OCS Applicant Seeks for Your Experience!

[wink]

Hey he is working for AIG, he could lose his job tomorrow. May as well leave on your own terms.

Seriously, if SEAL is going to be one of your choices then your recruiter should put you in touch with a SEAL dude that works with NSW applicants on the physical stuff. You might also look at other Special Operations jobs like Diving or EOD if you want to get physical. Don't worry too much about the experiences other guys have had in the past. Every app is different. Lots of guys with 60s don't get accepted and some guys with 45s do. It just depends on what program you go for, the timing and the competition at any given moment. If your recruiter hasn't spoken with you about medical stuff or run ins with the law, get that out of the way too. No point in wasting your time if you took some medication as a kid that disquals you. You have very good scores, apparently good employment history and a good academic record. You are in the ball park.

 

[HeyJoe]

I find it hard to believe someone would give up a good job to "prepare" for OCS...especially without having been accepted (a seperate point, why would anyone give two weeks anymore?)

It's a double-edged sword. Why do it? If you're slinging hamburgers or washing cars, probably no impact. But, if you're in any type of professional occupation, you need to check the employment handbook. Some companies have clauses that allow them to not pay you for unused leave if you don't give them notice. On the other hand, some companies will show you the door if you announce intentions to leave (typically those that do not want you to have access to financial or other sensitive datsa if you are leaving). Just several things to consider. I've seen people burned routinely.

More food for thought: unless you're leaving under duress, you want to leave on best terms possible as that person could be called in a security background investigation or you want to use them as a reference. I've hired a lot of people and one thing I look for on a resume is "holiday(s)" (ie gaps between employment indicating person tends to walk on emotions or impulse).

 

[wink]

(a seperate point, why would anyone give two weeks anymore?)

Have I missed something here? Am I that old fashioned? Since when is giving notice of leaving your job not the right thing to do? Is just walking out on your employer a necessary and accepted part of the "new" economy? I find it arrogant, inconsiderate and possibly damaging to innocent customers and fellow employees. HJ's points are well taken. Some companies will escort you out the door on notice. Fine, you should know that in advance and act accordingly. No hard feelings from either party. But come on, it is a courtesy to an employer that took a chance on you, possible expended time and money training you, put up with your inefficiency when you were new, and maybe even cut you come breaks here and there for tardiness, and mistakes. And as HJ notes, he may be asked to pass judgment on you in the form of security interviews or referrals. So your supervisor is a dick and you don't think he deserves the courtesy, what about the owner of the company or department manger? Better still, say you have no respect for the company at all. Your fellow slaves will have to work harder or longer to cover your shifts/responsibilities until a new guy can be hired and trained. Think of the poor bastards you are leaving behind while you make your escape. In most cases not giving notice of leaving is a shitty thing to do. I know in my wife's firm and her profession it is just not done without negative consequence. Hence, rarely done.

 

[Spekkio]

I worked before OCS. I gave two weeks notice. It's not antiquated.

 

[OUSOONER]

I always gave my two weeks...and even after that (if I was available) I said to them if they ever found themselves in a bind to give me a call every now and then and I would pick up when I can. I am a big believer in not burning your bridges because if you just walk out of your job...you also are leaving your fellow employees who have to pick up any slack.

You also never know later on in life when these people one day are in an occupation that you might need their assistance (financial planner, mortgages etc..). Never burn your bridges you may need a reference and it's just good character.

 

[peachesnel]

Dude, LEAVE OF ABSENSE. It can be your best friend.

 

[OUSOONER]

Dude, LEAVE OF ABSENSE. It can be your best friend.

Yeah but in this economy when they are looking for people to lay off to save some loot. Leave of Absence will just be a pink slip.

 

[Gills]

I know military leave is guaranteed. I wonder if that applies to OCS?

 

[Flyer09]

Soldier and Sailor Leave Act I believe it is called. The company has to keep you on the books for up to 5 years and you have to continue rising up through the company as if you were still there. You don't get any benefits while on leave but you can stay on. I've been talking back and forth with my company's HR Department and that is the route that I am going to take. Just in case something happens and I don't make it through OCS or get injured and am unable to get a career in the military. I don't want to be left out to dry, especially in this economy. Don't burn any bridges because it might come back to bite you in the end.