When Jasmine Czarnecki left the Marine Corps, she struggled with a common challenge many Veterans face: the loss of belonging.
“It was a huge adjustment realizing that some people are so rude, and the proper greeting of the day, or holding the door for someone, is not incorporated into day-to-day life,” she says.
But Czarnecki, a former ammunition technician specialist, quickly found her rhythm in civilian life—landing in commercial property management. Now, she’s thriving as a property manager at Cushman & Wakefield* in the heart of Manhattan. “And here I am, crushing it,” she says.
Here’s how she did it—and what she wants transitioning service members to know.
Please summarize your military job. What was your job in the military?
I was essentially a bank, but for bullets! You and your unit are about to do a training/go out on a mission and request X amount of this type of bullet, or X number of grenades. I issued it!
What was the biggest challenge transitioning from the military?
That sense of belonging, or lack of it, once separated. Also, the lack of manners!
Why did you choose this career field?
That’s just the direction life took me. I started my career with WeWork and was part of the lay-offs in 2019. I then did a quick stint at another start-up, Rent the Runway, and was given an opportunity to interview for CBRE. I was with CBRE for about a year or so before the property management team merged with Cushman & Wakefield, and I’ve been with them ever since.
Please summarize your current job.
I manage the day-to-day operations. I pay the bills to keep the lights on, maintain equipment and vendors that provide services to the building, talk to tenants daily and assist with their needs.
What’s the biggest challenge?
Learning all of the tasks that it takes to manage a property. There is A LOT to learn.
What do you WISH you knew when you transitioned from the military that you know now?
SAVE YOUR MONEY! Also, slow down. There is a special type of quickness the military expects, and although it’s valued in the workplace, it could leave room for error.
What mistake would you advise service members or Veterans interested in pursuing this career field to avoid?
Don’t overdo it. When I got out, I immediately went to work and school at the same time. I got overwhelmed and burnt out, and do not wish that on anyone who’s just getting out.
What about you would surprise most people?
I am a major hypocrite! I just said don’t overdo it, but I am a full-time employee, wife, mother, part-time kickboxing instructor, I’m training for a marathon, do meal prep, travel, charity work, AND I still manage to do my skincare, drink a gallon of water every day, and get eight hours of sleep. I’m working on practicing what I preach and eventually slowing down. Maybe. I just want to squeeze the most out of my 24 hours I’m given.
Read this full article and more in the June 2025 Issue of G.I. Jobs magazine.
