The Three Questions Every Veteran Must Answer Before Their Next Career Move

When veterans separate from the military, they’re often handed a checklist that starts with updating a resume, logging into LinkedIn, and preparing for job interviews. But there's a problem: those tools are only effective after you’ve answered a far more important set of questions.

At Vector Accelerator, we’ve worked with thousands of transitioning veterans and discovered a truth that too many programs skip over—you can’t move forward until you understand who you are, what matters to you, and what you actually want from your life.

That’s why we created the Vector Short Course, a streamlined version of our full curriculum focused on just three transformative questions. Whether you’re weeks away from separation or years into civilian life and still feeling misaligned, these questions provide a framework for meaningful clarity.

1. What Drives You?

This question digs into your personal story. It’s not about military job titles or awards—it’s about why certain moments in your life mattered.

In the podcast episode, Joe Lara shares how a rejection from his high school golf team became a defining moment. Not because of the failure itself, but because it ignited a relentless drive to grow and prove himself. When veterans revisit these life-shaping memories—inside and outside the military—they begin to see patterns in what fuels them: challenge, service, creativity, or impact.

Identifying what drives you gives you a compass for the future. It helps you filter job opportunities, lifestyle choices, and relationships based on your internal motivation—not just external expectations.

2. What Guides You?

If "What drives you?" looks backward, then "What guides you?" looks around.

This question is about values, boundaries, and support systems. In transition, it’s easy to go into survival mode—make a quick decision, grab a secure paycheck, and hope it works out. But too often, those quick decisions lead to dissatisfaction, misalignment, and burnout.

We help veterans create a personal compass with four key guideposts:

• What energizes you

• What distracts or drains you

• How you want to treat others and be treated

• Who you need around you to succeed

The clarity you gain here helps you stay grounded when doubt, stress, or outside pressure creeps in.

3. What Kind of Life Do You Want?

This question is both practical and aspirational. What does a “good life” look like for you—not your peers, your commanding officer, or your LinkedIn feed?

We ask veterans to map out three versions of their future:

• Plan A: The most likely life, based on your current path.

• Plan B: A better version—if things go well and you aim higher.

• Plan C: A bold vision—if anything were possible and nothing held you back.

This exercise helps veterans take control of their narrative and shift from reacting to designing their next mission.

Final Thought

You only get one shot at this transition. Don’t skip the inner work. Answer these three questions, and you’ll set yourself up for a life that’s not just successful—but fulfilling.

Start the Vector Short Course for free at vectoraccelerator.org and get clarity in just three hours. Money back guarantee!