Are you stuck thinking about which direction to go in life? Below are a few options to consider. 😊
Private Sector & Self-Employment
Work for a non-government related business or start a business. Run your own lemonade stand, car cleaning service, laundromat, realtor, mailbox service, notary, website creation / online marketing service, cleaning service, trash pickup, etc. Select something that add value and make it easy for the customer to say yes.
For a job - review various business sectors, positions, and the benefits offered. Ex: Many union positions have great benefits if stability is your goal. Oil rig workers and others are more risky but give the opportunity to make a lot of money in short periods of time. There are even jobs which are rotating (2 months working / 2 months off) or as needed to allow more free time.
Compensation is based on your effort, risk your taking, and your unique attributes. Are you ready to put in the effort and/or take the risk?
Selecting jobs based around content/internet/AI, located around the wealthy, at creative small businesses, at startup companies, or that are physically dangerous are methods used to sidestep the jobs/companies requiring a 4 year degree.
There are many amazing opportunities out there - but you'll need to look for them. Be prepared for opportunity and your luck will increase.
Government Jobs (non-military)
Join a government, quasi government, start or join a private company supporting government or related organizations / projects. The organization you choose, much like private companies, will determine the benefits you receive - healthcare, disability, retirement savings, etc.
- Become a merchant marine, fireman, policeman, etc.
- Join a private government contracting company - Raytheon, Boeing, ... ClearanceJobs
- Become a GS employee at State Department, Department of Energy, DoD, DoDs school teacher, etc. - USAJOBS
- Many more...
Military Route
Sign up for military service and get some discipline, meet interesting people, learn a skill, get better at dealing with great and not so great people, and get perks for the rest of your life.
- Education Benefit: If you qualify for the GI bill then you’ll be able to go to approved education / training institutes and it’ll even pay enough so you might not need to work while attending.
- Disability Benefit: Recent changes open the possibility for all veterans to receive partial or 100% beneifts. The benefits go beyond tax-free payments for yourself and your family and can be life-altering. Review VA services
- Life Experience Benefit: You'll meet people from all over the world and be thrown into situations outside your comfort zone.
Understand your financial & investment strategies
- Know your limits: Keep it simple, automated, and sustainable.
- Don’t wait: The best time to start is today. Start small & automate.
- Know yourself: What is your risk tolerance? What is your ideal lifestyle?
- Learn from others & improve: Review others stories to see what fits you. Examples are below. Most are average people that retired in their 20's and 30's and half have kids also.
Interesting Stories - It is possible to live the life you want!
- FinancialSamurai.com - Family of 3, Living $$$-$$$$
- 1500days.com - Family of 4 living $$
- Rootofgood.com - Family of 4 – living $-$$
- Vagabondbuddha.com - Travel Couple
- Earlyretirementextreme.com - Couple living frugal - $
Resources & Inspiration
- Doug Nordman - Military "part time" & completely retire at 40
- JL Collins - Simple Financial Advice for everyone
- Everything is on his site (just buy VTI), but if you prefer the book or a quick video...
- Order his book - Amazon
- Watch him speak at Google in 2018 - Youtube
- Try something different!
- PhaselineCo.com - Military artist / designer
- Become a teacher - with some military / gov perks! *International work, subsidies, etc.
- Merchant Marines - trade a little discomfort to work half the year but still get full pay & benefits!
- ClearanceJobs - Having a clearance can get you a very good job
- LoneStarSpec - Veteran dad - Texas IT Worker that'll improve your IT systems or website for a fair price
- JWatte - A young professional showing the value of taking action and giving back.
- Mimirsforesigth - Veteran dad providing cyber consultations
Luck favors those that are prepared!
Being of service to others will help you - learn and share!
Choose a path today & start your journey!
Good hunting!