Reality Check!!!!
Free unit/mess brief presented by former servicemen to give you exactly what you need to know about preparing for 'life after the services'. The chat we wished that we had received before we left.
Recent briefs to service personnel:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE)
24 Regiment RLC
Royal School of Military Engineering
7 Regiment RLC
32 Engineer Regiment
ATR Basingbourn
22 Engineer Regiment
26 Engineer Regiment
25 Engineer Regiment
39 Engineer Regiment
Why do we do this? We are passionate about the Armed Forces and the development of those that serve. ASTS employ former servicemen and we know first hand about the highs and lows that you will face when leaving the services. We have no hidden agenda. We do not advertise, neither do we discuss what we do. We simply want industry to know how good service personnel are and to help in preparing you in the right way.
Our reality check briefing is designed to get you in the right mindset. We will not hold any punches. Why? Because as we mentioned earlier, we have experienced it first hand and it can be difficult but also thoroughly rewarding. We are not CTP but we fill the void of those unanswered questions.
Finding a job may be the easiest part for some, being happy in the job you choose maybe harder. Above all else finding employment is key - we will talk you through why it is more important to get a job than looking for the dream job. Also, where do you start?; what salary should you aim for?; should you start at the bottom and work up?; if you aim to high will they call your bluff?
We will outline the pitfalls, enabling you to learn from our mistakes, before talking you through the pension process once you are on the other side - so you know how much you will get but also how much tax will you pay on it and when will your gratuity arrive in your bank.
What about things that we all take for granted such as doctors, dentists and reporting sick? How is it going to impact on your family?
The important thing is planning ahead so let us give you some pointers to enable you to start preparing for your future now. The pointers that we wish we had received before leaving.
There is no doubt that you will have served your country well, but in all honesty there has to be some 'me time' and understanding that is key. For us it is simple - It is not a career transition, but a lifestyle transition.
Our reality check chat includes the following and takes about an hour followed by any questions:
· How to put together a quick resettlement timeline for your boss.
· How to get the mindset of looking after number 1 (not as easy as you think).
· When you get your pension, the tax you pay and how you deal with the tax man.
· Making the most of your time.
· How are you going to feel?
· Your first job and second and third…. Probably all with the first year.
· Networking properly…. Stick with what and who you know.
· What the hell to do about doctor/dentist costs etc.
· How best to use your resettlement time and surprisingly (not for training).
· Highs and lows of getting out and how to cope (from real experience).
We will answer any question that you have or find out the answer for you. All we ask is that if you found our briefing worth while tell others. | 
