Post Armed Forces career (20+yrs)

[TheFungle]

Having recently ticked over the magic 22yr point, I'm looking to move on from my Armed Forces career.

I'm fortunate in that my current role has given me easily transferable skills and that it's a job that I enjoy, it's also a job that is more compatible with the civilian world so I know not to be barking orders on day one

Perhaps this is more a question for the finance section but I'm keen to hear from those who have made a similar journey and especially how you have maximised your pension.

I'm fortunate in that having owned my own home for 10+ yrs I don't have that particular obstacle to overcome and that overall, the household finances are comfortable.

That said, I'm looking for a job that pays at least what I'm on now and ideally a little bit more which is likely to be in the £50-60k bracket. I know some people take an 'easier' approach and use pension to make up the shortfall but that's not something I'm actively considering.

So my questions are:

• What can I do to maximise my immediate pension payout?
• What's a sensible use of the monthly pension payment?
• Are there any scenarios that cause me to lose a lot more money than I should?
• General advice.

[JSP440]

I left at my 13 year point but have I employed a few 22+ point guys.

I will ask tomorrow what they do but off the top of my head

1, they do the maximum matched pension contribution that the company offer currently 8%
2, our company also offer a salary sacrifice shares scheme where they lump 3-400 a month away before tax they then get it back 3 years later in shares.

so what ever company you look into working for see what they offer first.

[aproctor1]

Look at banks and payment providers, they seem to like ex-forces. JP Morgan in particular has a dedicated fast track scheme.

£100k+ should be possible within a few years, assuming you make it past the selection criteria.

[Boleros]

The three jobs I've had since leaving just under four years have been absolute garbage and I've been jobless for the last 7 months. My general advice? Be absolutely clear about what you want to do otherwise you'll end up like me - lost.

[TheFungle]

Boleros said:

The three jobs I've had since leaving just under four years have been absolute garbage and I've been jobless for the last 7 months. My general advice? Be absolutely clear about what you want to do otherwise you'll end up like me - lost.

Sorry to hear that Boleros.

Whilst I can't give you any specific advice I know there are plenty of folks on LinkedIn with Forces' background who are more than willing to help.

Good luck.

[Boleros]

Thanks, something will turn up eventually I’m sure.

[MikeGTi]

What kind of role are you coming from?

If you're already in a tech type role, or want to move into one, give TechVets a look

[RC1807]

aproctor1 said:

Look at banks and payment providers, they seem to like ex-forces. JP Morgan in particular has a dedicated fast track scheme.

£100k+ should be possible within a few years, assuming you make it past the selection criteria.

Barclays, among others, recruit a lot of ex-forces, too.

[TheFungle]

MikeGTi said:

What kind of role are you coming from?

If you're already in a tech type role, or want to move into one, give TechVets a look

Thanks - they look a good option.

Comms Eng but looking to move into ahem...'project management'.

I'm tracking a number of options and as I technically have yet to ET (or are in last 2yrs), I don't have the CTP options open to me yet. That said, I'm lucky in that I know what I want to do so at this stage don't require the networking that CTP offers.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

TheFungle said:

MikeGTi said:

What kind of role are you coming from?

If you're already in a tech type role, or want to move into one, give TechVets a look

Thanks - they look a good option.

Comms Eng but looking to move into ahem...'project management'.

I'm tracking a number of options and as I technically have yet to ET (or are in last 2yrs), I don't have the CTP options open to me yet. That said, I'm lucky in that I know what I want to do so at this stage don't require the networking that CTP offers.

There are quite a few ex-Supervisor networks if you are a tech by trade. Try and pick your last posting to a 'resettlement suitable' one - eg rather than pushing the metaphorical broom around large HQ regiments etc......

[Evanivitch]

TheFungle said:

Thanks - they look a good option.

Comms Eng but looking to move into ahem...'project management'.

I'm tracking a number of options and as I technically have yet to ET (or are in last 2yrs), I don't have the CTP options open to me yet. That said, I'm lucky in that I know what I want to do so at this stage don't require the networking that CTP offers.

Can you get yourself to DVD later in the month?

Lots on offer for "Comms" in the South West region. CGI, Ultra, L3Harris, Babcock, probably not General Dynamics! Could always try the Atkins, QQ, BMT etc etc

All of them will be armed forces covenant too, so use that to the best of your ability even if it's just a first crack at an interview.

If you've got any Sat Com experience that's a huge growth industry too.

[vaud]

Evanivitch said:

Lots on offer for "Comms" in the South West region. CGI, Ultra, L3Harris, Babcock, probably not General Dynamics! Could always try the Atkins, QQ, BMT etc etc

Also Accenture, Capgemini etc have good sized defence practices and like to hire people that have been in the forces.

[ChocolateFrog]

Depends where you want to live.

I wanted to stay near family so my kids know who their grandparents, aunties and uncles are so that ruled out the high paying London jobs but I know HSBC are very good for ex-forces.

I know a few who've gone to Abbey wood on the PM side of things, personally couldn't imagine anything worse.

Rail is pretty good and regional, that's what I ended up doing and there's loads of ex forces.

The covenant is very useful. Gets you to interview which is further than most applications will get if it's a desirable job.

[TheFungle]

Thanks all.

I find it hard to explain but I don't really want to work somewhere with a large Ex-Forces contingent. I think it's down to my experience(s) on various comms courses where the instructors more often than not had a certain....attitude about them.

It's good to hear the financial / consultancy sector are on the hunt, I'll keep an eye out for opportunities there.

[TWODs]

If you still want the military connection to be closer than a defence prime and the private sector, you could look to either a tour and test the water or a apply for a perm civy post in a MOD ALB like DE&S, DSTL or SDA?

Edit oops sorry missed the "don't" in your previous post. good luck

Edited by TWODs on Tuesday 3rd September 11:33

[MadCaptainJack]

There are some specialist reserve units (e.g. 81 and 254 Signal Squadrons) that recruit people who are likely to be in the sort of roles you're looking for (or, at least, working for the types of companies that are likely to be recruiting someone with your experience), and often have a lot of ex-Regular members who've already successfully trodden the path you're looking to follow.

Working with any of those units while you're still in could be a way of getting acquainted with folks who can offer good advice, and build a network that will be useful in the future. You may even find a job through a friendly introduction.

TheFungle said:

I find it hard to explain but I don't really want to work somewhere with a large Ex-Forces contingent. I think it's down to my experience(s) on various comms courses where the instructors more often than not had a certain....attitude about them.

Heard and understood. However, you may find that working with (or being mentored by) one or more ex-Forces folks may help you navigate the transition easier.

Also, bear in mind that you don't need to stay in the first job you get forever. You can use it as a stepping stone. I'd suggest you stay for at least two years (preferably three), then find a better (paid) job. The way to increase your salary in Civvy Street is to move jobs every few years.

[ben_h100]

OP, drop me a private message if you like. I’m guessing you’re up at 90SU (or have been previously).

I’m down south in a relatively lucrative location for resettlement - may be worth you getting a year down here before you get out. Loads of potential for courses and networking.