From Uniform to Purpose: Patricia Gonzalez’s Path to a Fulfilling Civilian Career

After completing her military service, Patricia Gonzalez set her sights on building a new life. She wanted to find work that gave her purpose, stability, and the chance to continue helping others. Combining her passion for learning and service, she pursued earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology and the credentials to work as an Ultrasound Technician.

Patricia believed she had found her new calling in the healthcare industry. However, landing a stable job proved far more difficult than expected. After five months of applying to hospitals and clinics, she continued to hit dead ends.

“The reality was, I kept ending up in low-paying jobs with long commutes and no stability,” said Gonzalez. As a single mom living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she knew something had to change.

The turning point came when she connected with veteran employment services at the Employment Development Department (EDD). She was paired with Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialist Bradford Smith and Local Veterans Employment Representative Lance Sayavong — who both helped point Patricia in the right direction.

“My representative looked at my background, including my military service, my time as a work study at a workforce center, and my people skills and said, ‘Why don’t you apply for EDD? This is another type of front line.’ At the time, I didn’t even realize how true that was,” said Gonzalez.

“It was both challenging and rewarding to support Patricia as she transitioned into a new career path,” said Sayavong. “Bradford pivoted Patricia’s focus, worked with her on her Statement of Qualifications, and suggested pursuing a role with EDD as an Employment Program Representative. Seeing her embrace that opportunity and succeed has been incredibly rewarding.”

With strong support, Patricia tailored her resume, broadened her job search, and applied to EDD positions across the region. Eventually, she was hired as an Employment Program Representative with the EDD’s Unemployment Insurance Branch in Anaheim.

“Going back to full-time work as a single mom with PTSD is no small thing. It’s stressful and intimidating. But it’s also incredibly meaningful,” said Gonzalez. “I’m grateful I received that help when I needed it, and my goal is to keep paying it forward for the rest of my career.”