Veterans: What was the most difficult thing for you to get used to in the civilian world after getting out?

CPL Anthony Slaughter — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 21:48:46 -0400

For me it was sitting in a college classroom with a bunch of entitled children who think that the world owes them something, and trying to resist the urge to give them the knife hand.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 16 at 2016 9:50 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 21:50:43 -0400

That I was a stupid fucker for getting out.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 9:54 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 21:54:34 -0400

As someone who joined the military immediately out of high-school and whose MOS had essentially no relation to a civilian occupation, finding meaningful employment after I got out was the most difficult thing to deal with. I've personally managed this issue by expanding my horizons with further education via the GI Bill while working a labor job on the side. I would expect gainful employment or possibly re-acclimating to the simple matter of normal interaction with other people as a common issue. There's many phrases and ways military members interact that are...questionable in the civilian sector.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made Aug 16 at 2016 10:12 PM

MSG Pat Colby — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:12:34 -0400

Dealing with sobriety was a tough hurdle. Mercifully it doesn't occur often.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 16 at 2016 10:34 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:34:33 -0400

All those undisciplined civilians.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 10:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:44:28 -0400

CPL Anthony Slaughter I was discharged in June 1972, when many civilians had an intense dislike for the military. I started college and many of my classmates could nor handle the class work or liked to party too much. I was four years older, but it seemed like 20 years. I was disciplined and determined to obtain my degree. I also worked full time, which left no time for anything other than work and school. I did enjoy school, although, like you, it was hard to tolerate some of the childish behavior of my fellow students.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Aug 16 at 2016 10:45 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:45:52 -0400

I was informed, one can not tell others to get off their arse and get to work. Or, to get a dam hearing aid.
WTF?
Compassion training sucks!
M. Morris RGT

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Aug 16 at 2016 11:00 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 23:00:38 -0400

The people and their work ethics there no body making them do their job
The leadership where I work is to relaxed.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 16 at 2016 11:25 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 23:25:56 -0400

Having to pick out what clothes I'd wear to work. Got lots of "advice" from the Ground Commander.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Aug 17 at 2016 7:40 AM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 07:40:33 -0400

1 - Not knowing what to wear every day.
2 - Dealing with civilians!!!
3 - Not being able to inform Idiots that they are just that, tactfully or otherwise.
4 - Not being able to light up someones fifth point of contact for being useless and incompetent.

I forgot to mention, I work in a government job.

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 17 at 2016 7:51 AM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 07:51:02 -0400

Civilians

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 8:53 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 08:53:11 -0400

Finding meaningful employment was my biggest problem. Most of the better jobs out there you have to apply online. Instead of a manager looking for qualified candidates, it somebody from Human Recourses That overlooks applications.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 17 at 2016 9:05 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 09:05:05 -0400

Chaos. The chaos of war is nothing compared to the chaos of the undisciplined civilian mind and the undisciplined world in which they live

Response by TSgt Craig Crews made Aug 17 at 2016 9:18 AM

TSgt Craig Crews — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 09:18:59 -0400

The hardest thing for me when I got out was the lack of FAMILY environment among my civilian co-workers. I worked for a contractor when I first retired. THAT team spirit just wasn't there.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 17 at 2016 9:53 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 09:53:36 -0400

I still work with the military but as a private contractor. The hardest thing is dealing with people who still try to talk down to you because they're a rank higher than you.

Response by SPC Jillian O'Malley made Aug 17 at 2016 11:37 AM

SPC Jillian O'Malley — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 11:37:19 -0400

My situation is unique as we were dual military and I ETSed while my husband has stayed in. The most difficult thing is dealing with other spouses. I can't even count how many times I've been asked "do you know what I need to do to get my one free plastic surgery?" by spouses

Response by SSG Karl Fowler made Aug 17 at 2016 4:56 PM

SSG Karl Fowler — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 16:56:00 -0400

having nothing to do.so now I go on one gas tank vacations, drive as far as you can on one gas tank .stop get a hotel and enjoy the area. Next year it's 2 gas tank vacations !!

Response by SGT James Hammons made Aug 17 at 2016 8:03 PM

SGT James Hammons — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 20:03:30 -0400

Relating!!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 19 at 2016 9:42 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 09:42:02 -0400

How slack people are in caring about things. Not being on time. Wife telling me I need a hair cut. Wife asking when I'm going to shave - my response: "When I'm recalled to active duty" She never ask again .