8+ Best Military to Civilian Resume Services


8+ Best Military to Civilian Resume Services

Translating army expertise right into a format understood by civilian employers could be a vital hurdle for veterans. Skilled help bridges this hole by changing army jargon, acronyms, and particular ability units into civilian-equivalent terminology and highlighting transferable abilities related to the specified profession subject. For instance, a army logistics officer’s expertise could be reframed to emphasise venture administration, provide chain optimization, and management capabilities relevant to civilian roles.

Any such skilled assist is essential for a profitable transition into the civilian workforce. It allows veterans to successfully showcase their abilities and expertise to potential employers, rising their competitiveness within the job market. A well-crafted civilian resume permits hiring managers to readily perceive the worth a veteran brings to a company. Traditionally, this want emerged as army buildings and terminology diverged more and more from civilian practices, making a communication barrier that these providers successfully deal with.

The next sections delve deeper into key features of this profession transition assist, exploring finest practices, out there sources, and customary challenges confronted by veterans.

1. Translation of Navy Jargon

Efficient translation of army jargon is a cornerstone of any profitable military-to-civilian resume service. Resumes laden with acronyms and terminology particular to army operations are sometimes incomprehensible to civilian hiring managers. This lack of readability can result in overlooking certified candidates. Changing army jargon into civilian-equivalent phrases permits employers to readily grasp the applicant’s abilities and expertise. As an illustration, translating “MOS 11B Infantryman” to “Infantry Specialist with experience in small unit ways and weapons proficiency” clarifies the function and ability set for civilian employers. Equally, “Performed MEDEVAC operations” turns into extra impactful when translated to “Managed emergency medical evacuations, prioritizing affected person care below annoying situations.”

The significance of this translation course of extends past merely making the resume comprehensible. It permits for the correct portrayal of transferable abilities. Navy jargon typically obscures the underlying abilities relevant to civilian roles. By translating “Supervised a workforce of 12 personnel sustaining M1 Abrams tanks” to “Led and managed a 12-person workforce liable for complicated automobile upkeep and restore,” the transferable management and technical abilities grow to be obvious. This focused translation ensures that veterans’ {qualifications} are successfully communicated, maximizing their potential within the civilian job market.

Efficiently translating army jargon requires a nuanced understanding of each army terminology and the necessities of the focused civilian {industry}. Failure to precisely translate this expertise can result in misrepresentation of abilities or underselling a veteran’s {qualifications}. Due to this fact, skilled resume writing providers specializing in military-to-civilian transitions play a essential function in bridging this communication hole, enabling veterans to successfully showcase their beneficial abilities and expertise to potential employers.

2. Highlighting Transferable Abilities

A essential element of a profitable military-to-civilian resume service lies in successfully highlighting transferable abilities. Navy expertise cultivates a singular set of abilities not at all times readily obvious to civilian employers. These abilities, whereas developed in a army context, typically have direct applicability to a variety of civilian careers. Extracting and showcasing these transferable abilities is important for veterans searching for to leverage their army expertise within the civilian job market.

  • Management and Administration

    Navy service incessantly entails management obligations, from main small groups to managing complicated operations. A military-to-civilian resume service interprets these experiences into civilian phrases, highlighting abilities corresponding to workforce administration, strategic planning, decision-making below stress, and personnel supervision. For instance, main a squad in a fight zone may be reframed as demonstrating management and workforce cohesion in high-stress environments. This reframing permits civilian employers to acknowledge the dear management potential veterans carry to their organizations.

  • Technical Proficiency

    Many army roles require specialised technical experience, together with working complicated gear, using superior software program, and sustaining refined programs. A resume service helps translate these technical proficiencies into civilian equivalents. Expertise with sustaining plane engines, as an example, may be introduced as superior mechanical aptitude and technical problem-solving abilities. This translation bridges the information hole between army and civilian terminology, permitting employers to grasp the applicant’s technical capabilities.

  • Downside-Fixing and Analytical Abilities

    Navy personnel are educated to investigate conditions, consider dangers, and develop efficient options below difficult circumstances. A resume service emphasizes these problem-solving and analytical abilities by offering concrete examples from army expertise. Analyzing terrain for tactical benefit may be introduced as demonstrating sturdy analytical and demanding considering abilities relevant to venture planning and strategic decision-making in a civilian context. This clarifies the worth of army expertise in demanding civilian roles.

  • Adaptability and Resilience

    Navy service typically requires adaptability to altering environments, resilience within the face of adversity, and the flexibility to carry out below stress. A resume service highlights these essential comfortable abilities, demonstrating a veteran’s means to thrive in dynamic and difficult work environments. Efficiently finishing a demanding coaching program, for instance, showcases resilience and dedication, beneficial property in any civilian profession. This emphasis on adaptability and resilience assures potential employers of a veteran’s capability to deal with difficult conditions and contribute positively to a workforce.

By successfully highlighting these and different transferable abilities, a military-to-civilian resume service empowers veterans to current their army expertise in a compelling and related method, considerably rising their competitiveness within the civilian job market. A well-crafted resume bridges the hole between army and civilian understanding, enabling employers to acknowledge the dear abilities and expertise veterans carry to the desk.

3. Civilian-friendly formatting

Civilian-friendly formatting is paramount inside a military-to-civilian resume service. Navy resumes typically adhere to particular codecs and buildings unfamiliar to civilian hiring managers. These codecs, whereas efficient inside the army, can hinder a veteran’s prospects within the civilian job market. Chronological order, for instance, is usually much less efficient than a skills-based or purposeful resume format for veterans searching for to focus on transferable abilities. A army resume may emphasize rank and obligation assignments, whereas a civilian resume ought to prioritize quantifiable achievements and related abilities. This disconnect necessitates a formatting shift to align with civilian expectations.

Contemplate a veteran with intensive expertise in logistics. A army resume may listing deployments and unit assignments, probably obscuring the core abilities developed. Civilian-friendly formatting, nevertheless, would emphasize abilities like provide chain administration, stock management, and strategic planning, utilizing concrete examples to exhibit these competencies. As an illustration, as an alternative of stating “Deployed to Afghanistan in assist of Operation Enduring Freedom,” a civilian resume may say “Managed logistics for a 500-person unit in a difficult operational surroundings, decreasing provide chain delays by 15%.” This shift in focus and formatting clarifies the veteran’s abilities and their relevance to civilian roles.

Efficient civilian-friendly formatting ensures {that a} veteran’s resume is definitely digestible and impactful. It facilitates fast comprehension of {qualifications} and minimizes the chance of overlooking essential abilities as a result of unfamiliar formatting. This readability is important for attracting the eye of recruiters and hiring managers accustomed to particular resume conventions. Finally, adopting civilian-friendly formatting considerably enhances a veteran’s probabilities of securing interviews and efficiently transitioning right into a civilian profession.

4. Key phrase Optimization

Key phrase optimization performs an important function within the effectiveness of a military-to-civilian resume service. Applicant Monitoring Techniques (ATS) are broadly utilized by employers to scan resumes for particular key phrases related to open positions. Resumes missing these key phrases are sometimes neglected, whatever the applicant’s {qualifications}. Due to this fact, optimizing a veteran’s resume with related civilian key phrases is important for guaranteeing it passes by means of ATS filters and reaches human recruiters. For instance, a veteran with expertise in army intelligence may profit from key phrases corresponding to “cybersecurity,” “threat evaluation,” or “information evaluation,” relying on the focused civilian function. Equally, a logistics officer may embody key phrases like “provide chain administration,” “procurement,” or “stock management.” Cautious choice and strategic placement of those key phrases considerably improve the visibility of a veteran’s resume inside ATS databases.

The problem lies in translating army expertise into related civilian key phrases. Navy job titles and descriptions typically use specialised terminology that doesn’t align with civilian equivalents. A military-to-civilian resume service addresses this problem by figuring out transferable abilities and matching them with applicable industry-specific key phrases. As an illustration, “Performed reconnaissance patrols” could be translated to key phrases like “surveillance,” “remark,” and “data gathering.” This translation ensures the resume aligns with the language utilized in civilian job postings, maximizing its discoverability by recruiters and ATS. Failure to include related key phrases can render a veteran’s resume successfully invisible in at this time’s aggressive job market, regardless of possessing beneficial abilities and expertise.

In conclusion, key phrase optimization will not be merely a technical side of resume writing; it’s a strategic crucial for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Efficient key phrase optimization ensures {that a} veteran’s resume reaches the best viewers, showcasing related abilities and expertise to potential employers. By bridging the hole between army terminology and civilian key phrases, an expert resume service considerably enhances a veteran’s probabilities of securing interviews and efficiently navigating the transition to civilian employment.

5. Achievement Quantification

Achievement quantification is a essential component of a profitable military-to-civilian resume service. Whereas army expertise typically entails vital accomplishments, these achievements are incessantly described normally phrases or army jargon that lacks that means for civilian employers. Quantifying achievements interprets army expertise into concrete, measurable outcomes that resonate with civilian hiring managers. This course of gives clear proof of a veteran’s capabilities and demonstrates the worth they will carry to a civilian group.

  • Knowledge-Pushed Metrics

    At any time when potential, achievements ought to be quantified utilizing data-driven metrics. As an alternative of stating “Improved unit efficiency,” a quantified achievement could be “Elevated unit efficiency by 15% as measured by mission success charge.” This data-driven strategy gives tangible proof of affect and permits employers to readily assess the veteran’s contributions. For instance, a logistics officer may quantify their achievements by stating “Lowered provide chain prices by 10% by means of course of optimization” or “Improved stock administration accuracy by 8%, leading to $50,000 in value financial savings.” These data-driven metrics present a transparent and compelling image of the veteran’s capabilities.

  • Contextualizing Accomplishments

    Offering context for quantified achievements additional strengthens their affect. Context clarifies the circumstances surrounding the achievement and highlights the challenges overcome. For instance, as an alternative of merely stating “Managed a workforce of 10 personnel,” a veteran may write “Efficiently managed a workforce of 10 personnel in a high-stress, quickly altering operational surroundings, constantly exceeding mission targets.” This added context emphasizes the veteran’s management and flexibility, beneficial traits in any civilian function. Equally, achievements earned throughout deployments or in difficult assignments ought to be contextualized to focus on the demanding nature of the surroundings.

  • Translating Navy Metrics

    Many army achievements are measured utilizing metrics unfamiliar to civilian employers. A military-to-civilian resume service interprets these army metrics into civilian-equivalent phrases. As an illustration, a pilot may translate “Logged 500 flight hours” into “Collected 500 flight hours with an ideal security document, demonstrating proficiency in working complicated plane.” This translation gives context and clarifies the achievement for a civilian viewers. Equally, achievements associated to army coaching or workouts ought to be translated to focus on the abilities and competencies developed.

  • Specializing in Transferable Abilities

    Quantified achievements ought to spotlight transferable abilities related to the focused civilian profession. A veteran with expertise in army operations may quantify their achievements by stating “Efficiently deliberate and executed 20 complicated operations, involving cross-functional groups and a number of stakeholders, leading to 100% mission success.” This highlights venture administration, management, and teamwork abilities, all extremely valued in civilian roles. Equally, achievements associated to technical proficiency or problem-solving ought to be quantified and related to related civilian abilities.

By quantifying achievements in a transparent, data-driven, and context-rich method, a military-to-civilian resume service allows veterans to successfully talk the worth of their army expertise to potential employers. This strategy transforms summary descriptions of army service into concrete examples of abilities and accomplishments, considerably strengthening a veteran’s resume and enhancing their competitiveness within the civilian job market.

6. Efficient Profession Narrative

A compelling profession narrative is important for a profitable military-to-civilian resume. It gives context and that means to a veteran’s expertise, reworking a listing of duties and accomplishments right into a cohesive story that resonates with civilian employers. An efficient narrative bridges the hole between army and civilian understanding, showcasing the relevance of army expertise to civilian profession aspirations. It permits veterans to current themselves not simply as former service members, however as certified professionals with beneficial transferable abilities.

  • Contextualizing Navy Expertise

    Navy expertise is usually described utilizing terminology and acronyms unfamiliar to civilian employers. A robust profession narrative gives context, explaining the character of army roles and obligations in civilian-accessible language. For instance, as an alternative of merely stating “Served as a Platoon Sergeant,” the narrative may clarify, “Led a workforce of 30 troopers in various operational environments, liable for coaching, logistics, and operational readiness.” This context permits civilian employers to know the scope and complexity of the veteran’s obligations.

  • Highlighting Transferable Abilities

    A profession narrative gives a framework for highlighting transferable abilities. As an alternative of itemizing abilities in isolation, the narrative integrates them right into a cohesive story, demonstrating their sensible utility in army contexts. As an illustration, a story may describe how management abilities developed within the army had been instrumental in efficiently managing complicated initiatives or navigating difficult conditions. This strategy showcases the direct relevance of army expertise to civilian roles.

  • Demonstrating Profession Development

    Navy careers typically contain a structured development of accelerating accountability. A profession narrative successfully illustrates this development, demonstrating a veteran’s progress and improvement over time. It could actually showcase how preliminary roles offered foundational abilities that had been constructed upon in subsequent assignments, resulting in progressively extra complicated obligations. This demonstration of steady studying and improvement is extremely valued by civilian employers.

  • Connecting Navy Expertise to Civilian Objectives

    An important operate of the profession narrative is to attach army expertise to particular civilian profession targets. It explains how the abilities and expertise gained within the army align with the necessities of the specified civilian function. For instance, a veteran focusing on a venture administration function may describe how their expertise in planning and executing army operations interprets on to managing complicated civilian initiatives. This express connection clarifies the veteran’s profession aspirations and demonstrates their preparedness for a civilian function.

A well-crafted profession narrative is the spine of a profitable military-to-civilian resume. It gives a framework for presenting army expertise in a compelling and comprehensible method, permitting veterans to showcase their {qualifications} successfully and make a powerful impression on civilian employers. This narrative bridges the communication hole between army and civilian contexts, finally maximizing a veteran’s potential within the civilian job market.

7. Trade-Particular Tailoring

Trade-specific tailoring is an important side of efficient military-to-civilian resume providers. Generic resumes, even these highlighting transferable abilities, typically fail to resonate with hiring managers in particular industries. Tailoring a resume to a goal {industry} demonstrates a candidate’s real curiosity and understanding of the sphere, considerably rising their probabilities of securing an interview. This course of entails aligning army expertise with the particular wants and expectations of the chosen {industry}, guaranteeing the resume speaks on to the employer’s necessities.

  • Focused Key phrase Optimization

    Totally different industries make the most of particular terminology and key phrases. A resume tailor-made for the healthcare {industry}, for instance, would emphasize key phrases like “affected person care,” “medical terminology,” and “HIPAA compliance,” whereas a resume focusing on the knowledge know-how sector would prioritize phrases like “cybersecurity,” “community administration,” and “software program improvement.” Navy expertise may be reframed to align with these industry-specific key phrases. Expertise with managing medical evacuations, as an example, could possibly be introduced as expertise in “emergency medical response” for healthcare roles, whereas expertise in sustaining safe communication networks within the army could possibly be highlighted as “community safety” expertise for IT roles.

  • Related Ability Emphasis

    Whereas many army abilities are transferable, sure abilities are extra beneficial in particular industries. A resume tailor-made for the logistics {industry}, for instance, would emphasize abilities like provide chain administration, stock management, and transportation coordination. A veteran’s expertise in managing army logistics could possibly be instantly aligned with these necessities, demonstrating their speedy worth to potential employers. Equally, a veteran focusing on a management function in regulation enforcement may emphasize abilities in workforce administration, threat evaluation, and decision-making below stress, drawing parallels between army management expertise and the calls for of regulation enforcement.

  • Trade-Particular Formatting and Content material

    Sure industries have particular resume formatting and content material preferences. Resumes for educational positions, for instance, typically embody sections on publications and analysis expertise, whereas resumes for inventive industries may prioritize a portfolio or showcase of related initiatives. A military-to-civilian resume service tailors the resume format and content material to align with these industry-specific expectations. A veteran searching for a task in academia may spotlight their army coaching and expertise in a manner that emphasizes analysis and analytical abilities, whereas a veteran pursuing a profession in design may showcase initiatives accomplished throughout their army service that exhibit creativity and technical proficiency.

  • Understanding Trade Tradition and Values

    Totally different industries have distinctive cultures and values. A resume tailor-made for a company surroundings may emphasize teamwork and adherence to established procedures, whereas a resume for a startup may spotlight adaptability and innovation. A military-to-civilian resume service considers these cultural nuances when crafting the resume narrative. A veteran focusing on a company function may emphasize their expertise in following strict protocols and dealing inside hierarchical buildings, whereas a veteran searching for a place in a startup may deal with their means to adapt to dynamic environments and implement inventive options.

By tailoring a veteran’s resume to the particular necessities and nuances of a goal {industry}, a military-to-civilian resume service considerably will increase the probability of attracting the eye of hiring managers. This focused strategy demonstrates a deep understanding of the {industry} panorama and positions the veteran as a certified and motivated candidate, able to contribute meaningfully to the group. Finally, industry-specific tailoring transforms a generic resume into a strong advertising instrument, maximizing a veteran’s probabilities of securing a satisfying civilian profession.

8. Publish-Service Profession Counseling

Publish-service profession counseling varieties an important hyperlink within the chain connecting army expertise to civilian employment, complementing the efforts of a military-to-civilian resume service. Whereas a professionally crafted resume successfully presents a veteran’s abilities and expertise, profession counseling gives the strategic course and assist obligatory for a profitable transition. It equips veterans with the instruments and information required to navigate the civilian job market, maximizing the affect of a well-written resume.

  • Self-Evaluation and Profession Exploration

    Profession counseling typically begins with an intensive self-assessment, serving to veterans determine their transferable abilities, pursuits, and profession aspirations. This course of clarifies profession targets and gives a basis for focused job looking. For instance, a veteran may uncover a ardour for logistics administration by means of self-assessment workouts, aligning their army expertise in provide chain operations with a satisfying civilian profession path. This readability informs the resume writing course of, guaranteeing the resume highlights related abilities and expertise for logistics roles.

  • Job Search Methods and Networking

    Profession counseling gives veterans with efficient job search methods, together with the best way to make the most of on-line job boards, community with professionals of their goal industries, and put together for interviews. A counselor may advise a veteran searching for a task in data know-how to attend {industry} conferences or be a part of skilled organizations to broaden their community and uncover job alternatives. This steering enhances a powerful resume by offering avenues to attach with potential employers.

  • Interview Preparation and Wage Negotiation

    Getting ready for civilian job interviews requires a unique strategy than army reporting procedures. Profession counseling equips veterans with the abilities to successfully talk their {qualifications}, reply widespread interview questions, and negotiate salaries. Mock interviews and suggestions periods assist veterans refine their interviewing abilities and venture confidence. This preparation ensures that veterans can successfully current themselves to potential employers, capitalizing on the sturdy basis established by a well-written resume.

  • Navigating the Civilian Office Tradition

    Transitioning from a structured army surroundings to the usually much less hierarchical civilian office can current challenges. Profession counseling gives steering on navigating civilian office tradition, understanding expectations, and constructing skilled relationships. This assist eases the transition course of and helps veterans thrive of their new civilian roles, maximizing the long-term advantages of a profitable resume and job search.

Publish-service profession counseling gives the important framework for a profitable transition to civilian employment, maximizing the effectiveness of a military-to-civilian resume service. By equipping veterans with the abilities and information to navigate the civilian job market, profession counseling ensures {that a} sturdy resume interprets into significant profession alternatives and long-term skilled success. This holistic strategy addresses not simply the presentation of abilities and expertise, but additionally the strategic planning and execution obligatory for a satisfying civilian profession.

Regularly Requested Questions

This part addresses widespread questions and issues concerning the transition from army to civilian careers and the function {of professional} resume providers in facilitating this course of. Clear and correct data is essential for knowledgeable decision-making and profitable profession transitions.

Query 1: Why is a military-to-civilian resume service obligatory? Cannot one merely adapt their army resume?

Navy resumes typically make the most of jargon, acronyms, and formatting conventions unfamiliar to civilian hiring managers. A devoted service bridges this communication hole, translating army expertise into civilian-equivalent phrases and highlighting transferable abilities related to the specified profession subject.

Query 2: How does an expert resume service quantify army achievements for civilian audiences?

These providers translate army accomplishments into measurable metrics and concrete outcomes comprehensible by civilian employers. For instance, “Managed logistics for a battalion” could be quantified as “Oversaw a $2 million funds and optimized provide chain effectivity by 15%.” This strategy demonstrates tangible affect.

Query 3: What are the important thing components of a civilian-friendly resume format for veterans?

A civilian-friendly format emphasizes transferable abilities and quantifiable achievements utilizing clear, concise language freed from army jargon. It sometimes follows a reverse-chronological or purposeful format, prioritizing related expertise and abilities over army rank or obligation assignments.

Query 4: How does key phrase optimization profit a veteran’s resume within the civilian job market?

Applicant Monitoring Techniques (ATS) scan resumes for particular key phrases. Optimization ensures a veteran’s resume consists of related civilian key phrases, rising its visibility to recruiters and enhancing the probabilities of it being chosen for overview by a human. This course of typically entails translating army terminology into civilian equivalents.

Query 5: How lengthy does it sometimes take for an expert service to craft a civilian resume from army expertise?

The timeframe varies relying on the complexity of the person’s army background and the chosen service package deal. It sometimes ranges from just a few days to a few weeks, typically involving consultations and revisions to make sure the ultimate product precisely displays the veteran’s expertise and profession targets.

Query 6: Past resume writing, what different profession transition providers are useful for veterans?

Complete profession transition providers typically embody interview preparation, job search methods, wage negotiation steering, networking alternatives, and help with navigating civilian office tradition. These providers complement a powerful resume by equipping veterans with the mandatory instruments for a profitable transition.

Understanding these key features of military-to-civilian resume providers allows veterans to make knowledgeable selections about their profession transition and successfully leverage their beneficial abilities and expertise within the civilian job market.

The following part will discover particular sources and suppliers of those essential profession transition providers.

Suggestions for Efficient Resume Translation

Efficiently transitioning from a army profession to a civilian one requires a strategic strategy to renew writing. The next ideas provide sensible steering for successfully translating army expertise right into a compelling civilian resume.

Tip 1: Quantify accomplishments. Translate army achievements into measurable outcomes comprehensible by civilian employers. As an alternative of stating “Led a workforce,” quantify the affect by including “Led a workforce of 12, leading to a 20% improve in venture completion charge.” Knowledge-driven metrics exhibit worth.

Tip 2: Change army jargon with civilian terminology. Keep away from acronyms and technical phrases particular to army operations. “MOS 11B Infantryman” turns into “Infantry Specialist proficient in small unit ways and weapons programs.” Readability is essential.

Tip 3: Concentrate on transferable abilities. Spotlight abilities relevant to civilian roles, corresponding to management, venture administration, problem-solving, and teamwork. Join these abilities to particular accomplishments to exhibit their sensible utility.

Tip 4: Tailor the resume to the goal {industry}. Analysis industry-specific key phrases and tailor the resume to match the necessities of the specified civilian profession subject. This demonstrates relevance and will increase the probabilities of attracting consideration.

Tip 5: Craft a compelling profession narrative. Join army expertise to civilian profession targets by making a cohesive narrative that showcases abilities and profession development. This enables employers to grasp the relevance of army expertise.

Tip 6: Make the most of an expert resume writing service. Contemplate leveraging skilled experience to make sure the resume successfully interprets army expertise right into a compelling civilian narrative and adheres to finest practices.

Tip 7: Search suggestions from civilian professionals. Earlier than finalizing the resume, receive suggestions from people working within the goal {industry} to make sure readability and relevance.

Tip 8: Repeatedly replace and refine the resume. The job market and particular person profession targets evolve. Usually overview and replace the resume to replicate present abilities and focused industries.

By implementing the following tips, veterans can successfully talk the worth of their army expertise, considerably enhancing their prospects within the civilian job market.

The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways for a profitable military-to-civilian resume transition.

Conclusion

Efficient translation of army expertise right into a compelling civilian resume is essential for veterans searching for fulfilling post-service careers. Skilled military-to-civilian resume providers present the experience essential to navigate this complicated transition. Key components of this course of embody quantifying achievements, translating army jargon into civilian terminology, highlighting transferable abilities, tailoring the resume to focus on industries, and crafting a compelling profession narrative. These providers bridge the communication hole between army expertise and civilian employers, enabling veterans to successfully showcase their {qualifications} and compete efficiently within the civilian job market. Past resume writing, complete profession transition assist typically encompasses interview preparation, job search methods, and steering on navigating civilian office tradition.

Investing in skilled resume providers and complete profession transition assist empowers veterans to leverage their beneficial abilities and expertise, securing significant civilian employment and reaching long-term profession success. A well-crafted resume will not be merely a doc; it’s a strategic instrument that unlocks alternatives and paves the way in which for a satisfying and affluent future.