Have you heard the term "transition stress"?

I've transitioned out of the military in 2010, and STILL stressed out!!

Lots of reasons for it too!

Any major change in life can be stressful, transition isn't the only thing that causes stress.

Yes, I am living it now! No matter how much you prepare - go through TAPS, Medical, Resumes, Career counseling, ect. Change is still stressful for most people.

Making the transition to civilian life is probably a very stressful event for most servicemen and women largely because they're often told what to do, where to be, what uniform to be in, and what they'll be doing. I equate it going from a full sprint to a baby's crawl! You now have to find a job, figure out what to wear for the day, figure out how you're supposed to support your new employer, change how you act because you aren't in the military anymore, and how you are going to pay for insurance and many of the other things the military gave you. Most people aren't prepared for that and it can lead to what I refer to as sticker shock!

Perhaps one of the more over baked "military" issues out there. People change jobs everyday and even career directions regularly. The military has made an art out of making some simple things seem more complex, perhaps to get people not to leave.

We did not have any transition help when I departed. It was a final checkout, a handshake and you were on your way. No classes, counseling, resume writing, etc. etc. etc. Most of us have survived.

You should posses skills most of your contemporaries in the civilian world do not. Leverage them. I am not talking about just technical skills (you may have those as well). Your time in the service has given you experiences, leadership skills, intestinal fortitude, work ethic and a host of other things most civilians are lacking. There is no reason to stress.

SSG Shavonde Chase Any major life change is stressful. Having a plan to handle transition and staying very busy will help.

I've heard of transition anxiety. But not transition stress. I'm guessing it's the same feeling many get as the transition from one part of their life journey to another.