Veterans are finding it difficult to find jobs after service. Lack of experience is really hitting home and the problem is growing.
One of the huge issues veterans are facing today is the problems finding work. When joining you hear all the good “stories” of how after service employers will look for ex-military before they look for civilian employees. The facts are saying different. I myself have been unemployed for almost a year after service, and it is not due to lack of effort. It all boils down to one word: experience. This, my friends is what the employers are looking for, and let us realize the reality; ex-military have no specialized skills. Four years in the military equals out to zero years in the private sector, they simply do not care you served. All the job market is looking for today is people who have the education and skills already established, not someone they have to train from the ground up. According to Businessweek younger vets such as myself are the ones getting hit the hardest. However I would not say it is all bad, and sometimes it could be the veterans fault themselves that they cannot get a job.
Unemployment rates for veterans continue to increase month by month. Hopefully with congress addressing the issue, some jobs will open up for our men and women who have served.
Some of the blame has been pointed at the transitioning procedures before exiting the service. I can relate and agree to that. When separating they basically say “sign here, here, and here” They offer a resume writing class but what does this do really? My advice to anyone currently in the service age 18-24? STAY there. Unless you went to college beforehand or have a degree while in, please do not separate, the deployments may take a toll on you but at least you get paid a good amount. The private sector is very unforgiving and you may have an extended period of looking for jobs. However on a good note congress is trying to address the issue by making deals with companies offering them tax cuts if they hire veterans, and who does not want some kind of money back these days? At least it is getting noticed and the big guys on the Hill are trying to help their veterans, something that historically they have not been too great at. Visit here for more information on what is being done. Hopefully things pick up in America, but in the meantime everyone, not just our vets, will have to hold out and keep on plugging along making due.
If any veterans reading this are having trouble getting a job, try going here and putting in a resume. Veterans get priority when it comes to federal jobs, but do not put too much hope in that; this sector of jobs has been slammed hard. Bottom line, just keep trying and do not lose hope because eventually you will get a job, while looking just make sure you get your GI Bill started and try getting a degree, it will help in the long run.
Michael, welcome aboard. It is good to meet you. Thank you for your service. By the way there is no such thing as “only” one deployment to Iraq…… Every minute of your 11 years was spent serving our Great Nation – I am thankful that you only had to go to Iraq once and am very thankful you returned. I hope it was safely.
I am Regina – one of the writers here and I look forward to reading more of what you have to say.