Posted on Feb 28, 2015
Did you find it easy or difficult to adjust to civilian life when you left the military?
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I moved in with my parents upon my discharge, while adjusting to civilian life. My first night was uneventful, as I jumped out of bed, upon hearing a siren, ready to set up the tracking radar. This lasted for three weeks. Lights out meant 11 or 12 PM. My parents stayed up late. Up at 5 AM, shaved, showered, and ready for chow. Had to wait for them to rise, which would be around 7AM. Was offered a position at one of the bases, performing similar work I performed in the service. Turned it down.
Could not stand ineptness, which to this day is one of my peeves. Had a tough time supervising others, as I expected them to jump to my orders, forgetting that I was dealing with civilians, and they could walk out of the job at a given notice. To this day, I have the tendency to salute officers, and address former NCOS by their ranks. I was difficult for me. My nerves were racked, and had to undergo counseling for a while. That's why I decided to go to school, and obtain a PhD in Psychology. Was able to help some of our brothers.
Feel free to jump in, and be candid if you can.
Could not stand ineptness, which to this day is one of my peeves. Had a tough time supervising others, as I expected them to jump to my orders, forgetting that I was dealing with civilians, and they could walk out of the job at a given notice. To this day, I have the tendency to salute officers, and address former NCOS by their ranks. I was difficult for me. My nerves were racked, and had to undergo counseling for a while. That's why I decided to go to school, and obtain a PhD in Psychology. Was able to help some of our brothers.
Feel free to jump in, and be candid if you can.
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
Leadership
Transition Leadership
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 13
Nope not at all, helps that I went in late. Came in at 30 so and had been working since I was 16. So when i left active it was an easy transition going back to a civilian. Plus, I had a job coming right out with the post office. Now look at me I have the best of both worlds. A mil tech (Civilian Side) and TPU in the Reserves. LOL
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I found it to be a piece of cake, both times (upon ETS as an enlisted soldier, and then after retiring as an officer).
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I found it relatively easy, SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD, but some of your pet peeves and impatience resonate with me. I'm kind of intolerant of sloppiness, lateness, laziness, etc. Since I still work for the Army as a civilian, I guess I didn't have to adjust as much as someone who makes the break completely. Plus, I retired. Not sure if that makes it easier or harder when it comes to adjusting ... probably harder because I had been soldiering for 30 years when I quit.
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SPC Margaret Higgins
Wow, CW5 Scott Montgomery. 30 years IS a long time. I understand your being adverse to sloppiness, lateness (Somewhat guilty as charged), laziness, etc.
I hope it wasn't too hard for you.
I hope it wasn't too hard for you.
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