In this week’s column Kelly Perdew answers a veteran’s question about having a career plan and what to do when the corporate world boils down to “who you know, not what you know.”

Dear Kelly,

As a disabled, retired, military veteran, I'd like to ask a question. I have a B. A. in Journalism, which I thought would make me a flexible hire for many positions.
Instead, I'm in a dead-end job with coworkers who are less educated and out rank me. "Who you know, not what you know" is rule No.1 here. I don't even have friends in "low" places and I'm no young glamour girl either.

Men are hired, with a wink and a nod here. "Rules, Schmools" is the motto, and yes, I work for a federal government agency. I'd take my education to the next level but I used all my voc-rehab and GI Bill funds to get my undergrad degree.
 
Any suggestions other than, "live with it," would be appreciated.
 
Thank you.
 
Patt

Hi Patricia:
 
Ouch! That doesn’t sound like a very good situation. One of the things I always encourage people to do in any position, whether they are happy or not-so-happy, is to continue networking and learning because they will eventually move onto something else – even though it may be a new position in the same company. Sometimes in those very difficult spots (where you don’t see much upward mobility or you’re bored or you don’t get along with your co-workers) is where you develop the skills that will help you break through in your next opportunity. Your attitude is critical to success. I recommend the following:
 
1. Keep a positive attitude. Try and change your perspective to one where you see what you can get out of this position or company. Right now, someone is paying you to work. So do it and make the most of it. I’m not saying “live with it.” I’m saying you should figure out a way to use it to your advantage.
 
2. Develop new skills. Work on everything that will increase your skill sets so that you are more marketable and more flexible for your next gig. I spent two years working at Deloitte Consulting. Even though it is a great company, I didn’t particularly like what I was doing. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, I focused on learning some skills while I was there. Little did I know at the time, but my abilities using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint have served me incredibly well in fund-raising and growing young companies.
 
3. Network, network, network. Figure out where you want your next move to be. Do the research and figure out the place that will give you what you’re looking for whether that be motivation, leadership, cash, responsibility, or more free time to spend with your family. Then, you can start networking to make it happen. There are numerous books and online tools that focus on networking. For instance, I use www.Linkedin.com to network and it has served me well. Military.com’s Veterans Career Network is also a good place to meet other veterans.
 
I like to take the perspective that most “problems” are really just thinly veiled opportunities. Understanding what you want out of life or out of a particular situation is critical to setting yourself up for success.
 
Good luck and TAKE COMMAND!
 
Kelly