I was in the Navy for 4 years and traveled all over the world. I went through classes for Primary Response force a float, hand-to-hand combat, long-range combat breach and clear, tactical room entry. I level engine maintenance and testing, engine types f404, f414, T56. I served on the U.S.S Carl Vincen out of Norfolk Virginia. I would like to be able to find work where my expertise would come in handy unfortunately driving around a semi or driving around a tow truck is not using my expertise I feel like I am wasting away in a civilian life that has no place for me. I worked on oil fields for a couple years but got laid off because of the Season slowing down and there was nothing more they could do, I want to give my family the life they deserve, not some tiny little apartment. Not that im not fortunate unlike some of our veterans who have no Homes at all but it is not what I want to do living hand-to-mouth for the rest of my life, anyone have any ideas? I even tried to enlist into the army marines Air Force I just kept getting tossed around and dodged around and put on the back burner now they say I'm too old and now that I have a felony I can't even go back into the military even if I wanted to.
Answers
Dwayne, I have to kind of agree, cutting your way in California is tough. Speaking from a manufacturing perspective we are dying for workers. At my company we offer extensive training to people that want to show up everyday, work hard and learn. Picking up the skills you need to make a good living in manufacturing doesn't take years and years. Get a hold of me if you want to talk more.. mike@tendon.com
Dwayne - thank you for your service. You may wish to look into jobs in the oil spill response or vessel lightening service industries. Both have both operational (running of small boats) as well as maintenance of vessels and engines especially small engines. You can google spill response, vessel lightening services in your area ports. These type jobs are also good leads into the commercial tub/barge industry or small ferry industries. Good Luck.
Thank you for your service. Give your resume a format change and lead with a summary that outlines your skills and qualifications. Share generalities from past positions to translate how it will be beneficial in new roles, like skills, duties, projects or management. Use clear civilian language to describe your career objectives, but highlight key wording from job descriptions and any accomplishments you have achieved. Keep the verbiage in present tense and have others read through it for feedback. If you can pursue any volunteer opportunities, contract jobs, certifications or even CEU (Continuing Education Units) courses will show how interested you are and make recruiters take notice. Raytheon has positions for trainers with your types of skill set and many other opportunities. If you want to discuss this further, let me know.
Once you find any position, take advantage of in-house professional development and training programs which always shows management that you are willing to do and learn more.
I hope this helps you on this new journey and I wish you all the best.
Kindest regards,
Merry Vickers
Dwayne, Thank you for your service! i agree, focus on your passion for the best success. Have you searched in the www.usajobs.gov or www.usps.com (bottom of the site - careers)? Both usually have vehicle maintenance (engine maintenance) posted. Are you perhaps interested in becoming a leader? Both of the above have manager positions. I was in the same boat, I served as a rural carrier for a few years, then became an injury compensation specialist then went through management channels. It took a few years until I finally found a job I really can't wait to get to work and do! It may take awhile. Nice thing about getting into a federal agency is you can buy back your military time towards your retirement. You are young but believe me, I am glad I did now that I am older. Something to consider. Keep linking back with us here or message us, don't let us discourage you - the right job is out there...it does help to sound ideas off on each other. Please reach out with any follow up questions you have.
Hi Dwayne, this website is a good one as you assess potential career choices that maximize your skill set and align with your goals. If you need any support to help you with resumes, identifying transferable skills etc., I can be available to talk with you either via phone or e mail. Thank you for your service , stay strong and positive and good luck to you. Best Regards, Mike
mtcottell55@gmail.com
Hi Dwayne -
First step is to move to where the jobs are. California is one of the highest cost of living states, has among the highest tax rate, and has among the highest unemployment rate in the country, and always will, always has. What this means for businesses is that other states offer businesses more opportunity to thrive.
Look for states that have low or no income tax (Alaska, Florida, North Carolina or Texas). Once you find a place you like, move there.
Second step is to acquire the skills that are demanded by businesses. To do this, read the salary guide from Robert Half to determine which field you would like to pursue.
https://www.roberthalf.com/workplace-research/salary-guides
Good luck.
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