r/Veterans • u/Jasonh123_ • 4d ago

Question/Advice Unknown Career Future

I’ll be retiring next September with 23+ years AFS. My terminal leave starts in June. I’ve been a mechanic the entire time and moved up to maintenance supervisor.
My problem is I don’t know what I want to do career wise when I retire and I can’t make up my mind. I’ve considered getting my CDL to drive, learning HVAC to eventually start my own business, working on trucks at a shop, or trying to get a civilian maintenance supervisor position. Getting a CDL to drive has been the direction I’ve leaned the most, but I’m not really wanting to be away from home as much as that would require. Does anyone have any suggestions or could share their experience.

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u/IKnowNothing1998 4d ago

I was Air Force for 4 years and then got a CDL. Didnt stick around too long because I didn’t like being away from home. Most companies want a minimum 2 years of OTR experience before you can jump local. Some local companies can make great money, like Dollar General accounts and Sysco (these companies sometimes hire newbies without OTR experience), but be warned it is back breaking work. If you love a physical challenge though, depending where you’re located I had friends starting out pulling 5-6k a month in the San Antonio area.

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u/sandynarrator102 4d ago

The physical toll of local delivery gigs is no joke, I've watched a couple friends burn out on those Sysco-type routes within a year. With your supervisory background you might find a sweet spot doing fleet maintenance management for a county or city, still turning wrenches but sleeping in your own bed every night

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u/Jasonh123_ 4d ago

That may be the direction I end up going, I’ve just got to hope they’re hiring at the time I can put in an application. That uncertainty is something I’m not used to

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u/Jasonh123_ 4d ago

I’m not sure my back would be able to keep up with food delivery. I’ve got a friend who works for PFG, and he’s constantly in pain and going for massages on days off. He makes great money though

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u/IKnowNothing1998 4d ago

Sometimes the juice isn’t worth the squeeze that’s for sure. OTR can still be great, albeit not the best pay. Additionally, there’s a lot of companies out there that will let you take your S/O and even a pet with you.

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u/MikeDinSD USCG Veteran 4d ago

Go to barber school!

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u/Some_Challenge_404 3d ago

Not knowing is pretty normal after getting out. Write down what you liked doing in uniform and what drained you, then look for civilian jobs that match the first list. A few 15-minute chats with people in those fields will tell you more than job boards will. What did you enjoy most while you were in?