For those about to leave the military, or a job you currently hold, you should already be preparing for the next game.  I really enjoyed watching the Super Bowl last night and heard somebody talk about taking the break after the game, but already having a plan to get ready for next year.  This is a really important step.

I saw a friend of mine the other night.  He is a month and a half into his “Terminal Leave,” using the last of his earned vacation time, but no longer having to report for duty.  He said something I hear many who leave the military say, “I have about a month of pay and benefits left, but then I have to find my next job.”  Now he is a good friend, a great leader, and someone I really respect, but in that moment, he showed me he was not “In the game.”  He was not prepared for the next step in his life, and frankly, that puts him and his family at risk.  Now in all honest, it is easy for me to point this out as I did the same thing, and more than once.  Sometimes, it is really hard to stay in the game.

Unfortunately, with the current job market, taking a break or a breather can really cause problems in getting that next job.  I really believe the best time to find a new job is when you actually have a job.  Now I fully encourage you to give your best effort to your current employer, but if you are ready to move on, spend your personal time looking for the next opportunity.  There is not nearly the pressure of finding the new position when you have money coming in and benefits to support you and your family.  Sometimes easier said than done, I know.  I left my last position over things going on in the business that in my mind I could simply not support.  As such, I left without having the next job lined up.  This puts a lot more pressure on me.

Be very active in your job search and put in place the habit and routine of looking for and applying for positions.  Do something every day!  Don’t forget to network with friends, former colleagues, and others as they are really the best source of jobs.

Another problem I see is when a lot of people leave the military, they lose or give up some things.  There is no more accountability.  There is nobody who is going to call you on not showing up for Physical Training in the morning, or for not showing up to work.  I have seen some of the most disciplined people simply fall apart.  One of the key things I find is the necessity of keeping a routine, or, “Staying in the Game!”  So maybe you don’t do PT every day, but back off to three days a week.  Staying physically active is good for the body and soul.  It gives you a sense of accomplishment.  Again, this is one of those lessons of experience.  Actively managing your time is another important task.  If you don’t manage your time, it will manage you.  If you don’t take steps to keep your life in balance, it will quickly fall out of balance.  I just published a short eBook (Time Management and Life Balance)to address just these issues.  It is available on Amazon for purchase.  It is an easy and short read with recommendations and steps I took to solve this same problem I was facing.  Whether you get this book, or find another plan, I just really encourage you to get and stay in the game.

Funny thing about life…the only constants are death, taxes, and CHANGE!

I’m not going to talk about death or taxes.  I am going to talk about change.  My wife says that change to me is “Pain followed by agony followed by torture!”  I have to admit, she is mostly right on this one.  I really don’t like change that much.  But, when you are in the military, or a first responder, or even an elite athlete, you will have to face the facts that you will likely have a change in careers at some point.

Think about it:

Military – only a small percentage of those in the military stay in long enough to “retire” at 20 years.  And of those that retire, the vast majority find themselves looking for a new career field.  There are some careers that translate pretty closely to careers outside the military, but often, military members find themselves having to rethink their long term career goals.  The bottom line here is that everyone leaves the military.  The problem I faced was that being in the military was all I really ever wanted to do.  Facing the huge change of not being in the military any more was overwhelming!

First Responders – You all work just as hard or harder as those in the military.  The dangers you face are often as great.  The possibility of something happening to you either in training or on the job that could end your career as a first responder is high.  You too should have the Plan B, or what do I want to do if something happens that keeps from doing First Responder work.  The toll on your families is also hard.  The hours and expectations have wrecked havoc on many families.

Athletes:  I watch young people who only want to grow up and be an Olympian or professional athlete all the time.  For those that make it, their careers are usually not that long.  Even for those who make it into the elite where compensation is extremely good will need to have another plan when their body forces them to change from competing to finding something else to fill their time.

Something you find in common with everyone above is that many are Type-A personalities.  They are driven to success and you don’t generally find they have the need to be actively engaged in something.  So here is the point.  You should expect that at some point in your life, you are going to have to face the change of not doing what you love to do.  You need to be open to finding that next “love” and preparing for it in advance.  You need to learn how to drive change and not let change drive you!

Your changes in life will come, like it or not.  Will you be ready for them?