@delay
Most people’s favorite thing about the Navy seems to be the close friendships they developed during their career.
I think the primary reason I joined was for the sense of security. I only considered staying if I actually enjoyed the work, but it was the path that allowed me to save up money and get a fresh start.
Tropicalia’s Journal: The Ascension of a Bookworm
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Tropicalia
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Mon Dec 04, 2023 6:41 am
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Tropicalia
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Mon Dec 04, 2023 6:41 am
Re: Tropicalia’s Journal: The Ascension of a Bookworm
The Great Career Pivot
I have been thinking more about what to do with my life after leaving the Navy. I’ve settled on taking some time off of FTE and utilizing my GI Bill to further my education and expand my employment options.
Taking a quarter to finish my B.A. has been the plan from the beginning. But now I’m looking to pursue an associates degree as well.
My B.A. would be for Geology, but I only switched my major to get something relevant to become a Park Ranger. I’ve become less enthused by that path though. The job outlook is pretty poor and I wouldn’t make for a strong candidate. I’m still interested in doing some seasonal work at a State Park just for the experience.
Additional education I’ve researched
1. A.S. in accounting
2. Certificate for School Media Librarian
3. A.S. Ultrasound Technician
4. MLIS
I’m leaning towards doing #1 and #2 at the same time. These are both fields that I seem well suited to. If I like one much better than the other I’ll focus on that.
For #3 I’d switch to that if I don’t like #1 or #2 as much as I thought. It’s an ROI calculation though. Good job outlook and above average pay.
For #4 I’d pursue a masters if I found that I really enjoyed working at a school library. It would expand my options but jobs at schools would be easier to find. So I’d continue my education here more for personal fulfillment.
I have been thinking more about what to do with my life after leaving the Navy. I’ve settled on taking some time off of FTE and utilizing my GI Bill to further my education and expand my employment options.
Taking a quarter to finish my B.A. has been the plan from the beginning. But now I’m looking to pursue an associates degree as well.
My B.A. would be for Geology, but I only switched my major to get something relevant to become a Park Ranger. I’ve become less enthused by that path though. The job outlook is pretty poor and I wouldn’t make for a strong candidate. I’m still interested in doing some seasonal work at a State Park just for the experience.
Additional education I’ve researched
1. A.S. in accounting
2. Certificate for School Media Librarian
3. A.S. Ultrasound Technician
4. MLIS
I’m leaning towards doing #1 and #2 at the same time. These are both fields that I seem well suited to. If I like one much better than the other I’ll focus on that.
For #3 I’d switch to that if I don’t like #1 or #2 as much as I thought. It’s an ROI calculation though. Good job outlook and above average pay.
For #4 I’d pursue a masters if I found that I really enjoyed working at a school library. It would expand my options but jobs at schools would be easier to find. So I’d continue my education here more for personal fulfillment.
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Scordatura
- Posts: 113
- Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2024 12:14 am
Re: Tropicalia’s Journal: The Ascension of a Bookworm
Hello Tropicalia,
These sorts of career pivots interest me greatly.
But first: isn't there a pipeline from a nuke position in the Navy into civilian technical work? I thought that was the whole draw to going for nuke in the first place. Are you uninterested in technical work?
(Edited note: I read your journal backwards, so now I know you aren't fond of the nuke work. I still think my question stands, because I don't think it would be a stretch to shift to something related, but less stressful.)
Regarding your currently chosen options I don't have firsthand experience but I will say this: If you are certain on your choice it seems to pay to go deep and specialize (due to moat and higher wage), and if you aren't it seems better to be more of a piker with your bets. (Optionality) Low barriers to entry and experimentation.
I'm in that latter camp. I've always been interested in everything, so small investments and actually working in the field has helped me make decisions better than some grand plan. I have a lot of optionality built into my work life.
I personally think the ultrasound technician sounds most interesting, but I like the fact you are considering doing things concurrently. It'll be interesting seeing what you decide.
Good luck!
These sorts of career pivots interest me greatly.
But first: isn't there a pipeline from a nuke position in the Navy into civilian technical work? I thought that was the whole draw to going for nuke in the first place. Are you uninterested in technical work?
(Edited note: I read your journal backwards, so now I know you aren't fond of the nuke work. I still think my question stands, because I don't think it would be a stretch to shift to something related, but less stressful.)
Regarding your currently chosen options I don't have firsthand experience but I will say this: If you are certain on your choice it seems to pay to go deep and specialize (due to moat and higher wage), and if you aren't it seems better to be more of a piker with your bets. (Optionality) Low barriers to entry and experimentation.
I'm in that latter camp. I've always been interested in everything, so small investments and actually working in the field has helped me make decisions better than some grand plan. I have a lot of optionality built into my work life.
I personally think the ultrasound technician sounds most interesting, but I like the fact you are considering doing things concurrently. It'll be interesting seeing what you decide.
Good luck!