Jessica Marisette shares her military career and her desire to transition to civilian life. connect with here here https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-poirrier-marrisette/

She discusses the challenges she faced in the military and her desire for change. Jessica emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and being honest. She also talks about her morning routine and the flexibility she enjoys in civilian life. Jessica shares her transition process and the importance of financial responsibility and education. Lastly, she imagines a conversation with her 16-year-old self, offering advice and insights. The conversation covers topics such as fiduciary responsibility and the importance of financial advisors in the military. It also discusses the lack of financial advisors in the units and the challenges faced during the transition from the military to the civilian side. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, networking, and setting goals in order to be successful in the civilian world. It also touches on the Onward to Opportunity program and the process of obtaining a PMP certification. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the significance of mentors and the importance of creating a comprehensive business plan. In this conversation, Jessica Marrisette shares her experiences and insights on preparing for transition, taking advantage of opportunities, shifting mindset and work ethic, diverse career paths, preparing for the civilian job market, owning the interview, negotiating salary and benefits, navigating the VA benefits process, the Hiring Our Heroes program, and finding the right job and salary.

Takeaways

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, especially when faced with uncertainty and a lack of information.

Preparing for the transition by setting goals, seeking education and training, and taking care of physical and mental health is crucial.

00:00 Introduction and Goal of the Conversation

01:23 Jessica's Military Career and Desire to Transition

08:14 Challenges in the Military and Desire for Change

09:56 Importance of Being True to Yourself and Honest

21:49 Transition Process and Preparation

30:20 Conversation with 16-Year-Old Self

38:43 Importance of Financial Responsibility and Education

39:13 Fiduciary Responsibility and Financial Advisors

39:53 Lack of Financial Advisors in the Military

43:04 Hurdles in Transitioning to the Civilian Side

44:19 Uncertainty and Imposter Syndrome

46:45 Preparing for the Transition and Landing a Job

50:26 Applying for Government Jobs and USA Jobs

52:43 Onward to Opportunity Program and PMP Certification

57:05 Project Management in the Military vs PMP Certification

01:00:46 The Importance of Networking and Mentors

01:03:40 Setting Goals and Creating a Comprehensive Business Plan

01:09:58 Establishing Connections and Networking

01:14:26 Preparing for Retirement and the Next Step

01:16:41 Preparing for Transition

01:17:40 Taking Advantage of Opportunities

01:19:08 Shifting Mindset and Ethic

01:20:07 Diverse Career Paths

01:20:55 Preparing for the Civilian Job Market

01:22:35 Owning the Interview

01:23:31 Negotiating Salary and Benefits

01:24:37 Navigating the VA Benefits Process

01:31:55 Hiring Our Heroes Program

01:40:25 Finding the Right Job and Salary

01:46:22 Closing Thoughts

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🔗 Onward to Opportunity - https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/

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🔗 I Do Affirm - https://idoaffirm.com/

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Takeaways:

Retirement can be a challenging transition, but it can also lead to new opportunities and a better quality of life.

The VA healthcare system can be slow and backed up, so it's important to plan ahead and explore other options if necessary.

Submitting a BDD claim before leaving the military can expedite the process of receiving VA disability benefits.

The book 'Tribe' by Sebastian Junger explores the importance of feeling competent, authentic, and connected in order to be content.

Human history is marked by cyclical patterns, and understanding these patterns can provide insights into the present and future. Finding purpose and connectedness is important in life, regardless of the generation one belongs to.

Taking care of one's health and wellness should be a priority, especially after leaving the military.

Having freedom and choice in post-military life allows for a better work-life balance and more time with family.

Resources like the Veterans Affairs Servicing Program and Parade Deck can provide support and opportunities for veterans.

Reaching 1,000 subscribers on their YouTube channel is a goal for John and Victor to attend the Military Influencers Conference.

Sound Bites:

"Always some crazy shit going on here."

"The show will go on somewhere or another."

"The VA is backed up on appointments, with wait times of up to two and a half months."

"Finding that connectedness, finding your purpose."

"Humans have dragged a body with a long hominid history into an overfed malnourished, sedentary, sunlight deficient, sleep deprived, competitive, inequitable, and socially isolating environment with dire consequences."

"Having the freedom to choose and enjoy what you do is like a weight lifted off the shoulders."

Chapters:

00:00 Life on the Beautiful Island of Sicily

02:21 The Challenges and Joys of Retirement

08:57 Navigating the VA Healthcare System

13:10 The Importance of Submitting a BDD Claim

32:32 The Cyclical Nature of Humanity

43:09 Finding Purpose and Connectedness

45:24 Prioritizing Health and Wellness

51:43 The Benefits of Freedom and Choice

58:24 Resources for Veterans

01:23:56 Goal: Reaching 1,000 Subscribers

Sitting down with former USMC Clayton Simms aka @TheCivDiv about VA claims and life after the military. Check out StreamYard for creating live streams like this: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4998128083271680

**Summary**

The conversation with Clay focuses on the challenges and necessities of navigating VA claims and transitioning from military to civilian life. It exposes predatory VA claims consulting companies that overcharge veterans for services available for free and stresses the need for transparency and self-education in handling VA claims. Key points include the importance of compiling sufficient evidence for claims, the nuances of the VA's evaluation criteria, especially regarding the condition's impact on range of motion, and the significance of thorough preparation for Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams. Clay shares strategies for transitioning effectively to civilian life, like beginning as a contractor to secure government service positions and utilizing networking.

Clay emphasizes starting a YouTube channel to offer free resources, aiming to counteract misleading and exploitative practices by some consulting firms. He discusses various topics like the limitations of relying on CMP providers over personal doctors, the effectiveness of buddy letters, and the proper approach to audits for back payments. Insights into handling claims while living overseas, and the benefits of having a high VA disability rating for federal employment are also covered.

**Takeaways**

- Avoid overpriced VA claims consulting services; many are predatory and lack transparency.

- Self-education and direct involvement in your VA claims process are essential for success.

- Evidence is crucial; gather all relevant documents from service and current medical records.

- Prepare meticulously for C&P exams and know your rights regarding medical record access, including using the National Archives and FOIA.

- The reality of VA benefit reductions is less common than some sources suggest.

- Building a strong case with evidence is vital, as is checking the accuracy of VA clinical notes.

- Starting as a contractor is a strategic entry into GS positions.

**Sound Bites**

"Evidence is the key driver for pushing your claim through."

"Starting as a contractor helps you get your foot in the door for GS positions."

"The VA claims approval rate is over 60%, but strong arguments for service connection are essential."

"Effective claims begin with solid evidence, building up to a well-supported opinion."

**Chapters**

00:00 Introduction and Overview

10:52 Transition from Military to Civilian Life Challenges

46:38 Understanding VA Benefit Reductions

55:03 How to Find Medical Records for Your Claim

01:08:23 Handling VA Claims from Overseas

01:16:30 Importance of Building a Strong Case with Evidence

01:25:51 Navigating Audits for Back Payments

01:41:42 Advantages of High VA Disability Rating