Losing the uniform can mean losing identity, reputation, and even the sense of mission that kept you moving forward. For many, the transition feels like starting from zero. That is exactly what Stephen Bump faced after 12 years in the Air Force. His journey carried him from aerospace engineering to Eli Lilly, through business school, and finally into building his own consulting firm. Along the way, he learned to trust others, embrace humility, protect family time, and make career moves that aligned with his own values, not just someone else's definition of success.

This conversation is about facing the uncomfortable reality that no one in your civilian job cares about your rank or medals, and how that is not the end but the beginning. From finding purpose in unexpected industries, to reclaiming fitness and family balance, to using the GI Bill and veteran resources to carve a better future, Stephen lays out a roadmap any veteran can use to transition with clarity and confidence.

Timestamps:

• 00:07:45 - The hardest part of starting over in civilian careers
• 00:15:45 - Losing fitness and regaining it through entrepreneurship
• 00:22:15 - The freedom and responsibility of choosing your own clients
• 00:28:30 - Breaking free from other people's definitions of success
• 00:39:00 - The veteran resources that made the biggest difference

Links & Resources

• Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
• Website: https://www.persperity.net
• Follow Stephen Bump on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbump/
• Resources mentioned in the episode:
  • Cameron Brooks Headhunter: https://www.cameron-brooks.com/
  • Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/
  • GI Bill: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/

Transcript

View the transcript for this episode.