Back in June of 2014, I ended my time in uniform and quickly transitioned into the civilian world. One day I was in uniform, the next I wasn’t. It has been a very strange experience. When I got home, I was faced with the reality that I needed to find a job. I actually needed to be an adult, put on my big boy pants, and find a job.

During my job search, I went through some major culture shock. I had just come from an environment filled with discipline and mostly like-minded individuals. The people I found applying for jobs were not cut from this cloth. I will give you an example of some of the people I ran into. I started my job search at temp agency thinking they could help me out because people hire temps all the time. I went in, dressed in slacks, nice shoes, and a nice button down. I know it is best to always dress your best so as to make a good first impression. I was very over dressed. One guy was wearing sweats he probably slept in and an over sized shirt. Another guy was dressed the same but he had on Adidas flip flops and socks. Wow. I was in complete shock and amazement. I couldn’t for the life of me wrap my head around the idea that someone would care so little about their appearance to show up dressed like you just got out of bed.

After a month of searching, I was lucky and blessed to find a job working as an IT guy for this awesome company in The Valley. When I started working there, I stumbled upon the resumes of some of the other applicants for the position. Every single one of them was way more qualified than I was yet the company choose to hire me. I don’t what I did to be so lucky. All I did was show up with a half decent resume and a heart full of hope. I thought all I would end up doing was working security at Six Flags part time (they were the only ones who granted me a second interview until this company hired me).

I’ve learned that the way you carry yourself truly speaks volumes. I always heard that it was important to give off a professional appearance but I never really saw it in action until I took the uniform off.