Why Veterans Should Consider Jobs That Serve the Community

By Peter A. Gudmundsson

After years of uniformed service, which might have included deployments to hostile environments, a transitioning veteran might be excused for feeling a certain level of entitled selfishness in contemplating his or her next job move.

Having done so much for others, it would be normal to think that the civilian phase of one's career is about pursuing self-interest and personal gain above all else. However understandable these sentiments might be, the truth is that maintaining the spirit of selflessness and idealism that drove volunteering for service in the first place may be the key to an effective civilian job search and lifetime career satisfaction.

Like most people, veterans seek career momentum, money, mentorship, and mission in their civilian employment. Of these, the mission element can be the hardest to replicate. After bonding with colleagues to fight terrorists and defend the nation, it can be difficult to get excited about sales quotas and abstract operating business metrics. Successful transitioning veterans learn through experience that if they cannot find mission satisfaction in their day jobs, they can find it through volunteering in their local communities.

There are three primary veteran aspirational values of purpose, community and identity, says Jake Wood, a former Marine sniper and founder of Team Rubicon, which provides veteran volunteers with an opportunity to assist first responders during natural disasters and other community needs. Wood is a regular media contributor on the subject of how community service and giving back have a positive effect on veterans and their careers.

In the context of career development, each of these principles is critical. Purpose, or a sense of mission, gives a veteran a reason to get up every day and tackle life's challenges, Wood says. Those who find a strong sense of purpose enjoy their work more than those who just labor for a paycheck.

Community, or developing broad and meaningful personal and professional relationships, is important because most careers require human networks to provide the information and access that are critical for advancement, Wood says. Many veterans are not natural networkers. They will find allies for their career development when they get involved with local community groups, even when the groups are not focused on veterans.

Identity, which might also be thought of as the seeker's personal brand, is important, Wood says. Identity is knowing who you are, what is important to you and what you want to do with your life. These are tough topics to tackle, but the most successful career developers know themselves and what they want to accomplish. Too many job seekers rush to create a resume and apply to jobs before they figure out who they are and what they want to do.

As the new year begins, it is a great time to consider your own purpose, community and identity as you make the transition to civilian life or continue that journey with a career move. Pause to think about these issues, then develop and execute an action plan to get involved. A centered and focused individual is unstoppable as an employee, leader or entrepreneur. A veteran's commitment to service is one of the attributes that separates him from a regular citizen. A continued dedication to others will help enable your civilian career success and contribute to your well-being and happiness.

In the attached picture from left is Marine John Zepeda, Army Hannah Williamson, and Army Matt McCoy- all Veterans of United States Armed Forces.