I lose my job. If my last employer hadn't had that happen, I would still be there today.

Now, I want to find a position with a company that appreciates their employees as their greatest asset, mentors and develops those employees to assume greater responsibilities, and rewards those employees with promotions, bonuses, or other some type of "atta boy."

For a business to tell me during an interview they bring in new people at all levels to fill openings lets me know how they see their current staff. As a military veteran, we all know how to look at situations from outside when we arrive through PCS, internal transfer or promotion.

I was provided funding by a state employment agency for Six Sigma Green and Black Belt training. Willing to accept an entry level type position to develop a portfolio, I am not finding those positions in my area.

Duke, can you PM me your email address to forward my resume to you?

Again, thank you everyone for your replies.

Duke Khadan Sawh ⋅ Keyport, NJ CECOM, Department of Defense ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Stephen,

Just a few suggestions that I can offer are:

1. A change in environment can reveal different opportunities, like looking for work closer to a large city.

2. Not sure if you're working the MBA arena or are flexible to try a subset of your skills.

3. In addition, a completely revised resume/s can trigger a response., based on job advertisements.

4. Suggest looking at media site opportunities, LinkedIn, glassdoor.com, indeed.com etc and upload your resume.

If you would like your resume reviewed, I will be glad to look it over for you.

Best wishes.

A fellow veteran.

Duke Khadan Sawh
ACP Advisor Net

Kathleen Dunn-Knudsen ⋅ Brooklyn, NY ioby ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi Stephen,

Thank you very much for your service and for using ACP AdvisorNet. I’m sorry to hear of your lay off but there are a number of suggestions I can make that might be helpful.

First, have you taken a look at our Jobs Board? There are a number of diverse positions posted and I would encourage you to consider applying for a few of them.

Second, ACP AdvisorNet’s Community feature is a great way to build up your network and to receive private guidance from Advisors. On that section of the site you can search for Advisors by industry, experience, employer and geographic location. I’d encourage you to reach out to the Advisors that interest you and to schedule informational interviews with them.

Finally, RecruitMilitary also hosts job fairs throughout the country for veterans. It can be a great way to network and to learn more about the positions currently available. You can view the schedule of job fairs here: https://events.recruitmilitary.com/schedule.

I hope you find these suggestions helpful! If you’d like a tour of ACP AdvisorNet, please let me know and I’d be happy to show you some of the site’s best features.

Thank you again for your service and for using ACP AdvisorNet!

Best,
Kathleen
ACP AdvisorNet Staff

John Green ⋅ Cary, NC Information Technology ⋅ 40 years experience

Pay is relative to demand of the skillset you offer. Having an MBA in and of itself is not a turnkey skill. You need to acquire skills in high demand roles, such as Cybersecurity.

Check out the salary guide at Robert Half, where the higher paid positions will indicate which skills are in demand.

https://www.roberthalf.com/workplace-research/salary-guides