I parallel your story. After serving in the Corps about 25 years ago I joined the Telcom industry, too.
Every company I’ve worked for since has spent thousands and thousands of dollars training me on PBX’s VOIP systems, LAN/WAN design, fiber transport, and wireless networking. When I add it all up in my head it’s Master level learning.
2 months ago I landed what I intend to be my last job supporting about 40 sales people for a huge electrical equipment distributor. I make a really nice 6 figure salary, full benefits including a pension and profit sharing, a company car, and no sales quota.
They find the opportunities, I match that opportunity to the appropriate supplier, and coordinate all the design and engineering assets. I’m still learning new stuff every day and I’m loving it. I’m not tied to an office and still get to see customers. I work from home 90% of the time.
People who think they only route to success is college haven’t done their homework.
L
The real wakeup call was when the government collaborated with employers to flood the US job market with foreign college graduates; even in fields where the degree was required, there was no job security.