In this episode of Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You, Air Force veteran Jaimee Freeman shares her recent military transition experience—shedding her Chief identity for "just" Jaimee after 28 years of service. Jaimee reveals how she pivoted from linguist to Pentagon event planner, turned down a lucrative job upon transition (not allowing fear to make her rush into something), and used networking, skill-building, and a bold proposal to land her dream SkillBridge internship at National Geographic.

Chapters

02:57 Military Beginnings and Linguist Life
04:05 Pivot to Event Planning
09:12 Insights from an RV Adventure
11:24 The Courage to Turn Down a Job
13:33 SkillBridge with National Geographic
18:06 Shedding "Chief," Becoming Jaimee
20:05 Finding Identity and Purpose

Key Takeaways

Start Soul Searching Early: 3-4 years out from transition, make sure you’re asking yourself questions like, What makes me happy? What do I really want to do? And what do I need to do to get there?
Prepare for a Shift in Identity: Start practicing who you are outside of your rank before your military exit. Jaimee began signing her emails "Jaimee" while still in uniform because she knew one day she would be out of the service and just Jaimee.
Say No to Fear: Sometimes fear of uncertainty can make you want to accept a job. Pause and really ask yourself if it’s what you want. Jaimee felt that fear, but courageously stuck to her plan instead of rushing.
Jaimee’s Three Keys to Success: Build your skills, network, and take your shot!

Follow us for more veteran stories to guide your transition journey, and text this episode to a fellow service member who’s ready to design their next chapter. Until next time, keep taking your shot!

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From Chief to "Just" Jaimee: Soul Searching & Taking Your Shot