Tips on handling my employer when re-enlisting

[patrick03xx]

Cross posted on the business tab of these boards. Thought I'd put it here as well. I spent 7 years in the active USMC Reserves (they graciously extended my time due to a deployment to Afg) from 2005-2012. Did my remaining year in the IRR and got out. I bounced around a bit then started a job at a great veteran owned small business that invested time and significant resources to train me and place me into an upper management position. Fast forward 2 years later and I am starting the process to re-enlist in the reserves after kicking the idea around for a while. I called the business owner to discuss my decision and he is, obviously, concerned that it will take my attention away from running my location. He is a veteran and so are at least half of the guys in management here. He understands my reason for wanting to get back in. He hasn't given me any ultimatums or anything, he's just expressing his concerns. We are having a meeting later in the week to discuss it again and I am willing to make certain concessions in the event of a deployment or extended activation so that the business I want continue to be a part of can function and be successful. Past that, though, I am kind of running into a wall to think of ways to mitigate his concerns with solutions. I've been training the guys under me to fulfill my role, but I am not sure if that is the issue or if he is more concerned about whether me wanting to re-enlist means I am not as committed to his company as he would like. Any suggestions on the matter would be helpful. I just want to reiterate that this employer is absolutely fantastic and employs numerous reservists, guardsmen, and vets. I do not feel as though he is being discriminatory. He just expressed, what I feel, are very valid concerns that he has about the situation. Thanks for any guidance offered.

[pdog]

It seems like your employer values you a lot and possibly has future plans to give you more responsibility within his company. That being said you have to do what you feel is best for you. Take In consideration your financial future as well as your job security, and of how you feel about where your life is going at the end of the day. Both have their Pros and Cons but ultimately it comes down to what will allow you to feel as if your living your life to your full potential.

If your employer is a fellow veteran and hires a lot of other veterans and guardsmen I am sure you both can come to an agreement. Especially if you show him that you are extremely committed to both his company and the Corps.

Not sure if this helps but that’s my take on this. I’m sure you’ll figure out the best course of action best of luck.