If you are truly trying to make a "seemless" transition you need to focus more on learning to operate in the civilian world and less on interview dates.
Get your retirement and then start transitioning. It is my experience that the military guys who are worried about "getting hired too soon" generally should have spent their time learning how to fly first then worring about getting the interview they are "entittled too".
Hey Hopeless.....
2 1/2 years after making my "seamless transition" to the civilian world, I've come to some conclusion. Yes it's a very different world, there is a lot to learn, I'm still learning. As soon as you stop learning, think you know it all.... your dead! I've also observed that the good, bad and ugly come from all different backgrounds.
But Mr. hopeless, maybe just maybe, you should try putting yourself in military pilots shoes!
Let see, a military guy, spends anywhere from 8-20+ years serving, his or her country, protecting your freedom to spout off. Spending 3-9 months at a time, away from home, possibly getting shot at, living in a tent, or on a ship in a "closet" with eight other guys.
Then when they served their commitment, which is as much as 10yrs after getting their wings, they can leave the military, pursue other interest.
As a civilian, when one decides to quit, all that is required is two weeks notice. So you see more Mr. hopeless, you can shop around for jobs all you want, somebody hires you, badabing, 2 weeks notice, you're there.
In the Military, as much as a year notice is required to "Resign" or request retirement. So a year out, we've got to "drop the bomb (letter)” END OF CAREER PERIOD. It's a big risk. It becomes a very inflexible situation. That Mr. Hopeless is why we are so concerned about getting interviews. Now take that chip off your shoulder!
