Does or has anyone felt a feeling of restlessness after they separated from active duty?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:23:50 -0400

It still feels as if I'm on leave but just doesn't feel right. maybe i need to start a new hobby or go to school to keep my mind occupied.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 10 at 2014 6:50 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 06:50:47 -0400

I understand what you're feeling. I felt the same way for a while after retirement. A weekend at a lake with a cooler, rod and reel has been known to work wonders! If that's not your thing, take up a new hobby that has nothing to do with your former routine. It will never entirely go away (and I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing) because the military, for most of us, becomes a part of who we are, and who we will be for the rest of our lives.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 1:47 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 13:47:12 -0400

I work about 18 to 20 hours out of the day to keep my my occupied and I went to SMCR after active duty due to not being able to 100% adapt to the civilian lifestyle

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 2:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 14:09:27 -0400

I'm still on my my few remaining weeks of transition leave but it's been hard and a blessing at the same time. I can focus on what I want to do, for instance learning to play the guitar, which I haven't started yet. The adjustment hasn't been too difficult and sometimes I get a bit stir crazy. One of the things you'll notice is you don't have to be in a rush to get everything accomplished.

In another related topic, I find myself more and more on Rally Point, for me
its how I stay connected to something that's been a part of me for almost a quarter century. Eventually you'll find your groove, just takes some time getting used too.

Response by Cpl Michael Strickler made Jul 10 at 2014 3:43 PM

Cpl Michael Strickler — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 15:43:41 -0400

Everyone has made some great points that I agree with. I just want to add my two cents because of one major point. This feeling of isolation or restlessness you feel never really goes away. I have been off active duty for five years now and just about everyday I ask myself what I can do to get that camaraderie and feeling of worth back. I don't regret my decision to separate (after living a dependent's life overseas it is something I personally did not want my family to deal with) it is just a nagging feeling due to the missed connections you make in military service. These types of sites, volunteering, staying in touch, etc. all might help to make it a little less apparent; but that feeling is always there.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2014 12:58 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 00:58:39 -0400

Everybodys answers on here are great. I guess like y'all said keep occupied and take it day by day. I got out on a medical board after 8 years, now I'm taking this time to get close to family from all that time i missed out. I think it has to do a lot with the medications I'm on, because there are days when i don't even want to get up. thank you so much for everyones input and feedback. I really appreciate it, also I vocabulary is different trying to convert back to civilian i have a hard time explaining stuff to people.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 20 at 2014 10:59 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 22:59:23 -0400

I've been retired for four years. I still miss the camaraderie I had as an active duty member. I can't get used to the slower pace of life as a civilian. I have that same restless feeling as well.

Response by SGT Jonathan Williams made Jul 21 at 2014 2:13 AM

SGT Jonathan Williams — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 02:13:51 -0400

For me, there was a loss of purpose and a loss of connection. This happened on about the second week. I no longer had to call my Soldiers each evening, prepare for the next day. Those things were in the past. It is an adjustment. I had to find a new passion. For some this might be a hobby or a new job.

Response by Cpl James Wells made Jul 21 at 2014 4:39 AM

Cpl James Wells — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 04:39:45 -0400

I started school and then stopped drinking. I would say that not drinking anymore saved my life and I will probably never drink again, but I do puzzles and play video games now. I work when I want to but most of all enjoy the little things in life.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 21 at 2014 10:07 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:07:12 -0400

Nope but I like flying again. Nobody handing me plane ticket telling me I have to be here or there. I do it now to see my Grandchildren.

Response by SFC Erin Barnett made Jul 21 at 2014 12:54 PM

SFC Erin Barnett — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 12:54:42 -0400

I retired in '07 and while I do not miss the politics or the “BS”, but the camaraderie and teamwork I do not think I will ever experience again.

Outside, people go home at 5 o'clock to other people, in the military, the ones you work with are you neighbors.

I also get frustrated when I hear people complaining about stuff. Those 99%'ers have no idea how good they have it. They do not understand what a great privilege it is just to be able to protest! To have an education, a WalMart on every corner, fast food, wifi everywhere, cars, gas, hell just reliable electricity.

Sorry, rant off...

So now I work at bringing some of those core military values to my new work place. We will care for each other. We will uphold our standards. We will do better tomorrow than today.

Will it ever be the same? No, but I can make it better.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Nov 30 at 2014 6:10 PM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:10:46 -0500

It's been almost 4 years for me and I still have it. Less now with the job I have, but there are times! I have two kids, a spouse, full time job, and am thinking about going back to school for my Masters. Like I have time for that! There's something about serving in the military that instills an "I can always do better" attitude.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 15 at 2015 9:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 21:07:21 -0400

All the time. I work out, run, cruise the internet, and I am lazy domestic god. Find your passions and run with it.

Response by SSgt Robert Clark made Apr 17 at 2015 10:02 AM

SSgt Robert Clark — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 10:02:08 -0400

Restlessness? Maybe, but it has gotten better over the past 22 years.
Uselessness? Absolutely, and it has gotten worse over the last 22 years.
The civilian world sucks. No sense of duty, honor, country. All the civilian world cares about is advancing their own agenda, regardless of who they destroy along the way.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 17 at 2017 11:47 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 11:47:29 -0400

I'm so glad I found this question even though it's a few years old but I feel the exact same thing. I have my continuing mental health care from when I was active through the VA and I have a job but just feel a mix between restlessness and lost in the civilian world. I feel like I just don't belong and wonder how long it will be until they find out that I don't really fit. I just miss that camaraderie.