Anyone who retired at 20+ years active duty, how did you handle the real world?

2019-05-15T06:09:06-04:00

I'm at 20 years with a few more to go in me. What I fear is the transition from being institutionalized for the past 20 years. I think I'll have some difficulty because everything I did was Army. I wouldn't know how to handle the general population on a daily basis who are outside of the military circle. Like working in an office and there's a worker who's always lazy. I can't just tell them to "get off your f****ng a$$ and start doing your job" because they could cry and complain to the boss that I was "mean" and I'll get fired, then I have to look for another job.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 6:21 AM

2019-05-15T06:21:27-04:00

I think you are looking at the worse case scenario. Plan now on where you will live and network that location. I equate the job process to getting into a fraternity. It’s all about good hair and smiles. A resume is nice but referrals are gold. And don’t worry about lazy F’s being in private business. They are all in government positions and academia deciding on their gender and pronouns.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 8:11 AM

2019-05-15T08:11:25-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member SFC Cruz, shoot me your e-mail and I will link you up with a retired SGM in our office. He has some great insight on the transition process.

Response by PO1 John Johnson made May 15 at 2019 3:09 PM

2019-05-15T15:09:06-04:00

Relax; it's not as bad as you are thinking. Some things will annoy you for good reason, but enjoy your freedom, enjoy your work and make a name for yourself!

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made May 17 at 2019 8:21 PM

2019-05-17T20:21:13-04:00

Find a job and leave the army behind. My true battle buddies do not wear pins and been there hats and shirts. I am a veteran only one day a year. You got to put it behind you or the civilian world will eat you up. I put my 20 in had to start all over again. You will do fine.....

Response by CSM Stuart Fuller made Aug 5 at 2020 8:19 PM

2020-08-05T20:19:53-04:00

First thing I did was went out and found some successful civilian friends. Chamber if Commerce and Rotary Club.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Dec 27 at 2020 11:11 PM

2020-12-27T23:11:13-05:00

I went to college for a year and concentrated on school,house and kids. By the time I went back to work I was pretty much in the regular world.
I compared my job to the Army all the time. That's just going to happen.
We had rumors of the Union coming to the company which I laughed and said I volunteer to be Union rep. My motto would be "Shut up and go back to work"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2020 3:52 PM

2020-12-28T15:52:15-05:00

I tend to be quiet, which when I ETS from the Army I transition to the army reserves, my civilian job was working at a veneer saw mill, I was a common laborer that took to myself to survived, I was quiet on and off the job, the week end drill is when I shared my squad leader Platoon Sgt skills, I left as an E-6, stayed with the Reserves for 16 years, now I'm pension retired living as anExpat here in the Philippines, what a life long journey!

Response by SSG Sidney Galloway made Dec 28 at 2020 4:20 PM

2020-12-28T16:20:13-05:00

Ah, retirement. I set myself up, many moons ago by remembering, then standing on the words of my supervisor, MSG (Ret) Lucius Williams Jr.. " If you don't save 10% of your paychecks, you're a 'dumb butt'". I paid cash for my 2 acres of Almost Heaven, and now I raise chickens. The transition was as smooth as Korean street-food diarrhea for me.

Response by CSM Ramon Milam made Mar 21 at 2021 9:23 PM

2021-03-21T21:23:30-04:00

I woke up at 0430, laid in bed , said to myself WTF. Rolled over and slept to 0630.

Response by PO1 Erinn Hines made Mar 29 at 2021 12:47 AM

2021-03-29T00:47:26-04:00

I was scared but also giddy but I knew when it was time to go and I had a plan in place. In addition I was feeling a little lost as for with all the found time. You will be scared, admit it to yourself and plan your safe spots for evaluation and tweaks.
Advise that was given to me was to create a life outside of active duty long before the retire day. Now I am not saying to throw any you military buddies because they will be a great support system but you will need some outsiders to call you on your "stuff". You must set your own standards of how you want to view in your next career. I say this because most work places are afraid to tell someone that they applied for the job of their free will and get moving. In the military we knew we were here to accomplish a goal and nothing was off the table. Civilian companies generally do not operate this was so you will have to make your own goal plan. Also because you will not have an all in one office for medical; payroll; and general admin, you will have to setup your own network which I think is the most important part of transition class.
Welcome to the civ-life.

Response by SSG Walter R Cooke JR made May 14 at 2021 7:01 PM

2021-05-14T19:01:03-04:00

First and foremost shelf the uniform.
Its called transition for a reason, take time to breath and remember its just a job. Always maintain your bearing, and candor. Learning to change voice tone ie: deflection, the rise and fall in one voice to make a point is key. Learn to use your inside voice and try to understand not all civilians care or have been through what WE have. Repeating is process. If, you supervise counsel your subordinates right out the gate and let them know change is coming. Document all incidents positive and negative this make writing reviews easy and almost effortless. I had to go to counseling to help me through process. I took anti depression medication and stayed true to my self. I had a very successful 2nd career as a Customer Service Engineer with a major company. The customers I serviced loved my candor and commitment. Even after my second retirement I still get asked when am I coming back! The civilian employment chain parallels the military with similar difficulties and positivity. Be yourself and you will find success! Integrity, loyalty and dedication are still the watch word. If you handled the military you will be fine in the CIVILIAN SECTOR.

Response by SSG George Holtje made May 22 at 2021 5:25 AM

2021-05-22T05:25:18-04:00

No one rates your leadership potential by yelling the wrong answer with confidence. Nobody cares about your promotion potential just your job performance, nobody is impressed with your PT run, you don't get to write it off, lunchtime doesn't start when the strip club opens, the f word is not an adjective or adverb. Nobody cares about your appointment at finance

Response by SFC Vin Antonuccio made May 26 at 2021 9:52 AM

2021-05-26T09:52:25-04:00

I find civilian life much easier than military life. With your obvious self discipline you will easily exceed your peers. I do miss the comrade. But I do have a few loyal friends/family. One pointer. It is easy to transition into a government/big corporate job. It feels safe and familiar, however I found it like being the walking dead. Same stuff, same secretly disgruntled folks. My advice, use your retirement benifits to take a risk, your own business or partnership. With your military motivation/discipline you shall kick ass! Once I went that route I made more money in a few years than I did in all my military service. My retirement checks basically sit in an account. Go get some!!!

Response by SFC Michael Kinsley made Jun 24 at 2021 3:51 PM

2021-06-24T15:51:02-04:00

Remember that management and leadership are not the same thing.
SCOUTS OUT!