10 Tips to Get Back to Work After a Long Absence

The above picture is of 2 men shaking hands. One of the men is a veteran in uniform.

10 Tips to Get Back to Work After a Long Absence

When you sign up for the service, you don't think much about what comes after. You're consumed by the excitement of standing up for your country and the friends and family that you love.

But, no matter how careful people are, many veterans return from military service with an injury or disability that challenges their current lifestyle. Trying to figure out how to get back to work once you have been injured can be very difficult.

But, it is possible. With the right resume that details your work experience and attitude, you'll be able to build the career of your dreams. The journey to your new future starts with taking the first step. Learn how to get back to work here.

1. Avoid Common Resume Mistakes

When you're a disabled veteran who has a primarily athletic military career, it may be difficult to know what to list on your resume. You may need some career advice. After all, your career break did set you back.

But there are so many other aspects that go into any job search. The key is focusing on the parts of the job that you can still do. You can learn more about common resume mistakes here.

2. Let Everyone Know That You're Conducting a Job Search

If you have been taking a career break for a long period of time, then many of the friends and family members who would help you find a job may not know that you are looking. When you're ready to transition to a job in civilian work, reach out and let people know what you're doing.

Call up your contacts from while you were in the service as well as the teachers and mentors that you had before the service. Explain to them your career break situation. You never know where your next job is going to come from.

3. Prepare a Good Pitch

When you go into a job interview with potential employers, you're selling yourself to that particular company. You have to demonstrate to them that you are capable of doing the work that they need.

Try to come up with a sales pitch for yourself that allows you to demonstrate to a company how your skills could add value. Practice this pitch often by yourself. Then, present this pitch to some of your friends and have them ask you follow-up questions so that you can work through any of the sore spots before it's showtime. Take your time with your pitch. It shouldn't be rushed and it should sound natural.

4. Take Some Classes to Increase Your Skill Set

To reach your career goal, you may need to update your skills set. This can take some time so you would want to start as soon as possible. Make sure that any skill upgrade is specific to the work that you want to do in the career of your choice.

In today's world, there are a ton of different ways to learn a new skill. You can take a class in college, pick up a course online, or venture into a classroom in your city to learn with a group of random individuals.

Whatever way you choose to learn, just make sure you're expanding your skillset specifically to the work you want to do. Do not waste your precious time. Working on these skill sets takes time and energy. Take classes in things that will reshape your vision and priorities so that you can head confidently in your new direction.

5. Consider a Part-Time Work

You may not be able to make full-time money doing the job of your dreams, but if you start off with part-time work, you can always work your way up. 

Many ex-military members hesitate to take part-time work since they are used to the stable security of a consistent paycheck that can support their family. But remember, your career is a journey and if you want to be in a competitive field, it's better to be at the first spot on the board than not even starting at all. 

Try to avoid the temptation to take a job you hate just to earn enough hours unless you absolutely have to. Part-time work is a temporary solution that can help you bridge the gap. Working in a position that you love if possible is never wrong.

6. Mentally Prepare for the Job Search Process

The job search process can be a long and stressful one for many people. But, you only need one company to tell you yes in order to be successful. 

Take time during the process to check in with yourself and restore your energy levels. Take the time to worry about your mental health and work through the challenges of the job search with confidence and grace.

7. Get Involved With Professional Career Circles

There are many different professional career groups that will allow you to sign up and become a member. These groups give you access to happy hour events, networking socials, and conventions that will allow you to meet people who are interested in the career of work as you.

By getting involved with a group of people, you will be more likely to come across opportunities in your career choice and hear about jobs before they're officially posted giving you a better chance at having your resume stick out. You will be working the crowd so to speak.

8. Get a Survival Job for the Interim

If you have a ton of pressure to make a paycheck immediately, then go ahead and job search for an interim job that pays well. That way, you will be more able to calmly focus on your true career. If you seem desperate for a job, it can come off poorly to potential employers.

9. Consider Approaching a Business That Hires Veterans

There are many businesses that understand the struggle of trying to transition from the military world to the civilian one. Try to reach out to one of these businesses to see if they have any opportunities. You can find them by doing a local Google search. It doesn't take long to do.

If they don't have anything available now, check back again soon. New doors are opening every day. Working for a company that favors veterans is a good thing.

10. Start Your Own Business

Working for yourself is the ultimate freedom. You don't have to convince anyone of your vision except for you, that is until you go to sell something. 

Consider starting your own business doing something you love. Consider what your hobbies are and the ways that you could make money off of them.

Get Back to Work

When you leave the military on disability, the idea of getting back to work may not occur get back to work 

Check out our listings of jobs for disabled veterans to help you find a position that works for your pocketbook and lifestyle.