The private sector does not reward hard work and it's certainly not a meritocracy. Individual effort matters, but there is so much more to get right. What else is there? That's what we'll explore. This book is a must-read before you apply for a job, negotiate a salary, attempt a promotion, invest, buy a house, choose a college degree, get married, select your industry or field, and most importantly, before separating from the military. I struggled after separating from the U.S. Air Force - how do I get a good job, earn a promotion, or stay employed during a recession, were questions I didn't have answers to. Hard work is simply not enough. A framework is required to make good decisions consistently. "Good decisions" help us obtain what we desire, whatever it is. Here, I provide such a framework to help veterans, current service members, and civilians navigate the private sector. This is not a book about success. I have never achieved great success. I am not wealthy. I'm a relatively normal guy. I was challenged to find and obtain what I wanted because I had no framework for viewing the world without the military guiding me. Wanting more and not achieving it is heartbreaking and demoralizing. These feelings penetrate everything we do, festering deep confusion over what we're doing wrong. Don't give up hope. I was there too, but finding what you want is very possible with the right actions. This is why I share my framework with you - to help you on the path to the good life in the private sector. Noah is a Corporate & Investment Banker responsible for overseeing $15 billion in credit assets at one of the world's largest banks. He is also President of VLUGRD, a financial consultancy. Noah was formerly a Senior Portfolio Manager, Underwriter, Credit Analyst, Personal Banker, Entrepreneur, and Public Affairs Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.