When the calendar flips to Jan. 1, many people refresh their goals and resolutions to attack the new year with revised plans, dreams and hopes.
As a job seeker, particularly if you are facing separation or retirement from your military career in the next 12 months, setting goals for your career might feel daunting. After all, you are leaving one career, culture, system, process, group and knowledge base and moving to another one that is less familiar.
A Healthy Career Starts with Knowing Yourself
Often when we think about a career, we think of resumes, social media, interviews and thank-you notes. Those things are very important, but so is a sense of self, purpose and direction.
How do you find out what you're passionate about? Think about how you spend your free time when not working: Do you restore old cars, remodel your home, coach youth sports, read about technology or mentor veterans? The things you spend time on often indicate where you are most interested.
Also, pay attention to the people you admire and are inspired by. Think about who you feel drawn to: Inspirational leaders such as Oprah, Gandhi or Deepak Chopra? Or titans of industry like Warren Buffett, Donald Trump and Sir Richard Branson? Or are you inspired by your loving mother, strict father or sibling who overcame a disability to thrive as an athlete?
The better you know yourself, the better you can position yourself for career success after leaving the military.
Inventory Your Goals, Passions and Career Vision
For the next 12 months, put yourself in a position of control and power over your transition. Reflect on the following questions to regain your sense of self and approach your career with confidence:
- What are you passionate about?
- What would you do if money/location/certifications/approval from loved ones wasn't an issue?
- Who inspires you?
- What makes you feel powerful and confident?
- What does success mean to you?
- How many of your decisions are guided by other people and not you?
- Do you trust yourself to make good choices?
- With whom do you do your best work?
- What do you define as "meaningful" work?
- What are your values?
- Have you done things (actions) consistent with your values?
- What problem are you passionate about solving?
- What makes you credible?
- Are you trustworthy?
- What would other people say are your greatest strengths?
- How do you take care of yourself?
- Are you nurturing?
- Can you solve problems?
- Do you want to lead?
- What are you most proud of?
- What do you regret? Did you learn something?
- How do you continue to serve others (if you've left the military)?
- What do you do really well?
- What do you do well, but don't enjoy doing?
- How would you like to be remembered?
Take inventory of your answers to those questions and look for patterns. Common themes or answers will indicate places you might explore for career growth, and others where you might feel stuck or uninspired. Know yourself well, and the decision-making process of growing your career becomes easier.
Want to Know More About the Military?
Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.
