Fantastic Career Options For Former Military Pros

Careers in the military can be an undeniably great choice for many people, and, as we’ve discussed previously, this is an option that comes with many professional perks. Unfortunately, the high demands and physicality of most military roles mean that retirement from these positions may well happen in your early 40s. From there, it’s no secret that many ex-military personnel struggle. Yet, many employers will actively reach for a resume that states military service, especially if they’re advertising a job in one of these fantastic follow-up career opportunities.

# 1 - Police Officer
A Police helmet and badge might feel like a far cry from military gear like your helmet and go-to tactical pants with knee pads, but many ex-military personnel choose to enter law enforcement. The reasons for this are relatively obvious, with police officers also having to deal with volatile and potentially dangerous situations which, in some cases, may include the use of firearms. For these reasons, military professionals can be uniquely suited to positions like these. Within this field, you may choose a role that sees you responding to emergency calls, or you may prefer to take more of an admin role, which puts your skills to use without exposure to situations that some people may find triggering. In either instance, this can be a fantastic next step that you’ll be uniquely suited for in a way that many candidates aren’t.

# 2 - Personal Trainer
A surprising amount of military personnel leave their roles having experienced some level of PTSD, and if you fall into that category, then it’s rarely a good idea to take another combat role after leaving. However, many military personnel also find secondary careers as personal trainers, allowing for a more peaceful lifestyle that leans into existing skills like discipline and a focus on physical fitness. Within this role, you’ll work directly with several repeat clients, who will rely on you for everything from a prepared fitness plan to ongoing support and guidance during regular fitness sessions. This role can be incredibly fulfilling, and is often completed on a freelance basis that means you’ll be free to manage your hours in a way that you never could during your military service. 

# 3 - Technician/Mechanic
Depending on what role you held in the military, you may also choose to take a follow-up job as a technician or mechanic, which will see you putting military engineering expertise to daily use in a range of industries, including the construction or automotive fields. Ongoing tasks like military vehicle maintenance make you especially well-suited to this role, and could see you taking a position in an automotive garage or similar. Your military work alone will make you stand out above other candidates here,  and your chances improve even more if you completed any engineering courses throughout your military career. 

A job that calls for a relatively early retirement may be challenging but you can easily keep your career prospects alive by considering these options next.