Building Your Network
If you’ve already checked out the Roadmap on the ReBoot for Veterans page, you know that step 2 is about building your network. If you plan to look for work in civilian companies or to work with civilians at all, the line that says, “Keep it professional wherever you are.” Is critical. Almost anyone can find you on social media if they’re motivated.
A Podcaster found my page a while ago and loved the Roadmap. He asked me to go through the program, step by step, on his podcast. I started the series with him. Before and after my part, it was a place for Veterans to talk about how much they hated working with civilians. The list of annoying qualities that civilians have was long and seemed never-ending. It could get pretty raunchy at times. I had to talk to the host about the damage that was being done.
My concerns were not made because I’ve never served in the military and had hurt feelings as a civilian. My concerns were because I have served Veterans for more than 40 years and don’t want to see them derail themselves. I’m aware of the “culture shock” in transition. I’m aware that there are some civilians who do not have the commitment to the goal that Veterans have. I worked for a Post Office Air Mail Facility when my son was a baby. I would not trade a single minute of my time surrounded by WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam Vets for all the money in the world.
A podcast is not a private room. Social media is not a private conversation, no matter how many settings you put in place. It’s more like having a “private conversation” in the men’s room and not realizing the person you’re dissing is in the stall behind you.
The host believed it was more important for his audience to have a place to vent. The podcast helps Veterans have a place to share their experiences with each other, but it is also a place where hiring managers, Human Resource professionals, and potential coworkers can hear a lot of hatred. Join the VFW or American Legion where you can have conversations not only with Veterans who have experienced what you’re experiencing but have figured out a way to make it work. Given the small percentage of citizens who step up, chances are pretty good that you’re related to some civilians.
