Loved this. The below para hit home and reminded me of George Saunders’ “Congratulations, By The Way” speech.
“...But most importantly there are people I should have been nicer too, supported more and asked more often if they were ok. I wish I could say these errors were made more out of ignorance than malice but that wouldn’t entirely be true...”
Great essay - the 'quote' about how easy it is to make sliders was LOL funny. You perfectly captured the SSN petty officer ethos.
As someone who separated in the 90s, I can tell you that the Submarine Service is a great place to be from. I also think leaving as a JO is the cleanest way to transition from the Navy to the civilian world.
Quick plug: I volunteer with an organization called Candorful that preps military folks for civilian job interviews. It's free to military members, so if you'd like some feedback and coaching on your interview prowess, check it out.
As someone who just got his separation approved and is going to transition into the Reserves in nine months, that hit hard. It feels like you were in my head, particularly the part where I’ll always be unsure if I could have hacked it as a DH, and wish that I could have the chance to find out. Really impressive essay that fully captured my own thoughts on my service and its imminent end.
I regret not reading this sooner. Excellent summary. You "shipmates" have a friendship I wish I had on my boat. I have that with some classmates and pipeline-mates but not shipmates. Amazing.
Also, glad you're doing the Reserves; you'll still affect those folks you want to, just differently.
Loved this. The below para hit home and reminded me of George Saunders’ “Congratulations, By The Way” speech.
“...But most importantly there are people I should have been nicer too, supported more and asked more often if they were ok. I wish I could say these errors were made more out of ignorance than malice but that wouldn’t entirely be true...”
Great essay - the 'quote' about how easy it is to make sliders was LOL funny. You perfectly captured the SSN petty officer ethos.
As someone who separated in the 90s, I can tell you that the Submarine Service is a great place to be from. I also think leaving as a JO is the cleanest way to transition from the Navy to the civilian world.
Quick plug: I volunteer with an organization called Candorful that preps military folks for civilian job interviews. It's free to military members, so if you'd like some feedback and coaching on your interview prowess, check it out.
As someone who just got his separation approved and is going to transition into the Reserves in nine months, that hit hard. It feels like you were in my head, particularly the part where I’ll always be unsure if I could have hacked it as a DH, and wish that I could have the chance to find out. Really impressive essay that fully captured my own thoughts on my service and its imminent end.
I regret not reading this sooner. Excellent summary. You "shipmates" have a friendship I wish I had on my boat. I have that with some classmates and pipeline-mates but not shipmates. Amazing.
Also, glad you're doing the Reserves; you'll still affect those folks you want to, just differently.