Veterans are you finding it hard to find good paying jobs?

Question

I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy. I earned a honorable discharge after four and half years.

The problem is getting into a job paying at least over 50k. I have the experience but no college. I am going to tap into my GI Bill but right now I cannot because I have two young daughters that me and my wife are raising.

I would like to know if any other Veterans are feeling my pain as well. Let me know!

Answer 1

Hey Ed, I know just what you are talking about. I got out in 1977 and I wound up back in a grocery store. Finally had to retire due to medical problems I got from the Army. Not knowing what you did in the Navy, I would suggest maybe going back in the Navy and work on your degree from there. If that doesn't work for you, try getting on with the government. Here's their site.

I should have asked this sooner. Have you filed any claims for disability yet. If you are planning to do so, file though the DAV, never file directly though the VA. I hope things get better for you real soon.

I have made a request to Yahoo to add a Veterans category in Answers just for this reason. If any one else thinks is would be beneficial, please go to the Yahoo suggestion page.

Answer 2

Check with General Dynamics and other defense contractors.  Companies that do a significant amount of business with DOD give a lot of weight to ex-military personnel.  

Also, check with these companies' security providers.  Some facilities are actually considered military bases and some of their security personnel are sourced through DOD or DOJ.

As a fellow job seeker (though not ex-military), I feel your pain.  I've got a degree and still cannot improve upon my current position.

Answer 3

I am and I have a degree, just that I have no other experience than being in the Marines as a grunt that went to school either on base or distant education.  They want that experience civilian instead of a Marine that shot guns his whole 10-years.  I do security now for a firm that pays around 10k a year with barely any benefits.  And believe me, security was the last thing I wanted.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Surveying Engineering for crying out loud, I am even a registered Land Surveyor!  But the job market is struggling with the outcome of our economy, or that no one likes veterans in my area, full of liberals here!

Answer 4

I've heard some people have had problems but I just landed one for when I return.  The DC area, although I'm not a real big fan of it, is where there a lot of jobs, especially on the analytical side of things.  Jobs there with a college degree are about $60-70 grand.  And the area houses a lot of military members and former members so pretty condusive to that atmosphere.  But to answer your question, no, I didn't have a problem.

Answer 5

I had no problem.  Found a very well paying job and really its about who you know.  I got back to Atlanta from 5 years in the Army and well just went around town and meet people.  Put my name out there and that was the really hard part but now it pays off.  It took me about a month and a half....so tims is a factor so save the money up before you get out.

Answer 6

It has been challenging to say the least. I separated from the Navy about a year and a half ago. I am working in a local hospital earning 1/4 of what I made as an HM1.

I used my GI bill and finished my degree...I have a BS in Health Sciences (Health Care Management)...but I lack administrative experience. I have clinical experience, but no clinical degree....So I am stuck between a rock and a hard place...

I keep trying to get on with the federal govt. Those jobs pay better and they hire veterans. I am trying for the VA Hospital. I have applied several times and I will keep going until someone notices my resume.

I am thinking of getting my nursing degree where both the admin and clinical will matter.

Sorry, I don't have a lot of advice, but I am sincere in that I feel what you are going through, because I am going through it too.

Answer 7

YES !! I got out in 1999, and the DoD jobs were pretty much GONE.  I moved back to the Silicon Valley and started as a receptionist for a small telecomm company, was Customer Service manager in a month, and then taught myself the engineering end and was the Deputy Operations Manager 6 months later.  (USAFMyCloud makes me giggle... I had to deal with the "not-my-job" folks often... as well as those who felt that the MOMENT that clock hit 8 hours they had to be GONE !!)

Sadly, the dot-com burst, AND the State Legislature pocketed a bundle of cash from PacBell / SBC / AT&T and changed the phone laws and regulations to push the smaller companies out of business.

I went into consulting as well as being a faux-finish contractor... until the dying real-estate market cut into THAT !!

NOW I'm sucking wind... with a BA & MA in History (thanks GI BILL) I'm hire-able... but since I'm 45, I'm "too expensive".

GET THAT DEGREE SHIPMATE !!

Answer 8

Yes, yes, yes, it's tough as nails to find a job that pays decent.  Then, on top of that, it's hard to find a job where your fellow employees have the same attitude towards doing a job correctly as in the military!  I swear if I hear, "that's not my job" one more time I'll scream.  The civilian sector is not all it's cut out to be.  I would encourage you to find a job with a DoD or USN, if possible.  

Answer 9

Yeah it's rough out here in the civilian world. Military experience doesn't seem to carry as much weight as it used to.  I've found that the state you live in plays a big role as well.  Wages are lower in the south, as much as 25% less than what you'd get in the north or west, but the cost of living is lower as well.

Your best bet is to get your degree ASAP.  Remember your GI Bill expires after 10 years so you don't want to get caught up taking care of this problem and that problem, then an emergency comes up and the next thing you know 9 years has passed and you haven't started school yet.  Good luck to you bro.

Answer 10

You didn't say what your rate is so I'm note sure of your training, but defense contractors and subcontractors are a good possiblity. If you live near a military installtion, keep an eye out for job fairs many seek recruitment thru these as do many non miltay employers. Also check to see if your local employment office has a vet rep. the one here does and he has job listings not posted on the website or the company is looking for a veteran. i've had HR recruiters tell me they like veterans because the have a good work ethic already instilled.