What are the most challenging aspects of transitioning to civilian employment?

PO3 Galon Miller — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 10:12:24 -0400

Identifying the challenges of leaving active duty with the intention of mitigation risks through planning and preparation will give you the needed confidence to achieve civilian employment success.

1) Fear of the unknown
2) Discrimination based on invalid and/or unreasonable perceptions of military service
3) How to best prepare for the civilian hiring process
4) What to say during interviews
5) Leaving the camaraderie that you have grown to appreciate
6) Finding a relevant mentor who understands how to help
7) Being alone and on your own
8) Not having the income that supports your desired standard of living

What other difficulties come to mine?

BTW - The objective of this post is to increase the effectiveness of assisting and supporting veterans in the transition process. Whatever knowledge you can share will be appreciated.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Apr 27 at 2014 10:54 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 10:54:11 -0400

Good morning,

Understand that we must go way back to answer this question. When I got out the first time (following Desert Storm) I was still young and very inexperienced in the ways of the civilian world. I would have to say that was probably my largest challenge I faced in the transition. They did not prepare us for this transition as they do now. When I hit the concrete running, resume in hand, I did not expect to find I was either over or under qualified in the eyes of those with whom I would interview. IN the end I fall back to being young and inexperienced. Had I better armed myself for the road ahead, I could have easily overcome the other obstacles.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made May 13 at 2014 3:26 PM

SPC Stephanie Oanes — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:26:38 -0400

You pretty much hit the nail on the head! I definitely agree with your list. Another one would be change of work environment. Going from a career where you are on duty 24/7 and you can leave whenever for medical, legal, family appointments and not have to worry about clocking in/out or the number of hours you worked that day. The program the Army came up with to aid in transitioning soldiers is very helpful, but why are veteran unemployment rates still high?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 1 at 2014 2:11 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 02:11:13 -0400

"Over qualification" seems to be a code word for saying "recognized under value". Employers seem to know they are getting more value for their money than they paying for, and it makes them skittish.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 2:46 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 14:46:00 -0400

Thanks for posting a topic like this. I enjoy reading these answers. The responses give me somewhat of an idea of what I might be in for when it’s finally time to retire.

Response by Vikki Nicometo made Mar 10 at 2016 9:55 AM

Vikki Nicometo — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 09:55:52 -0500

Well, I had started another discussion and it had some great responses, but RP decided it was a duplicate to this one *sigh*. I wish I could respond to those of you who answered my question, but because they merged it with this, I can't. :(