I started out as a reservist and learned a lot as it being a part job, learned lots of things, then got a government job with the Coast Guard. You have to think outside the box when looking for a "job" . What do you like to do? What skills do you have, what education. Talk to people who are doing what you want. I know the military is not for everyone but people fail to realize that each "job" has its own rules> Don't just look for a job, look for a career.

Worst day at last job. As a Navy instructor, I have the confidence to teach co-workers, my worst day was when I learned my advancement was put on hold to accommodate moving of overhires in other branches on base to open authorized job opening. Within 3 hours realized the new boss had no Historic Buildings or archaeology skills or knowledge. Spent many hours educating him with basics of each position in my program. Only after 80+ plus hours of training to have him systematically state he doesn't understand each and every project sent to him for final divisional sign off. Over the last 3 years I continually had to correct or modify contract standards to meet minimal federal and state standards.

Work hard dreams without goals are just dreams said Denzel Washington any way the point is have goals to make your dreams come true and have nothing hold you back

The most stressful part of the day would be your ptsd and if you see combat it’ll mess with you for the rest of your days learn to manage it over time

In the military no felonies no excuses and no severe medical problem physical or mentally unstable they will turn you down and say no

I loved

It was a interest I had since a kid, when all my friends were leaving for college I was still unsure if that was what I wanted to do. I decided it wasn’t and enlisted into the army shortly later.

Nobody has this kind of experience off the street. You come into the program, providing you can qualify for a secrete clearance, and begin to "unlearn" some of the techniques you might have in the painting family. The products used are applied with spray guns but are not the same as you may have used before. Settle in and learn, it takes a year for new hires to get adjusted to this program.

The old nostalgia feeling working with soldiers.

The one-on- one interaction with Veterans of all ages and their families. I've made several life-long friendships and memories. I loved hearing their stories while I performed my job. The management aspect challenged me in certain ways that pushed me to do better, be better and expect more out of myself.