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Unarmored Talk
Unarmored Talk—where emotional armor is left at the door. Host Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mario P. Fields and his guests lean into open, heartfelt conversations that reveal personal stories, raw emotions, and authentic connection. Tune in for intimate, unfiltered discussions that invite vulnerability and celebrate honesty.
Unarmored Talk
Get Paid What You’re Worth 💰 | Negotiating After Service
💼 Getting out of the military and wondering how to negotiate your first job offer? 🤔
In this Quick Pro Tip video, I share three strategies every veteran should know: research and present a fair salary range, highlight the true value of your soft skills, and take time to evaluate the entire package — salary and benefits.
These tips can help you avoid settling and start your civilian career strong.
Watch: https://youtu.be/YS8hY9KnyoU
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Leaving the military is tough enough, but here's something most veterans aren't taught. How to negotiate a civilian job offer, including me. I mean, too many of us accept that first number once we get out. And believe it or not, it can cost you thousands of dollars over your lifetime. So here's three tips for you. First, always do your research, look at that zip code in the state, look at uh we'll look at the state average, look at your local zip code, and always provide a range. Find that low end, what's in the in the middle, that median, and then the high end. Knowing the market value will put you in control of the negotiation. And number two, don't underestimate your soft skills. Guys, do your research. Um the soft skills are in high demand, and that is resilience, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and uh attention to detail and more. These soft skills are more valuable than what you can imagine. You can send someone to any university or college to get a degree or a technical school to get an occupational license, but I cannot send you to the university of adaptability. And then number three, give yourself some time. I remember my first job offer came in. I did not delay it, I took it, and I should not have done that years ago. Don't react on the spot. Sometimes a salary may look good, but that full benefits package can make it a win. If that salary comes under than what you expect, make sure you guys take a look at that benefits package and don't be afraid to negotiate that benefits package down. In other words, if there's something in there that you really don't need, um, you can say, hey, uh, is there an opportunity to remove this from the benefits package to kind of bump up that salary? If you found these tips helpful, share this with another service member or a veteran that is making the transition. And uh continue to follow me for some of this advice. Again, I'll continue to do these videos about two pro tips a week. And uh, as the questions come in, I will produce. And you can send your questions to Mario at stillservinginc.com. That's Mario at stillservinginc.com. Until next time, I will continue to pray that God blesses you, your family, and your friends.
