How I Found A Career I’m Passionate About After Leaving the Army

Veterans and those who love them make no shortage of sacrifices on behalf of this country. But one sacrifice that’s perhaps not as readily acknowledged is the obstacles both veterans and military spouses can face when building out their careers in the civilian realm. This Veteran’s Day, Fairygodboss and Getting Hired asked folks in the veteran and military family community to share the ways this identity has aided and at times impeded them professionally, as well as their No. 1 pieces of advice to fellow military community jobseekers. 

 Do you believe veterans and their families should have the right to build civilian careers free of obstacles and biases? Show your support and #Pledge4VetFamilies here.

--

Who: Margo Rosiles

What: Marketing – Casa Bella Tejas

Where: Dallas, TX

--

How long have you been in your current role, and what were you doing previously? 

I’ve been in my current role for four months; prior to that, I worked in Residential Mortgage Loan Origination.

What factors were most important to you in transitioning from a military to civilian job? Are there any challenges associated with that transition that people may not be aware of? 

I got so caught up in the excitement to start in a new direction outside of the military that I forgot that the Army provided stability and direction. I knew exactly what position I was going to have next. I knew I wanted to be in real estate, but had no idea exactly what type – I did not know my specific passion within real estate. It took me two years to find the right real estate company with an empowering leadership. 

My challenge was finding myself outside of the military. I went through an identity crisis without knowing I was going through one. Once you leave the military, there are many choices around what you can be and do. It takes making hard choices and risks to really figure out your path in the civilian world.I had countless of jobs that did not feel right until I made the decision to move to a thriving town,  Dallas. I did not move to Dallas for a job. I moved to Dallas for the opportunities in real estate, having zero connections and zero family. Sometimes you have to risk it all to be in the path that your soul intends for you to live. If I can offer any words from my experience, it’s that it takes a good two years to stabilize your life in the civilian world. In the process, I Iearned to be vulnerable with my family and friends. It is okay to share that you are not doing okay. 

What did your company do to help ease the transition, and how have you felt supported working here? 

The owners of Casa Bella Tejas do not see me as an employee, but as a business partner. As an officer in the Army you are considered a leader and you have the responsibility to manage companies of people. Casa Bella Tejas helped ease the transition because they immediately gave me a company to lead and grow. They respect my experience in leadership in the military and have thus awarded me with such responsibilities. I am no longer in a job that does not feed my soul.

Do you believe your military background has provided you with any unique perspectives or talents that aid your career today? 

My military background provided me with thick skin and the ability to take risks. We are put into so many scenarios and jobs that we have zero knowledge of. We have to tough it up and make it work with our team. Although in the military it was “forced” risk-taking and I hated it at the time, I am the most proud of having conquered these challenges. I know I will succeed in real estate because I not only have a great team, but also because I believe in myself.

What’s the first (and/or last) thing you do at work every day? 

The first and last thing I do is meditate at my chair for one to three minutes. 

What about outside of work — how do you most enjoy spending your time?  

I enjoy being outdoors with my running club friends, and what woman does not like shopping? I also love doing things by myself once in a while.

What’s the one career move you’ve made that you’re most proud of? 

Picking up my bags and moving to Dallas.

What’s your #1 piece of advice for women, and especially other women veterans, who are looking for jobs right now?  

Dare to take risks! Nothing will change if you continue doing exactly what you are doing now.  The only person stopping you is yourself.