Struggling to Find a Job After Military Service?

I'm a retired military member and I'm having a hard time finding a job. I served as a pilot and now I'm 64 years old. What avenues should I be exploring, or are there resources that could help me?

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. The skills you bring from your service, however, are incredibly valuable in many sectors. As a former military pilot, you bring leadership, discipline, responsibility and a myriad of technical skills.

That being said, one of the critical considerations is determining what type of job you are looking for at this stage in your life. If you're interested in continuing your piloting career, many commercial airline companies, including cargo, have positions for former military pilots. Depending on your hours and type of aircraft you have flown, you might be at an advantage for these jobs.

While the airline industry may seem an obvious path, there are other industries where your skillset could be highly valuable. Companies often seek those with military backgrounds for project management, logistics, security, or general management roles. What's more, there are consultancies and contracting roles that could benefit from your experience and discipline.

In terms of resources available, I'd recommend looking into military-specific job agents, such as the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) or CareerOneStop's Veteran and Military Transition Center. There are also various non-profit organizations dedicated to helping veterans transition into civilian careers, such as Hire Heroes USA.

In addition to job-specific resources, you might also find it useful to network with fellow veterans who have undergone similar career changes. Veteran service organizations (VSOs) can provide community as well as resources to support your job hunting.

Finally, your military service may qualify you for certain benefits or programs. Be sure to check on what resources are available specifically for veterans in your area or your field of interest. Often these benefits can include job placement services, workshops, or even additional training opportunities that could enhance your civilian career.

Remember, you have a unique set of skills and experiences that are of great value. It may take some time to find the right match, but these resources should help you on your path to civilian employment. Good luck, and thank you for your service.