In this episode of the Vets2PM Podcast, we sit down with Michela Allocca, personal finance educator and author of Own Your Career: Break the Corporate Blueprint and Build Your Own Ladder.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

🔥 The Myth of the Dream Job & the 9-5 Fallacy

⚡ Understanding the Four Phases of Career Growth

🎯 Learning vs. Earning: A Balanced Career Approach

💰 Your Job is a Tool to Make Money & Support Your Lifestyle

📄 Resume Tips: How to Get Your Resume Read

📝 The Power of Writing Things Down: Task & Financial Trackers

Michela challenges conventional career advice and shares insights on how professionals—especially veterans transitioning into civilian roles—can take ownership of their careers instead of following outdated corporate norms.

• There is no “dream job.” Instead of chasing an ideal role, focus on crafting a career that aligns with your skills and values.
• The traditional 9-5 work model is outdated for many industries. Flexibility, remote work, and project-based roles offer alternative career paths.

Everyone experiences career transitions differently, but most go through these four phases:

1. The Freak Out: Uncertainty, doubt, and anxiety about the next step.
2. The Quarter-Life Crisis: Realizing your job isn’t what you expected and questioning your direction.
3. The Turning Point: Gaining clarity on what you want and taking steps toward it.
4. The New Normal: Finding a role or career path that fits your goals and values.

Michela shares why Task Tracking is valuable for the Veteran:

• Task tracking is a game-changer: Keeping a record of your work helps you communicate your value in interviews and negotiations.
• Create an "Interview Rolodex"—a collection of examples and experiences to reference in job interviews.

• Keeping a personal career tracker isn’t just for your employer—it helps you advocate for promotions, update your resume, and prepare for interviews.

Listen to Michela's take on the following:

• Ideally, every job should offer both learning and earning opportunities.
• If your role provides neither valuable experience nor financial stability, it’s time to consider a transition.
• Reframing your job: Even if a role isn’t your ideal fit, what are you gaining from it? Are you developing skills that can serve you in the future?

• Your career should support your current and future lifestyle goals—not just your employer’s bottom line.
• Sometimes, taking a job is necessary to learn what you do and don’t want in a career.
• It may take three different jobs before you fully understand the best path forward.

• Go beyond listing job duties—highlight personal accomplishments that start meaningful conversations.

• Michela’s financial and career trackers can help professionals stay organized and take control of their career growth.

🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 📖 Own Your Career: Break the Corporate Blueprint and Build Your Own Ladder – Book
• 📊 Task & Financial Trackers – Explore the tools here
• 🌐 Learn more about Michela Allocca – Visit Break Your Budget

🎧 Listen now and start taking ownership of your career!