4 Military Success Secrets that work for Civilians Life.

I can remember almost 16 years ago telling my family the decision I made to join the Army. My dad, who was in the Air Force, gave me some of the best advice that has worked out well throughout my life.

Take part in the Traditions:

He told me that the military is full of traditions, and to really enjoy your time at a base, take hold of those traditions and run with them. He said some people will laugh at or discourage the tradition, but run with them and you will enjoy your time. I was in the Cavalry where spurs and Stenton hats were a part of the tradition and to this day, those two items are some of the more cherished items.

After the military, this had held true. In professional organizations and in companies I have worked for, by taking part in the traditions, you become more in unison with the company or professional association and will enjoy that esprit decor.

Mimic the old guys:

My dad told me to find the old crusty guys who were getting ready to retire and figure out what they did to get ahead. If they had certain assignments, duty stations or training that I should do my best to do what they did and I can expect to put my career on the right track.

As a civilian, this has been great advice as well. Early in my real estate career, I noticed all the people doing great things in real estate all held the CCIM designation and that became my goal. After obtaining that goal, I have seen the trajectory change in my career and credit much of that progression to the CCIM designation.

Train, Train and Train some more:

Now I am not talking about Pvt. Winger in the movie Stripes and his "Aaaaaarmy training", but degrees, certifications and designations. Take advantage of those benefits while you are in so you can maximize your employability when you get out. Some of the training you will be surprised how you use it later in life.

Outside of the military your training and credentialing matter as well. For some industries it may be a right of passage to earn the next level for a promotion, for others, it is what is needed to attract clients. Regardless, training will improve your skills and give you the pedigree that is needed to advance your career.

Your time will end:

I think one of the saddest things I have witnessed as a veteran is seeing those whom I have served with not do well outside of the military. I am not judging this based on the amount of money they are making or the position they hold but on their happiness. I see many who make substantially less than they did in the military and in roles that are a gross underutilization of their talents. This takes a blow to their families well being as well as their own mental well being. One unfortunate thing I have noticed is that they did not plan for a life outside of the military.

Regardless of what your plans are in the military, you must look towards life outside of there. The military might be 4 years of your life or 40 years, but eventually, that time will end and there will need to be a career outside of the military.

This is the same thing to consider with a civilian employer. Companies go through layoffs, they move locations, get bought and sold, they change business models along with many other aspects that change in business and may choose to no longer keep you on as an employee. Likewise, your life may change, you have children, get married, divorced, have aging parents, hate the climate of where you are living, have a spouse that has to relocate to further their career or a host of other reasons that would mean you would need to leave a company. It is for these reasons, you must have some idea of what is going on in the job market, what employers are looking for and how competitive you are in the market. Your time at your company may come to an end on your terms or theirs, just like the military and you need to have a plan for life after the military and after your company.