The Crusader Newspaper Group

7 things women do after the military for self-dependency – Part 2

By Wanda “Sistah Soldier” Petty, President & CEO, SHE VET, iNC.

This week we’re continuing with last week’s article identifying strategies that create self-dependency. You’ll want to locate the previous topic to ensure you’re at the top of your game when it comes to preparing for a transition. One of my NCOs used to have a saying that “delayed planning on your part doesn’t constitute an emergency on another person’s part,” and who can take better care of you than you taking responsibility for your future?

  1. Create a spending plan based on your transition.

Once you’ve considered a transition or move, adjust your income to the newly designed regime, and account for expenses such as utilities. Having reduced obligations may have allowed you to spend extra funds on luxury items such as a nice car or traveling. But now, there’s a shift about to take place. Your transition will be happening in 18 months, and you have 24 months remaining in car payments. If it’s possible, double your car payments to decrease the additional expenses and increase your income automatically once you depart. Less stress, more independence, and reduced obligations.

  1. Develop new skills. Return to school.

Using the education benefits of the military before exiting is one of the best plans happening! Find courses offered within your organization that are a part of the training curriculum, classes held at the community college, or university that will give you an extra edge toward your new future. Be a forerunner and avoid being the individual who chases success. Pre-planning always works better than playing catch up. When you take advantage of education opportunities before exiting the service, you save time and money once you’re a civilian. Always consider what opportunities you may have at your disposal before you transition because it could be the one thing you need to catapult your journey.

  1. Plan your work and work your plan.

It’s important not to allow procrastination to settle. Completing other actions makes it easier to have clarity and implement it. So, get pro-active, create a plan, and act. You’ve got to keep the momentum flowing. Gather all of the information you’ve compiled, set up a plan, and work it. Create a schedule that will help you stay on track.

  1. Learn how to create a schedule and keep it.

When you know what’s next, it’s easier not to get stuck. You’ve gained valuable experience in the military environment and harvested leadership skills, which take years to obtain in the civilian sector. Use it to your advantage to create the self-dependency you want. Buy a planner and plan your daily activities. Begin mastering your schedule. Get in the habit of reminding yourself what you need to do. As a civilian, you won’t have anyone telling you what to do, when, or how. You must become responsible for your endeavors. Accepting responsibility will decrease, forgetting the important things we’re used to being reminded to do by others. You’re creating a new protocol for your life. If you found these strategies helpful and would like more, text the word STRATEGY to 240-623-5777 and download more techniques to help you create success before, during, or after your transition.

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Wanda “Sistah Soldier” Petty

Sistah Soldier is an inspirational activist who helps veterans, women, and minorities step into the call of God for their lives. She’s the CEO, host, and executive producer of the SHE VET ™ iNSPIRES.com television show, and the executive recruiter for SHE WORKS Digital ™.

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