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- Alana

Putting On a New Uniform: Transitioning from the Military Into Civilian Work

I've just gotten back from vacation and I am working on getting some posts put together this week. But I thought I would put up a wonderfully written guest post to keep things moving right along while I am editing photos and writing in the background. 

Today we've got a post from Emma, who blogs at Smile as it Happens

Between relocating and finding a new job, transitioning from the military into civilian life can be stressful. You might feel overwhelmed no matter how long your military career lasted, but rest assured that you are not alone. Many veterans face these same feelings, but there is hope. A variety of organization and programs exist to help make this transition easier and smoother for you and your family. No matter what your dream civilian job might be, you can do what you love with a supportive network behind you. The important thing is to ignore the misconceptions abound regarding the job hunt, and that's where I come in. I'm going to outline some of the most common job myths and the reality behind them so that you can start your civilian life more confidently.

Myth #1: I won't be able to find a good job because the people who apply most get the most jobs.

Truth: You don't need to send out dozens of applications. You only need to send out strong resumes to the companies who speak directly to your strengths. Employers aren't looking for a huge volume of weak resumes; they're looking for a small pile of strong candidates. If you spend some time crafting a resume and cover letter that outline your skills, offer concrete examples of relevant work experience and reasons why you're the right fit, then you'll get more interviews that someone who simply applies to every position with a fluffy, inflated resume.

Myth #2: My spouse doesn't have any resources like I do when it comes to finding a job.

Truth: The government has recognized the need to provide work opportunities for the spouses of both active duty military personnel and veterans. Because of the instability that comes with a military life including constantly moving due to new assignments, Joining Forces was created to help spouses find steady work. This organization and others like it work to expand job opportunities nationwide for military spouses as well as create a better relationship between employers to ensure continual support.

Myth #3: Requesting a reference from someone irritates them and takes too much of their time.

Truth: Asking for help is never a burden, and most people consider it a compliment to be listed as a reference. If you've got a great military career behind you with lots of support, then there are many who would be honored to give you a strong referral. Top companies are now using platforms like JIBE, a mobile recruiting company to streamline the process. This application lets you upload job documents like resumes and referrals right to a company's social media platform so you save time and energy.

Myth #4: Companies won't want to hire me because of my military-related disability.

Truth: Even civilians are federally protected from job discrimination due to disability. Employers cannot make a hiring decision based solely on disability, and as a veteran, you're actually in an even more protected class. In fact, some companies receive incentives for hiring veterans with disabilities or those who served during certain time periods. The U.S. Department of Veterans offers job training services as well as counseling support and rehabilitation information to veterans looking for civilian work.

Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network with people from around the world! Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/! 

My neck of the woods

I've been so busy with Princess Stinky Pants, that I haven't really written much lately, beyond baby updates.

Well that's not true. I wrote a big long post the other night about co-sleeping, but it got eaten by the blogger monster while I was asleep, and has not been seen from since. I keep hoping that I'll wake up and It'll appear for me to post, but I doubt it.

The weather here continues to mess with my emotions, it was really nice for a few days and then it got rainy for about a week, not that big of a deal, I don't mind the rain, but it was also chilly. Then it got nice again, really nice, now it's cold again. Second day of summer and our high will be in the high 50's low 60's

We have been planning our fall road trip/ PCS (permanent change of station, when we move to Paul's new location) We are going to try to visit everyone, this will include stops in Az, Nm, Tx, and all the way to Va. Then head back to California after. 

I also hope to visit some mommy friends on this trip. See, when I was pregnant with Evelyn I was lucky enough to find a group of ladies all also due in December, all also first time mommies. A facebook group has formed and we have been together since, It's been over a year now. We went through pregnancy, sickness, premie births, and late babies together, then colic, fevers, sleepless nights and wonder weeks. We are all having these milestones together, I think it's wonderful, I can ask this group of about 80 moms, "hey is anyone else dealing with this right now?" and I have so many moms that can relate. I was also lucky enough to discover two bloggers that had babies right when I did, Mrs. K & Captain J, we were due date buddies (we were, weren't we? oh my, baby brain has ruined my memory), but her little A came early. Then Home is wherever we are if there's love there too, she had her little Boy J, about 26 hours after I had Evelyn. But since she's in Japan, we actually were both having babies at very close to the same time! 

getting ready for a walk

I have been working on my physical self too. I recent started Weight Watchers again. Last time  I think I lost overall about 12 pounds. I still have lots of baby weight to loose, but I think I am down about 4 pounds since I started, which is 4 more pounds than I have lost since I came home from the hospital. I weigh in Monday, so we'll see where we are. My initial goal is the 20ish I have to loose from pregnancy. Then I would like to loose another 20ish. I have been walking/hiking the hill outside when the weather is nice, and mostly eating better on days that I am cooped up inside. I've been doing insanity off and on, and I've even done Jillian 30 Day Shred a few times.

workout woes  

We also have been hiking on the weekends, last weekend we followed an old rail road trail, that led to a spooky tunnel.  I thought my heart would explode walking through the tunnel, and if I didn't have Paul with me I wouldn't have gone in it, It was scary and I am pretty sure there were zombie monsters hidden in there just waiting to eat our faces. After we turned around and headed back I made us find a trail over the hill the tunnel went through because I really didn't want to walk through it again.  and that's about it. Somehow things are crazy busy with a baby, but I don't seem to have much to write about. That's not true, I have a few posts started that I need to take pictures for, I'm just lazy/too busy with Baby E, to take them and finish the posts. Maybe I can find time to do that soon.  Oh and don't forget, In a few days Google Reader will close FOREVER!
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6 Months

My silly little princess. 

At your six month appointment you weighed in at a whopping 15 pounds, and you are 25 3/4 inches tall. 

 Evelyn likes:

trying to feed herself everything

putting things in her mouth

grabbing dog jowls

grabbing people faces

diaper changes

electronic music

Evelyn dislikes:

car seat

when we dont share controllers/remotes with her

sleeping in her own bed 

Dearest Evey, 

I cannot believe it's been six whole months since you were brought into our lives. You have brought me so much joy (and so little sleep). You are simply amazing. Watching you grow, and learn things, discover your surroundings, It's been amazing. I am so grateful that you have made me a mommy, Your Mommy. This last month we have had lots of play time, we talk to each other, and I try to teach you new words. You say mum mum mum a lot, but I don't think you relate it to me. You have become very vocal, and have started to cry more when you are upset and you laugh more when you are happy. Thankfully your happy times outweigh your sad. You have such a personality. We have had so much fun together, you interact with me more and more each day. I look forward to what each day holds with you. It's always something new. I can't wait for next months update when we can share more exciting things discovering your new world. 

Love, Mommy

Evelyn: 26 Weeks

New this week: 

We are now co-sleepers, as this is the only way I get any sleep. 

(I'm okay with it, for now)

My Town Monday

Okay, I'm gonna try something new.

Trying to make the most of our last few months in Montana, I'm going to do a few of these "My Town Monday" posts each month, maybe every other week. I'll make them live Sunday night if you want to link up.

I'm going to take the opportunity to share more of Butte with you, and to perhaps help myself learn more of the area I live in.

So without further adue-

Butte, Montana

I live at the top of a hill above uptown Butte. Just above the historic district. Butte is an old mining town, and the mine is still open. Currently the mine is an open pit mine, but it used to be shaft mining. There are a dozen or so headframes scattered around uptown Butte, that are now only standing as historic landmarks. A headframe is a big metal structure above a pit mine the is used to move things (people, rocks, tools) in and out of pit mines.

Starting up by my house there is a trail that runs down the hill, it's about 3.5 miles from my house to the  BA&P railroad trail. When I talk about hiking or walking the hill, this is the trail I am talking about.

Heading down Main Street, I pass the first headframe on my walk

Looking West, behind me at the first headframe I passed.

Looking south into Butte

The whole trail is littered with informational placards

panorama of the mine

Granite Mountain Memorial

walking up to Mt Con headframe

Mt Con is a mile above sea level and the mine goes a mile deep

looking down at uptown Butte

- Alana