Keys to a Successful Transition (Guest Post from Ms. Emma!)

Like Dinosaurs? You can buy the original Suchomimus print here, which is super great the way it is, or you can add a hat and sequins! (Like I did, he's a little less intimidating that way.)

           I would say, the number one concern for many transitioning families, and definitely for ours, is what exactly we'd  like to do now that active duty service is over. I have already had to, regrettably, informed my Husband, that racing in the Monaco Grand Prix is not his best career move. Luckily for us, just as Hubby and I are busy taking our first baby steps in the transition to civilian life, Emma, from Smile As It Happens, has offered to share a few tips on the subject. Hurray for Guest Posts! Please make sure you check out Emma's blog, and Facebook page too.  <3 - Kendra

 

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Keys to a Successful Transition: Debunking the Myths about Post-Military Employment

Are you facing a transition from the military back into civilian life? It doesn’t matter whether you are finishing a minimum commitment or retiring from service after a long military career. Either way, this transition presents challenges, and most military personnel facing this transition experience some anxiety. As you begin looking for non-military jobs, you will most likely encounter some myths about the job search that you now face. Let’s take a look at four of these myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It will be too difficult to find a non-military job after a long time in the military.

Truth: Throughout your military career, you have learned valuable skills that will be useful to employers in the private sector. In fact, there are many employers that prefer to hire military veterans. Recruit Military is one of several recruiting firms that specializes in connecting military veterans and their spouses with such companies as well as with colleges and other institutions where you can further your education.

Myth #2: Asking for a referral inconveniences and annoys colleagues and superiors.

Truth: Most people who appreciate you and your work will be happy to provide a reference for you. Today’s employers understand the value of people’s time, and many have streamlined the process to make it easier for you and your references. In fact, several top companies now use mobile recruiting platforms, like JIBE, that allow applicants to request referrals directly from social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Myth #3: Having learned to take orders, military veterans would be best off working for someone else.

Truth: If you want to start a business of your own, go for it. Taking orders is just one of the many skills you learned during your military career, and you have a lot of other valuable skills as well. If you need guidance, you can find it through a program recently launched by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This program helps veterans reinvent themselves as entrepreneurs through classes and mentorship.

Myth #4: Today’s economy leaves no room for salary negotiation.

Truth: In today’s competitive job market, the demand for skilled professionals in a number of fields still outpaces supply. As long as you research average salaries for your area and go into negotiations with accurate knowledge and information, there isn’t any reason to settle for a lower-than-average salary.

Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network with people from around the world! Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/!

Sometimes a little stormy weather can shake things up for the better. (And sometimes it's raining velociraptors, depends how you look at things.)

This year…. Oh, my…. Gosh… this year has been crazy.

I’m sure it happens to you too; you look back and say to yourself, “Whew. That was crazy!”, only to look forward, and realize, it was all just the calm before the storm.  AHHHHH!



Long story short, Hubby has hit HYT (High Year Tenor) with the USAF, and after 20 amazing years we are saying goodbye to military life. I, who have lived my entire life as an active duty dependent, am particularly freaked out. But don’t worry, I’ve finally pulled myself out of a shivering fetal position and am now looking at our families coming transition as an adventure.  The big, fat, scary as all get out, Law Family adventure.



Part of this separation process means we must sell our home of 5 years… a little sooner than expected, and for a lot less than expected. Which means we are facing a short sale.  Oh, sorry, I mean a “Short Sale Adventure. “ 

I’ll have a lot to talk about in the coming weeks and months, there are so many changes and challenges coming our way, I’m looking forward to conquering them. Crushing them! Stampeding through them!  Step one…. Sell the house. We were lucky enough to get an offer this week, and are officially under contract RIGHT now! (YES!) Of course, I’m told a short sale can take up to 6 months (bites nails) and our buyers can walk away at any point (cold sweat) and …(plugs ears). You know, I’m gona just look at this as a win for right now, thank you very much. WIN!  (Fingers crossed.)



Whelp, that's the quick of it. Three Cheers for Adventures! (Right?) <3 Kendra

H&M Online Shop Now Open!

          Oh-my-gosh!

           I'm pretty, flipping, excited about today's grand opening of H&M's online retail store! H&M is one of my very favorite shops, especially for children's clothes. Their wears are unique, long lasting, fit great and most importantly... SUPER AFFORDABLE! (My boy's H&M duds always attract loads of compliments.)
           I tried to be strong today, just popping online to window shop... but of course my cart quickly filled up. (Be strong... remove.... STRONGER... remove, remove, remove... sniffle.) I'm already regretting not ordering that creepy/cute kitty face cushion cover. (Did I mention the online store has home wears!?) I did order a new tunic top for myself (You can never have too many black tunic tops!) and two sweatshirts for my boys.
           If it's your first time ordering from H&M you should know their children's apparel often fits long, and lean (but super comfy and stretchy) so if you have a husky child, order up a size.  



            We are planning a December Disney vacation, soooo.... I needed these sweatshirts right? And I neeeeeeded that tunic too, because a little birdie told me I am getting these SWEET leggings as an upcoming anniversary gift from the hubby. (11 years! Sigh. <3 )

 

   Maleficent is my favorite, if she is yours too, you can snag a pair from Hot Topic.  

So, to wrap it up, H&M online.... exciting. Future Disney vacation... also mega exciting! And an online coupon code for 25% off your most expensive item from H&M (0241)... pretty super exciting!

 

Happy shopping! -Kendra