Separating from the Military

Well this is it for me. The staff selection boards came out and my name wasn't on the list. I did what was asked of me and more but I'm not here to bitch....just ask a few ?? I'm a 3531 usmc sgt btw w/ 12+ years

So as I understand it I cannot receive involuntary separations pay until I apply (finished today) and I cannot execute terminal leave until that package comes back. Just curious how long you guys waited for this to come back if there are any who have.

That was my only question for the military side. The rest are just life in general.

How much you guys pay for utilities on average. It's a 1100 sq ft house so not overly large but bigger than base housing. It's all electric as well.

How the hell do you guys deal with civilians?? After overhearing bits and pieces of conversations ehen im oj leave it's amazing some people can toe their own shoes. Any good tricks for tuning that crap out?

For those of you that did a contract or two how well did you fall back into the school routine? I feel particularly inadequate in math (since all I did was count and add stuff for the most part) and english....more rather speaking english. I have many colorful adjectives that fall out of my mouth from time to time. I'm pretty good at controlling it but still mistakes happen. I don't want to ask someone how they dodged the coat hanger when saying you don't know what you're talking about will suffice.

Any other tips and tricks (besides drinking or smoking out) are also appreciated.

 

I probably won't be much help but I got out of the CG after 5 years and the 5 months after I got out sucked. Took me over 7 months to find a job...ended up having to move 900 miles away from both of our families to get the job I have now.

I started going back to school in August (it's been 10 years since the last time I was in school) and it's pretty tough to get into a routine and still get my 50 hours at work in a week. I had to watch my words not only bc of my kids but I deal with people for work.

We're in an apartment in Tulsa right now paying $950 a month (only place we could find in a good school district) and we pay on average $110 a month for electricity (all electric appliances).

 

No that helps man. I just kinda feel like I'm walking into a trap somehow...

 

If you live where the bigger trick is cooling, rather than heating, you'll want all electric. Much cheaper with heat pump. Whether you're military or civilian, I just don't think there is any escaping all the dumbasses out there. On the bright side, if you watch them, the dumbasses do provide us a certain amount of entertainment from time to time. Just try to remember that it's people like us that make it possible for dumbasses like them to survive. We have a certain responsibility to them, I guess. Hell, somebody's gotta look out for them.

Thank you for your service and congratulations on a new challenge.

 

This is true. Idiocracy seems to be the movie of the decade.

It's up in Michigan so there's a fair amount of both however I can always put stuff on....it's hard when you're naked lol.

 

Where at in Michigan. Heat will eat you up. Get a wood burner and start chopping.

School shouldn't be to hateful depending on what you are going for.

 

Southwest corner. Hillsdale College. Doesn't get too cold.

If the landlord is down with the wood stove I'd be down for that lol. I will mention it to her.

 

How true, RickerRicker19! I was a Paramedic for a good while, and your screen name reminds me of some of our radio slang/codes.

 

After 20 years in the military and no skill that the civilian world thought much of I tried junior college to obtain a skill and readjust to being a civilian.
It worked for me, just my .02$

 

OP, you have skills that many non ex-military wish they had. The job market needs those skills.

 

I have heard that however I am also done working with my back. I'm getting my degree before I go after a permanent job. I have a security job lined up most of the way with the school. Seems like it could be a job where I could study a little whole I work.

 

lol I guess you haven't been here the last 2 winters? I'm from Jackson and these last 2 were absolutely brutal. For probably 2-3 week each winter I woke up to temperatures between -30 and -10... Luckily it didn't last long though, but you're going to want to save plenty of fuel for the start of January through the end of February stretch.

 

Man that's cold!!

It's been 12 winters to be precise lol! It's been a while since I've seen snow even. I've been parked out in 29 palms for 5 years now.

 

For what it's worth. My most expensive month (Consumers Energy) for gas+electric combined only hit $200 once in the last 2 winters. That's with a gas furnace, stove, water heater and clothes dryer in a ~1,600 square foot home.

Good insulation and reasonable modulation of the temperature (let it drop to 50 while you're at work and only bring it up to 68 or so when you're home) and the heating bills won't be too bad.

 

It'll be a bit of an adjustment to get used to Michigan weather again. Since you lived her previously you know it's not always as bad as these last 2 winters like I described. There was seriously one day where it was not only warmer in Alaska than it was Jackson, but the high for use was only 0 degrees... (early Jan 2014).

Good luck readjusting to being back in civilian life. I really understand how it can be frustrating to someone who's served for a long time. What are you going back to school for and where?

 

For me, I joined the Reserves. 1) You get a few bucks, and you can continue to use your skills, to an extent, and have a little time, keep qualified etc., 2) your more than 1/2 way to a retirement, and while not the same, decent, who knows you might need it, 3) Most of those reservists have jobs, and some have jobs they can hire you for, part of full time, super networking, 4) You get two weeks vacation each year someplace, 5) you still get to keep your gear in working order and get new gear, 6) in this economy, you need to get on LinkedIn and work it, I don't know what a 3531 is, I worked for your boss the Navy , but get in with other 3531's, and the like on LinkedIn and Network.

You will do fine.

 

Welding Engineer.

Planning on finishing my business degree and doing the pre engineering program at hillsdale college. Then I will move on to warmer climates at UK or UW

I would do the reserve if I could. I will be at 13 years which is statue of limitations for Sergeants. I know a lot of guys but sadly they're in about all 50 bloody states lol. Hard to see them all or even some of them.

I appreciate you cabbie drivers in the Navy

 

Lol nice one... I don't think it is the same in the reserves, you can go longer in rank... go down there and check it out...

 

Motor Transport Operator. I drive off road semis, mraps, mat v, hmmwv, 7tons, and anything else with wheels lol.

 

When dealing with sillivilians, after retiring I found it helpful to modify "Semper Fidelis" to "Semper Gumby", or Always Flexible. What you think should be a black and white issue with no in between they may not see the distinction. That is not to say compromise your principles but come to terms with having to, shall we say, adjust alot.
There is a lot of stuff that you won't be able to make sense of so operate on the priciple of doing your best but acknowledge that you may never fully understand. Kind of like the men vs women thing - very different but possible to get along if you want to / work at it.
There are many employers who highly value the dedication and work ethic of career military people. Not always easy to find them but when you do it can be rewarding. As mentioned, networking can be a very powerful thing in getting back on your feet.