Podcast
Lessons Learned for Vets
Hosted by Lori Norris · EN
Supporting veterans to achieve career success as they navigate the challenges of transitioning out of the military. Each week we will bring you a new mentor who will teach you the lessons they have learned as they traveled the military transition path before you.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Separation Vs. Retirement with Michael Pett
Jun 4, 202500:36:29Tap to summarizeSend us a textMichael Pett defied conventional military career wisdom when he chose to leave active duty at the 15-year mark. His calculated decision, backed by a thorough cost-benefit analysis comparing potential civilian earnings against military retirement, launched him into remarkable opportunities at Accenture and Uber before his current leadership role at Vets in Tech.What sets Michael's transition story apart is his foresight and preparation. While still in uniform, he co-founded a protein dispenser business with fellow veterans that earned them a spot on Shark Tank. This entrepreneurial venture expanded his network beyond military circles and developed skills that proved invaluable in corporate environments. Witnessing family members struggle with their own military transitions provided Michael with critical insights into potential pitfalls, reinforcing his commitment to meticulous preparation.The emotional aspects of transition prove equally challenging. Michael compares the experience to stages of grief, describing the limbo between military and civilian identities where veterans can feel isolated from both communities. This insight led him to build diverse support networks including both veterans who successfully transitioned and civilians who could guide him through corporate culture. After his success building veteran programs at Accenture and Uber, Michael faced burnout and mental health challenges that forced him to prioritize his own wellbeing first before refocusing on his career achievement.Today, as Director of Employment and Community Outreach at Vets in Tech, Michael supports veterans through the organization's three pillars: education, employment and entrepreneurship. From developing technical skills to connecting with employment opportunities at major tech companies to providing capital for veteran-founded startups, this comprehensive approach addresses the spectrum of transition needs. You can learn more about their programs at www.vetsintech.com. His journey demonstrates that with strategic planning, openness to new experiences, and willingness to seek support, veterans can build fulfilling civilian careers that leverage their military experience in unexpected ways. You can connect with Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpett1/Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!
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Season 2 - Episode 63: Navigating VA Home Loan Benefits with Michael Hunter
Feb 16, 2022Tap to summarizeSend us a textMichael Hunter served 26 years in the US Army and just retired at the end of 2021. He now works as a Military Liaison for Aligned Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 that educates and supports active duty military, veterans, spouses and real estate agents in the VA home loan benefit.Though Mike initially intended to pursue a high-salary career, it was a conversation with someone about his top priorities that totally changed the course of his career. Once he and his wife discussed their personal priorities, discovering that money wasn’t in either of their top 3 priorities, he changed direction. Taking the time to prepare, assess yourself and define your family’s priorities ensures you won’t feel as pressured to take the first job that is offered.Buying a home is just one more stressor that you may need to deal with during the military transition process and Mike is here to talk about how to better prepare for and navigate this process. He now works with Aligned Education Foundation, founded by veterans who had success in the mortgage industry, but decided to launch a non-profit that focuses on helping other veterans learn how to optimize their VA home loan benefits. The fact that almost 85% of veterans do not use the VA home loan benefit due to myths, misinformation and uninformed mortgage lenders and realtors. You can find information on the educational seminars and services that Aligned Education Foundation offers at https://alignededu.org. Mike offers some tips about preparing yourself financially for the transition process. Taking care of these steps give you the freedom to choose what you want instead of feeling forced to take “just a job.”- It is recommended that you save up to 6 months’ worth of savings to cover your bills. - Remember there is often a delay between when your military paycheck ends and your pension or disability check starts.- Do everything you can to clear out your debt, especially revolving debt such as credit cards. - Carefully research the job market in the area where you want to live. - Do your research and look at all of your benefits and life insurance options. Take care of the life insurance process before you receive your disability designation, or you might find yourself uninsurable. Mike offers some home buying tips:- Find a realtor that you trust, that has your interest at heart. Ask for referrals from friends and family.- Find a veteran-friendly lender and get pre-approved. Pull your certificate of eligibility – Aligned Education Foundation can teach you to read this information. - Be advised, the VA has no credit score requirement. If you are declined, that is the lender’s choice, not the VA. - Once you get the first quote, you have 10-15 days to gather competitive offers from other lenders. Shop around and make them work to earn your business, all the way through final approval, that gives you the best deal for you and your family. - Start the transition planning process early. Figure out what you want to do and where you want to live as soon as possible to ease this process.Connect with Michael Hunter at www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hunter-cpd/SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this to other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!Connect with me on Facebook and LinkedIn! Or check out our website at www.llforvets.com and listen to the previous episodes here!
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