AuthorWarren Wright is a 20-year veteran of the Air Force, Army, and National Guard. He has taken his experience in both the military and civilian sector and used that to help veterans in Northern New York translate their skills and expertise into marketable traits sought by employers throughout the North Country. ArchivesCategories |
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The skills veterans receive during their time in the military go way beyond simply having the ability to follow instructions, work in stressful environments, and make sound decisions under pressure. Of course, these are all traits many employers are looking for, but it only scratches the surface of what makes veterans such valuable employees once they hang up their uniform and put on a suit and tie.
The service teaches us the value of teamwork and the dedication to place the needs and welfare of others above our own. It teaches us how to succeed in the face of adversity and how to bounce back and not lose faith when we've been knocked down. So, why is it that so many of us have a hard time finding gainful, adequate employment after succeeding in such a demanding environment? Why is the veteran unemployment rate currently approximately 68 percent higher than that of the non-veteran unemployment rate? Why, for a country that claims to love its veterans so much, have so many been left behind? To answer these questions, one has to look at the uniquely defining characteristics of veterans, characteristics both ingrained in those who choose to serve and those developed in service to our nation. One of the more defining strengths of a service member might also be one that can translate to weakness when entering the civilian sector. That characteristic is that of selfless service. To be truly selfless, one begins to place the needs of others above themselves, even if doing so puts the individual in harm's way. One of the downsides of being truly selfless is the belief that asking for help is somehow a sign of weakness, one that goes against the very nature of being selfless by putting your own needs above that of others. In order to truly help eliminate the epidemic of veteran unemployment, we have to begin by changing the culture of asking for assistance when needed. Asking for help in order to better take care of yourself is not a sign of weakness. Instead, I argue it is another sign of strength, a strength that can only be realized with the support of those around us. As a community, we must encourage others to seek help when needed and inspire others to do the same. Furthermore, being able to seek assistance when needed will only help to put you in a position to help others. Only when you are able to take care of yourself can you take care of others who need it. Even the most successful among us understand the need to seek assistance from others. Barack Obama once said, "Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and to learn something new." It wasn't until I realized this fact that I was able to grow as a professional and as a human being. After a successful military career, I was unsure of where my future might take me. I tried to succeed in the civilian sector on my own, with little success. It wasn't until I reached out to an old mentor when I realized it's impossible to do everything on your own. Had I not had the courage to ask for help, who knows where I might be today. If you're reading this, you are likely in a similar situation or know someone who is. If you're having trouble transitioning, don't be afraid to reach out. If you know someone who's having trouble, encourage them to seek guidance and not be afraid to help where you can or point them to someone who can help. As you begin to take the first steps, you'll see the next steps are not quite as difficult; it only takes one small step to start a great journey.
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