Key Takeaways:
- Balancing a civilian job with military service can help you build skills, secure financial stability, and prepare for retirement.
- Exploring civilian careers while serving ensures you’re set up for a smoother transition into retirement with multiple income streams.
Civilian Jobs: The Missing Piece in Your Military Service
- Also Read: Six Reasons Law Enforcement Officers Are Ahead in the Retirement Game
- Also Read: Three Things Every Federal Worker Should Know About Divorce and Pensions
- Also Read: Five Special Category Retirement Benefits That Make These Plans Stand Out for Federal Workers
Why Take on a Civilian Job?
Military service offers countless benefits—discipline, honor, and personal growth, to name a few. But what happens after your service is done? Many service members retire relatively young, often in their 40s or 50s, and still have decades ahead of them. Without a solid plan in place, that transition can be challenging.
By taking on a civilian job while you’re serving, you create additional income streams, enhance your skill set, and build a bridge to the future. Plus, some civilian roles, especially in the public sector, can offer pensions or retirement plans that complement your military benefits. It’s a way to double up on your financial safety nets, and in today’s economy, who wouldn’t want that?
What Types of Civilian Jobs Are Best for Military Personnel?
Not all civilian jobs will align with military life. If you’re currently serving, especially full-time, you need a position that offers flexibility and recognizes the demands of your service. Here are some sectors that work well for military personnel:
Public Sector Positions
Many government jobs are designed with service members in mind. You can often receive credit for your military service toward retirement benefits. Federal, state, and local government positions might offer part-time roles that provide valuable experience while respecting your service commitments. Plus, government jobs often come with solid retirement plans, which can enhance your military pension.
Contracting and Consulting
As a service member, you likely have specialized knowledge that civilian organizations find valuable. Consulting for private companies or taking on contract work allows you to use your expertise in a way that complements your military experience. Consulting often offers flexible hours, making it easier to juggle with your service commitments.
Remote Work
In recent years, the shift toward remote work has opened up a world of opportunities. Many positions can be done from anywhere, giving you the flexibility to work around your military schedule. Roles in IT, marketing, customer service, and administration are great options for those looking to balance civilian and military careers.
How Civilian Jobs Can Supercharge Your Military Skills
It might seem like the military and civilian job markets are worlds apart, but they share a lot more in common than you’d think. Many of the skills you develop in the military—like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving—are highly sought after in the civilian world. Taking on a civilian job can help you hone those abilities in new ways, giving you an edge when it’s time to transition into civilian life permanently.
Leadership and Teamwork
These are cornerstones of military service, and they are equally valuable in the civilian job market. Civilian jobs give you the chance to apply these skills in different settings, broadening your experience and enhancing your résumé.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving
The military teaches you to think on your feet and adapt to changing situations. Civilian employers value this flexibility, particularly in industries that require quick thinking and strategic problem-solving.
Technical Skills
Depending on your role in the military, you may already have a host of technical skills that translate seamlessly into civilian jobs. Whether it’s IT, engineering, or logistics, working a civilian job can deepen your expertise in these areas and make you more marketable when your military service is complete.
Can Civilian Jobs Really Impact Your Retirement?
Absolutely. In fact, one of the biggest advantages of taking on a civilian job while you’re still serving is how it can set you up for retirement. By working in the civilian sector, you’ll be able to contribute to 401(k)s, pensions, or other retirement accounts that complement your military pension.
Building Additional Retirement Savings
While your military pension is a fantastic benefit, it might not be enough to cover all your needs once you retire, especially with inflation and rising living costs. By having a civilian job, you can build up other retirement accounts like a 401(k) or a Roth IRA. Many public sector jobs even offer pension plans that will kick in when you reach retirement age, which can add to your financial security.
Early Retirement Isn’t the End
Many military personnel retire from active service while still in their 40s or 50s, and retirement at that stage can seem daunting. By working a civilian job, especially one that offers long-term growth and retirement benefits, you’ll have more options once you step away from military service. Instead of worrying about what’s next, you’ll already have something lined up.
Securing Health Benefits
Depending on your civilian job, you may be able to secure health benefits that go beyond what’s provided by the military. This is especially important as healthcare costs continue to rise. Civilian roles, especially in government or contracting, often come with comprehensive health plans that can be invaluable as you transition out of active service.
The Best of Both Worlds: Military and Civilian Life
Balancing a civilian job with military service can be a bit of a juggling act, but the rewards are worth it. Not only do you gain additional income and skills, but you also set yourself up for a more secure retirement. The military offers a great foundation, but adding a civilian job into the mix allows you to maximize your potential both financially and professionally.
If you’re considering taking on a civilian job, remember that it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Start part-time, explore your options, and find something that complements your military schedule. You may be surprised at how much these two worlds can intersect, leading to greater opportunities and a more comfortable future.
Ready for a Comfortable Retirement?
As a service member, you’ve already given so much, and you deserve a secure and comfortable retirement. By adding a civilian job to your life, you can build up multiple streams of income, sharpen your skills, and ensure that your post-service years are as smooth as possible. Start thinking about your options now, and you’ll thank yourself later. After all, it’s never too early to prepare for the future, and the work you do today can have lasting benefits for years to come.
