Sea of Opportunities - Episode 14 "The First 3-4 Years Are the Hardest": Why Perseverance and Support Systems Build 30-Year Careers with Petty Officer 2nd Class Foulon
On this special episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster sits down with Petty Officer 2nd Class Foulon aboard HMCS St. John's during their six-month Atlantic deployment. With 17 years of service and plans for 13 more, Petty Officer 2nd Class Foulon opens up about the realities of Navy life, from managing complex communication systems to maintaining family connections from thousands of miles away.
This conversation reveals the transferable skills that make naval veterans highly sought after by civilian employers, the support systems that help families thrive during deployment, and why the first few years of service are the most challenging—but also the most important to push through. Whether you're considering a Navy career, hiring veterans, or working in education and workforce development, this episode offers valuable insights into how structured support and perseverance create long-term career success.
Key Topics Discussed:
Career longevity in the Royal Canadian Navy and transition planning
The role of senior communication maintainer and technical skill development
Family support systems and community resources during deployment
The reality of living and working on a naval vessel
The Naval Experience Program: trying the Navy before committing
Why the first 3-4 years are the most challenging (and how to get through them)
Global travel opportunities and unique experiences
Transferable skills that civilian employers actively seek
What to expect
00:00 - Petty Officer 2nd Class Foulon on circumnavigating the globe through Navy deployments
02:00 - Planning for life after the Navy: excitement and anxiety about civilian career opportunities after 30+ years of service
04:00 - "Every day is different": The technical challenges and problem-solving required in naval communications
06:00 - Family support systems: How the Navy supports spouses and children during six-month deployments
09:00 - Critical career advice: "The first three or four years are the roughest" and why perseverance matters
09:30 - The Naval Experience Program explained: 3-9 month trial periods for those considering naval careers
Read the full transcript here: