October 21, 2021

Transition Tales with Army Retiree Benjamin Heimstead

36 minutes

In this episode of Transition Tales, a LIVE with Courage Podcast, Benjamin shares his transition from Army combat medic through doubt to a fulfilling position.

We discussed:
00:37 Benjamin introduces himself
00:55 member of many Army organizations
01:19 decided to not promote due to time commitment
01:32 “its time to get out when I stop having fun”
01:45 failed to account for family’s sacrifice
02:28 started transition early
02:51 SFL-TAP instructor’s story was cause for concern
03:48 started submitting resumes 6 months out with no success
04:54 never been in a position of not being desirable
05:51 things start to turn around
06:54 interviewed with a former commander and higher level
07:22 unfortunately was not selected for position and was devastated
07:49 decided the opportunity was a practice run
08:07 decided HCA would be next “home” and went for it
08:57 at about two months from retirement, started interviewing with HCA
13:00 finally got through the multiple levels of interviews, started losing faith
13:17 got a firm offer with no chance to negotiate
13:50 did not feel in a position to negotiate
14:05 didn’t want to be in a temporary position
14:38 accepted the position and moved to Nashville
15:12 great support during on-boarding
15:28 started working and had a renewed purpose
15:36 getting there was difficult
16:01 reaching back to former peers to mentor them
16:56 military experience is different than civilian experience and doesn’t always count
17:38 never pass up an opportunity to ask what their concerns are about you
18:26 challenges of gender expectation and excelling in the military
21:53 knew about resources, endorsed them, but wasn’t willing to use them
22:52 Senior NCOs need to practice what we preach
24:42 biggest challenge: getting over myself
27:53 grateful to be with HCA
29:16 Advice: be open

Guest Bio:
Benjamin Heimstead is a retired Army combat medic. He currently works for HCA in Nashville, TN.

Resources: