View Full Version : I need some thoughts - Help me .Org
ThEGr33k
19-05-08, 04:51 PM
Well as some of you may know im in the RAF. Ive recently been thinking about getting out as it isn't what I hoped it would be. The thing is I have no idea what I want to do with my life. I obviously want a reasonably well payed job...
So anyone got any ideas what a fella with 2 A levels Chemistry and Biology (3 if you count General studies), and 10 GCSE's + a fair bit of computer based training from the RAF should go for? I really am stuck for ideas... :( There seem to be too many people with decent Computer qualifications about... :rolleyes:
Cheers for any help. :D
Heating Engineer? Loads of blokes that work for the company im with come from all lines of work, we have 3 from the army. A bunch of truck drivers and electricians, photocopier engineers and the list goes on.
It's challenging enough and the rewards are good, its quiet a relaxed business in summer where early finishes happen most days, but winter time its hectic as hell but then i don't mind so much as theres no much you can do in winter time.
I'm only 19 and i have the potential to earn 30+k plus bonuses this year. Wages go up the more you do/learn and you can always go self employed and earn your fortune later on. Our adult apprentices start from 26-45 years old at the mo so the age range is varied. I expect theres plenty of companies around your area that would have a similar set up.
Rich
ThEGr33k
19-05-08, 05:01 PM
I could do with learning to drive like... That would no doubt help me.
Wayluya
19-05-08, 05:14 PM
Yer don't say what you did in the RAF, so I am guessing not directly relevent to Civvie Street.
I would suggest a job / skill / trade that you could also later become self-employed in either as a 1 man (and a dog?!) band or larger and requires someone to physically be in this country for! If I was starting again I would have gone for either Plumber (like a couple of me mates) or Marine Engineer.......pity you are not in the RN! :rolleyes:
Anything you can sign up for in the RAF for them to teach you? (whilst paying you!)...from the adverts they seem to do other things apart from fly stuff :p
Yeah, learning to drive would be a useful start!
Why not transfer in the RAF to summat else? Civvy street isn't all well paid jobs and beemers ya know...
ThEGr33k
19-05-08, 05:24 PM
Why not transfer in the RAF to summat else? Civvy street isn't all well paid jobs and beemers ya know...
I know... But you don't have to go out of the country for 4 months... they are talking or are I hear putting it up to 6 months. Its this that is bothering me most. I don't know how ill cope tbh. :( not very well... :mad:
My job atm is Communications and Information Systems operator/maintainer. Basically I'm trained in Computer networks, Computer's, Radar's and Phone networks. bit of a geek trade. Thing is Im not doing any of that. Ive been let down by the RAF. At the moment Im stamping pieces of paper, its not a bad job in that its easy and I get payed ok... But it aint something I want to do.
Id also like to be closer to my Friends and Family, you might think me sad for saying that... but thats how I feel. :rolleyes:
ThEGr33k
19-05-08, 05:49 PM
Basically I need to pick a profession I want to do.... man thats a BIG question. :(
metalmonkey
19-05-08, 05:53 PM
I would look for a transfer within the raf first right now I wouldn't have though is a good time to be changing jobs.
I know for me, when I change my posting, it will be better what I do is good but know there are better things for me to do, So surley not the same for the raf?
Miss Alpinestarhero
19-05-08, 06:02 PM
Id also like to be closer to my Friends and Family, you might think me sad for saying that... but thats how I feel. :rolleyes:
Nope not at all. I understand how difficult it must be for you to try and think of a brand new career direction because the list of jobs is endless.
I guess a good way to start is to think of things you would like to do. What are you interested in? What area/field do you like? Or an easier way is to think of what you definately dont want to do.
Do you enjoy the job you do now? Forgive me if I sound stupid, but you mentioned that "you would look for a transfer but its not a good time to change jobs" - why? what exactly does a transfer involve? a new working location or a different sorta job?
How long have you wanted a career change? do you really want to do something different or have you hit a low point of "oh my job is crap, I hate it" (ive hit that too many times, lol)
If you enjoy/like what you do now then try and think of companies where you could use the skills you already have. There is something there for you, you just need to try and find it :D
You dont have to have a degree to have a good and well-paid job. Im more "qualified" in terms of academia than my friend who left school with only GCSE's yet she earns way more than me.
Good luck though, I hope it all works out for you:)
Maria
Dont know if its any good to you but delpel popped round mine the other weekend, he,s leaving the mob, he mentioned an organisation called RAF E dont know what it stands for or if Ive got the name right but they are there to specifically help ex serviceman into jobs in civvy st, pm delpel he might be able to help you.
So, you've got some knowledge about chemistry & biology...hmm...considered something in the NHS? Their website is very comprehensive. How about a dispensing technician in a pharmacy? Go back to college and learn how to be a speech & language therapist...very rewarding so I'm told. None of these are highly paid jobs, you've also got to work hard because it's 'real world'...but the potential rewards are enormous.
Good luck. Remember...think outside the box...it's a bigger world than you think.;)
Biker Biggles
19-05-08, 07:13 PM
Cant give any advice on jobs,but dont just leave the RAF without having planned what to do.Leave positively to go to something else or not at all.
ThEGr33k
19-05-08, 08:10 PM
Cant give any advice on jobs,but dont just leave the RAF without having planned what to do.Leave positively to go to something else or not at all.
Indeed. Very right.
Cheers for the advice. Ill deffo be making a comprehensive plan. I think the NHS thing is a good idea for something to look into! Cheers for that. :eek:
About the well paid bit. TBH anything around ?20k id be well happy with. Thats pretty much what I need to be fairly comfortable... Would one of those Drug technitians be able to earn that amount?
I know... But you don't have to go out of the country for 4 months... they are talking or are I hear putting it up to 6 months. Its this that is bothering me most. I don't know how ill cope tbh. :( not very well... :mad:
WTF, boo hoo, how do you poor crabs cope?? its 6 months standard in the Army. geez you lot dont know you are born in those blue uniforms.;)
I do the same thing as you but in the Army and have pretty good contacts in the Civi Comms world due to my post at the moment there are a couple of agencys that will snap up ex forces.
A good thing to do for resettlement (depending on how long you have served ) is CCNA CCNE etc,
Network management is more usefull and beter paid than engineering it.
Tim in Belgium
19-05-08, 08:47 PM
Have you thought about becoming a control systems engineer, the type used in chemical plants and factories? The last service engineer we got sent was an ex RAF man. Pay could be quite good I'd imagine, especially with the odd stint of offshore work, and varied (if you worked for a supplier), but would likely involve quite a lot of travel.
I have no idea how the forces work. Isn't there someone you can talk to to tell them that it's not what you expected and ask for a change? Or is that an admission of failure? Seems quite drastic to leave.
I have no idea how the forces work. Isn't there someone you can talk to to tell them that it's not what you expected and ask for a change? Or is that an admission of failure? Seems quite drastic to leave.
yes there is, well in the Army there is a list of vacant posts that are undermanned in each corps. You are entitled to ask to change trade at anytime. Its up to the recieving corps if they want you though .
RAF might be a little diferent. But you can also transfer to the other services. But given his reluctance to do more than 6 month tours, the Navy is out of the question and the Army tours come around quicker due to whole regiments deploying rather than individuals like the majority of the RAF.
Indeed. Very right.
Cheers for the advice. Ill deffo be making a comprehensive plan. I think the NHS thing is a good idea for something to look into! Cheers for that. :eek:
About the well paid bit. TBH anything around ?20k id be well happy with. Thats pretty much what I need to be fairly comfortable... Would one of those Drug technitians be able to earn that amount?
Click it...
http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/
appollo1
19-05-08, 09:18 PM
How long have you been in the RAF? Is the unit you are at, at the moment your first posting? How far away are your family from where you are? Why not try to get a move closer to where your family lives? Are you married? If yes what does your wife say ?
Have you talked to anyone about how you are feeling? Your friends, boss, family, SSAFA, Padre etc, are all good points of contact and will help you.
As for going away, boo hoo, what did you think would happen when you joined up? At least your selfish attitude means that if you manage to get out of going away for 4 months then someone will have to take your place. Probably a married person who will go away over christmas and be away from his/her children and family.
As for going away, boo hoo, what did you think would happen when you joined up? At least your selfish attitude means that if you manage to get out of going away for 4 months then someone will have to take your place. Probably a married person who will go away over christmas and be away from his/her children and family.
i have to agree with that actually. We all sign on the line and know we wil have to go away.
That said the forces is not for all, some people just dont like being away, and fair enough. But they shouldent be in the forces really.
That said from what i have seen the RAF on tour d get it the easiest and are looked after. My last tour was attached the the JHF and it was more like a holiday than work.
My advice go on tour you will like it i promise, you make friends and bond with the lads with you like no other job on the planet.
BTW,Appollo1 St andrews,RAF Leuchers by any chance??
appollo1
19-05-08, 09:34 PM
BTW,Appollo1 St andrews,RAF Leuchers by any chance??
neio79 if I tell you I'll have to hurt you ;)
:-dd:-dd
Leuchars if you please
How long have you been in the RAF? Is the unit you are at, at the moment your first posting? How far away are your family from where you are? Why not try to get a move closer to where your family lives? Are you married? If yes what does your wife say ?
Have you talked to anyone about how you are feeling? Your friends, boss, family, SSAFA, Padre etc, are all good points of contact and will help you.
As for going away, boo hoo, what did you think would happen when you joined up? At least your selfish attitude means that if you manage to get out of going away for 4 months then someone will have to take your place. Probably a married person who will go away over christmas and be away from his/her children and family.
A bit harsh perhaps ? I remember when I was in, working 7 christmas,s out of 10 so that the marrried blokes could have christmas with the family and never mind about the singlies, the forces arent for everyone, but at least he signed up eh?.
ThEGr33k
19-05-08, 10:10 PM
i have to agree with that actually. We all sign on the line and know we wil have to go away.
That said the forces is not for all, some people just dont like being away, and fair enough. But they shouldent be in the forces really.
That said from what i have seen the RAF on tour d get it the easiest and are looked after. My last tour was attached the the JHF and it was more like a holiday than work.
My advice go on tour you will like it i promise, you make friends and bond with the lads with you like no other job on the planet.
BTW,Appollo1 St andrews,RAF Leuchers by any chance??
Indeed I know it is harder in the Army, which is why I didnt join... :rolleyes:It now seems the RAF is going to become the army air core again... (maybe slight exageration) I joined the RAF expecting cirtain things like working on the most modern equipment in the world... Im currently working on Kit older than me and more out dated than the sword.
I joined expecting I might have to go away for 4 months which i think I could hack but it sounds changing to 6 months. That isnt what I wanted, if they are going to change that then no thanks.
I have tried and I now know after 3 years that it aint for me. Sorry if that means someone else has to do the work but if the MOD actually gave the forces what they are worth then maybe that wouldnt be an issue?
A bit harsh perhaps ? I remember when I was in, working 7 christmas,s out of 10 so that the marrried blokes could have christmas with the family and never mind about the singlies, the forces arent for everyone, but at least he signed up eh?.
Thanks for the support. :D
If you enjoy your job then im happy for you but I dont think I should hack it unhappily to please anyone. :scratch:
Indeed I know it is harder in the Army, which is why I didnt join... :rolleyes:It now seems the RAF is going to become the army air core again... (maybe slight exageration) I joined the RAF expecting cirtain things like working on the most modern equipment in the world... Im currently working on Kit older than me and more out dated than the sword.
I joined expecting I might have to go away for 4 months which i think I could hack but it sounds changing to 6 months. That isnt what I wanted, if they are going to change that then no thanks.
I have tried and I now know after 3 years that it aint for me. Sorry if that means someone else has to do the work but if the MOD actually gave the forces what they are worth then maybe that wouldnt be an issue?
.
I dont think the RAF is going to be the Army air Corps again. Yes you have had some changes, your fitness test has got a tiny bit harder, but its still easy to pass. I dont think you have 10% of the bull sh*t the Army has. A lot of your trade is moving to TCW in know that so maybe you concider that to be not for you.
I still think the RAF is so muh eaiser compared to the Army from what i have seen and experianced.
But Like you say if its not for you then yes leave you should not stay in a job that you are not happy with at all.
However i get the feeling your choice to leave is largely based upon the fact you will have to go away for longer than 4 months? If you are going to be so bad at being away from friends and family then yes you should leave the forces , but as i get the feeling you havent been away in the whole 3 years you ahve ben in you should maybe give it a go and see if after doing a tour you feel the same.
But like i said in my post at the moment i work closely with our civilian equivilents on big projects in defence comms so if you do want a point in the right direction of where to send your CV give me a shout.
if i could go back i would look at either
accountancy,
skilled trade (sparky, chippy, gas)
or try and see if you can get in with a big company and do CISCO, SAP, Oracle database work or similar.
Unfortunatly most of us who work only do it for the money, so I would suggest to forget about the 'ideal' job, as not all of us can become marine biologists working with dolphins in the maldives. So, just get trained over a few years then go wherever the money is......even if it has to be London.
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.