Did you find it easy or difficult to adjust to civilian life when you left the military?

2015-02-28T17:36:04-05:00

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.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 8:03 PM

2015-02-28T20:03:14-05:00

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.

Response by PO2 David Rose made Feb 28 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-02-28T20:21:22-05:00

I found it difficult. I found civilians have no true order or accountability. At least not up to the standard I was used to. It has taken me a long time to adjust. The way the civilians operate was very hard to deal with. I grew pretty frustrated by the way the leadership turned from their responsibility when it wasn't convenient or they didn't want to deal with it. Over time you learn to adjust and find your way though and it gets easier...if you take the time to learn how.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 28 at 2015 10:16 PM

2015-02-28T22:16:30-05:00

My hardest time was adjusting to the corporate world. Having multiple bosses and no clear chain of command (or organization chart).

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Mar 1 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-03-01T10:21:20-05:00

I still serve as a DOD Civilian, so the transition has been somewhat easier than jumping straight into the civilian job market. I do have difficulty with some of my fellow DOD Civilians I come in contact with that have never served and chose the college route. It's just a matter of culture clash more than anything they are consciously doing, I understand that it's my issue not theirs.

The silliest thing I deal with is getting dressed for work, I truly miss the simplicity of putting on the Uniform of the Day. No thought required, just put it on and get out the door :)

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 19 at 2015 8:00 PM

2015-07-19T20:00:13-04:00

Very difficult. I had/have a 100% s/c disability: mental illness, and a concomitant 100% stress disorder.
I even asked my father: "Papa, what is important in life?"

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 19 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-07-19T20:50:10-04:00

I found it to be a piece of cake, both times (upon ETS as an enlisted soldier, and then after retiring as an officer).

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 19 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-07-19T21:24:07-04:00

WOW, SPC Johnny Velazquez. A PhD in Psychology! I am highly impressed.
I fully understand the 'ineptness' part. I cannot stand ineptness. I am a perfectionist; and was/am a leader.
Sounds like you had it rough going; though. At least there for awhile. I am so sorry about that. Are you better now?

Response by MAJ Keith FitzPatrick, CPIM, CSCP made Jul 19 at 2015 9:49 PM

2015-07-19T21:49:10-04:00

I did not have a problem. I retired in 2004 and felt a little guilty as the wars dragged on, but as a Force Manager, I wasn't contributing to the effort anyway. I would have just occupied a cube somewhere Stateside. I do enjoy coming home to the same house every day. I have lived in this house longer than any other house, including my childhood. The one thing I do not like about being in the private sector is the lack of purpose, other than making money.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 24 at 2015 8:27 PM

2015-07-24T20:27:40-04:00

I am on a new trail and I am not enjoying it, and I don't know where I am going.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 3 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-08-03T11:29:28-04:00

For me, it was very difficult. I have a 100% service-connected disability.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 12:31 AM

2015-08-04T00:31:19-04:00

We shall see....start transition leave in 25 days!!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 6 at 2015 12:42 AM

2015-08-06T00:42:16-04:00

I've been retired for almost 3 years and I STILL haven't fully transitioned to civilian life and I probably never will! That's probably why I continue to work for the military as a government contractor and associate socially only with other veterans!

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 8 at 2020 1:46 PM

2020-07-08T13:46:44-04:00

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