What is the hardest part about transitioning from the military to a civilian career?

2018-01-17T12:23:27-05:00

Response by SPC David Willis made Jan 17 at 2018 12:29 PM

2018-01-17T12:29:15-05:00

Id say for me it was and sometimes still is the fact that what I did in my 4 years and change really doesn't really matter in the outside world, sure it may be impressive to some or the experiences I had may be interesting to others but when it never actually helps in day to day activities. The skills I learned don't translate to civilian work and my body will never work as well as it did over that small amount of time. That being said Id still do it all over again if I could and wouldn't change a thing.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2018 12:36 PM

2018-01-17T12:36:05-05:00

Shannon Arroyo Everyone has different experiences. I transitioned in 1972, and had to deal with continuing hostility from some civilians, especially in college. What helped me was having solid plans in places to accomplish my goals. I started working as an operator at a chemical plant, where there was no hostility, and started college. What helped me the most was being very busy where I was forced to focus on work and classes.

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Jan 17 at 2018 12:53 PM

2018-01-17T12:53:06-05:00

Figuring out what kind of hair cut to get?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2018 12:54 PM

2018-01-17T12:54:26-05:00

Slower pace...I worked retail for 2 years and I absolutely hated life...was always drinking and going out..no purpose. Snapped out of it and went into Law Enforcement.

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made Jan 17 at 2018 1:05 PM

2018-01-17T13:05:00-05:00

For me, it was having to decide what I was going to wear to work.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2018 1:29 PM

2018-01-17T13:29:20-05:00

No longer acceptable to knife hand people.

Response by LTC Patrick Sauer, MHA, FACHE, CMPE made Jan 17 at 2018 3:19 PM

2018-01-17T15:19:41-05:00

Changing from a culture of Team and We to a culture of Me, Inc., in addition to translating job skills and speaking the civilian language.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jan 17 at 2018 3:21 PM

2018-01-17T15:21:22-05:00

I think it depends if it’s a 1 or 2 hitch Vet or a 20 or more year career Vet.. How adaptable they make themself.. I knew guys/women that as soon as they were off didn’t waste time getting into civvies and getting off the base.. Everybody’s different..
and trying to quit using the Military acronyms .. can be hard for s’one who’s usd them all their career. I had been out a short time after retiring on disability.. I’m walking into work to the restaurant from the park’g lot and one of the guys who’d never knew what it was like to wear a uniform, neatly pressed, Work shoes/ boots blacked and brushed.. runs up and tries to
Grab my Chef jacket out from my arm... it didn’t work, I was ready for him.. it wasn’t the first time either.. later he tries to purposely spill some bbq sauce on my jacket.. I grabbed his bud and turned him in front so he got the sauce.. He was like I was.. come in neat and try as much as possible to stay clean.. it can’t always be helped.. I know guys that are fast.. but they’re sloppy fast.. the cookline looks like a battle had been fought. Utensils, cook towels, pans, plates, food.. no need for that.. too much waste of good food product.. and supplies.. loss of time(I try to have enough equipment; spatulas, spoons, hand towels, tongs.. so we don’t have to get off the line.. wasting time getting off the line to chase down a clean utensil, just makes guests have to wait longer.. I hate having to apologize because Food is late.. I tell them. You made it late, you go out and apologize ! That’s why I want them work in shirt sleeves and save their jacket for going out front .. as much as possible.. Being line Chef I hang my jacket where I can get to it.. the stores rm is right around the corner. .. anyway, the make the order late, they apologize , that’s how it needs to be.. after a time or so apologizing they get the hang of it and be more careful.. One distinguished guest wanted me out there.. we had slowed sufficiently that I could do that.. I put my somewhat still clean jacket on and went out with him.. the food critic was upset because I made the cook apologize for himself ! I said it right there.. that he had gotten sloppy and dropped the tongs and had to get another pair.. he’d already dropped a pair previously.. that’s why he was late getting the food to the window.. so I had him apologize for the screw-up. Sure, The buck stops in the end with me.. but I want the guest to know who Actually made their entree be late ! Let that cook feel the embarasment for a change.. it’ll help mold them to be better and not sloppy...

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jan 17 at 2018 3:35 PM

2018-01-17T15:35:48-05:00

Specificity of post-military career. While some people already have a concrete plan when they leave, others simply know they don't want to be active-duty military anymore. Although school, entrepreneurship and other options are available, it often takes time to form a proper plan to achieve a definite goal.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jan 17 at 2018 4:56 PM

2018-01-17T16:56:52-05:00

Punching the clock. When you get used to Day Crew Stay Crew, 12 on 12 off, weekends, etc, it gets a little weird sometimes being able to leave on time.

Response by SrA Matthew Oneil made Jan 17 at 2018 5:42 PM

2018-01-17T17:42:55-05:00

one thing that helped me was finishing a college degree

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 17 at 2018 6:14 PM

2018-01-17T18:14:42-05:00

Learning your military career may not be as impressive to your civilian HR department. Learn to morph your resume to the position you want. Your rank and duties are seldom understood, be humble be willing to accept something at a lower grade in that is where you want to work.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jan 17 at 2018 8:16 PM

2018-01-17T20:16:29-05:00

Definitely the people. There is a certain level of professionalism and work ethic that one becomes accustomed to in the military that just doesn't quite exist in the civilian world. In addition, although there may be repercussions for doing so, in the military one is able to voice opinions and different ways of doing things. Even a private can have an opinion on how to do something and, as long as it was voiced in the appropriate manner, the worst that will happen is your opinion is ignored. In the civilian world, your job is on the line if your personality doesn't jive with that of your superiors. It is interesting to think that you had far more freedom to exercise your ability to think and make a difference in how things are done in the military than you were on the outside. Many people don't think about it that way.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 17 at 2018 8:36 PM

2018-01-17T20:36:20-05:00

We all get hit with the same things going to CIVPERS. Manana time frustrates some more than others. Disconnect from the strategic mission in that you can see yourself doing the same thing 10 years from now and never see any real accomplishment. MIL mentality is to get in and get out. CIV mentality is to ensure work forever. Clothes, perhaps a long commute daily, or whatever are things that are different. The problem ones are the stuff that messes with your mind. My hot buttons were lack of diligence and drama from coworkers.

Response by PVT Leighton Bader made Jan 17 at 2018 10:53 PM

2018-01-17T22:53:21-05:00

Not being able to swear at use dark ass humor and not get in trouble for it.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 19 at 2018 3:21 PM

2018-01-19T15:21:48-05:00

Shannon Arroyo Nothing Hard, I Rather Like Not Having $10,000 and 10 Years in Jail being Held Over My Head if I Screw Up. What is the Worse a Civilian Job can do to Me, Fire Me? Not having to Worry about Butt Loads of Classified Publications, Messages and Equipment. I'm in Hog Heaven Now. No One calling Me Out of My Office to Deal with the ICWO at FOSIC Cincpacflt, No One Waking Me to make a Courier Run when it is 115 degrees outside. I'm Good.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 10:54 AM

2018-01-23T10:54:28-05:00

Getting used to minimum wage again.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 23 at 2018 10:56 AM

2018-01-23T10:56:24-05:00

Understanding many people really don't have a sense of urgency or really care,

Response by SSgt Jim Smith made Feb 16 at 2018 1:51 PM

2018-02-16T13:51:04-05:00

After 20 years in the USMC I understood exactly how Rip Van Winkle would have felt after sleeping 20 years. The work ethic of civilians caught me off guard not to mention the "me first" attitude. It took me a long time to accept that I had to stop working after my shift even if the job wasn't done.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 16 at 2018 7:48 PM

2018-02-16T19:48:43-05:00

That first day when you go job seeking, and it starts to hit you that all those "skills" weren't worth much when you are in a job interview. That was in 1992 when I got out after the draw down.

Response by CW5 John M. made Feb 19 at 2018 9:47 PM

2018-02-19T21:47:23-05:00

Dealing with unfamiliarity, less structure, more choices, more laid back. Take your cues often by what others are doing, saying, or behaving. Terminology and appearances can vary by quite a bit.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Feb 20 at 2018 6:06 AM

2018-02-20T06:06:14-05:00

Hello Shannon,
I have been retired for nearly 5 years after 20 years in the Army. My take on this is depends on how long you or an individual was in the military. No offense to those who join for 4-5 years, even 10, everyone go in for different reasons. I ended staying for 20 because my life took that route, I became so set on how I think and do things. I hate not having a routine and things that could derail me from those routines. And, maybe some don't think about this, but I did retire on my own terms, meaning I was tired both mentally and physically, but I was satisfied with what I have done...I was ready to move on as well as my family. I could've made it to the next rank, but I was going to give it a shot just three times, if I didn't get it by the third try, I was going to drop my packet which I did. 20 years was enough!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 10:29 AM

2018-02-20T10:29:44-05:00

Shannon Arroyo I have not yet transitioned, but I did the reverse going from full-time civilian job to full-time military. The big change is the mindset.

1. Being in the educational field it was largely Democratic and about unions and vote as the union does. I like to think for myself and vote how I want to vote. I go to full-time military and most of the military servicemembers I have met are Republicans with different views than those I worked with at the schools. We have to keep our viewpoints close hold and not express them openly while in uniform.

2. Pay is way different when it comes to benefits. I did not get housing allowance when teaching so housing was factored into my budget whereas in the military I have an allowance to pay for my housing.

3. The military can have long hours, afterhours, weekends, deployments, etc. where you have little if any say. On the civilian side you can always quit if you do not want to work overtime. I knew teachers who only graded papers while they were "on the clock" based on our contract and would not stay late or take anything home.

4. The military is a team and a family. You will not see many civilian employers doing notifications and assistance when one of their employees die. You have invested interested in those around you in succeeding as your life might depend on their proficiency. Civilian wise you can be all competitive and want to step on others to get promoted (not saying some do not do this in the military). It is hard to find the type of bond you get in the military in other jobs.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 10:39 AM

2018-02-23T10:39:41-05:00

In the Army getting over was common. In the REAL world it is an art form, shamming is not only encouraged, but the best shammers will get bonuses and promoted. I work in county government and "getting the job done" is frowned upon. Kiss ass, politic, and take credit for others work and you'll do fine.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Feb 26 at 2018 10:41 AM

2018-02-26T10:41:02-05:00

Time honored value systems... Each service element has them, basically and respectfully they umbrella one another as we are Brothers and Sisters. We we step out of uniform, there are a lot of those traditions you might expected to see lost, simply beginning with showing up early, to picking up the phone and answering, to a morning greeting to dressing and looking neat and clean daily. Communication up, down, left and right is generally non-existent and of recent as I have found in my job search, the decency and respect, basic common courtesy of a call-back is non-existent, especially as one of two of the last of all candidates for the position! Some things will be more difficult than others. Adjustment can be tough, but you have been trained for that mention toughness and can drive-on. Your Drills and NCOs instilled that into you in that initial training or your fellow Cadets at your ROTC and Academies. We have all been engrained for such - you’ve got this! Best of luck in your future endevours!

Response by Cpl Sean Willadsen made Feb 26 at 2018 7:59 PM

2018-02-26T19:59:23-05:00

Civilians

Response by LCpl Richard Hay made Mar 4 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-03-04T18:51:34-05:00

Learning to cope with civilian personnel. Most have no discipline or self drive.

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Mar 5 at 2018 8:46 AM

2018-03-05T08:46:37-05:00

Well Shannon I guess I was one of the lucky few, seven days exactly after retirement I was accepted to attend the State Police Academy. Of course, I used a little networking prior to R-Day, and trust me it pays off in great dividends to do so. Anyhow to make a long story short, I attended the academy, graduated and went to work for the State Police, where I stayed until I retired a second time in 2015 at the rank of Captain. Now I’m, kicking back going crazy as hell. The wife and I travel a lot in and out of country and while travelling I enjoy it. For you retired guy’s out there looking to visit Japan and or Korea go MAC! Coordinate with Seattle/Tacoma where they have a dedicated flight to Japan and Korea twice a week aboard, ready for this? A Freedom Bird! That’s right boy’s and Girl’s a Civilian Airline “Delta” or “Korea Airline” how amazing is that? The cost round trip for both you and the wife are $80.00 bucks round trip. That’s 40 dollars each. Now tell me you couldn’t spend anywhere from a week to 90 days with all the money you save just from the plane fare. What you need to do is coordinate with the Airforce Mac Terminal, register for the flight, possess a US Passport, and be placed on standby, and why not, you’re retired so sit back and relax. Sea/Tac has a great USO where you and the spouse can catch a nap, have a snack, watch a few flicks and mingle with the new breed of military youth. Once you arrive at your location, and before leaving the terminal, re-register with Mac for the return flight home as simple as that. Imagine spending evenings slurping down Japanese tea, eating real Japanese food and walking around Tokyo like a tourist. Maybe you’ll visit the Land of the Morning Calm (South Korea), if you enjoy seafood, then bubba this is the place to be. And yes, this is straight up, a sure thing. So, sit back, plan your trip, coordinate with Mac and Bon Voyage. Sorry Shannon just had to throw that out.

Response by Terry Pinion made Mar 9 at 2018 7:44 PM

2018-03-09T19:44:54-05:00

In the military you feel like you belong to something bigger than yourself and you know what the rules are...In civilian world you have so many people just their to collect a check while doing as lil as possible to earn it,,,,this can drive a mission oriented person insane...

Response by MSG Eddie N. made Mar 20 at 2018 10:07 AM

2018-03-20T10:07:48-04:00

"Because I said so!", is not an acceptable answer anymore. It amazes me how many meets that I sit in where I hear a manager put out a new guidance and the resistance to it. "Why?", "this is stupid", "I'm just going to keep on doing it the way I do". Not once have I heard a manager say "this is the new guidance and you will do it period!"
The most humbling part about transition is that while your military experience may have gotten you in the door, you are now the equivalent of a civilian private. However, I think my co-workers are to afraid of me to tell me to get an "exhaust sample".

Response by SSG Jay Marchand made Mar 25 at 2018 1:31 PM

2018-03-25T13:31:50-04:00

A. Civilians Suck
B. Civilian jobs suck
C. Civilian workers suck
D. Wish id have stayed in longer, at least in the military, I knew and enjoyied the suck.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2018 7:50 PM

2018-03-25T19:50:19-04:00

Civilian career mantra: ME, ME, ME!!!

Response by 1SG Thomas Griffiths made Apr 4 at 2018 9:11 AM

2018-04-04T09:11:44-04:00

People! The structure of society has become trash since social media has taken over.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2018 4:42 PM

2018-04-04T16:42:37-04:00

The realization that my Military background would be nowhere near as relevant to corporate headhunters as we'd been lead to believe. :-/

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 4 at 2018 6:06 PM

2018-04-04T18:06:32-04:00

I'm going to have to buy a whole new professional wardrobe...

Response by PO2 Sam Vanderburg made Apr 7 at 2018 2:04 PM

2018-04-07T14:04:44-04:00

For me, back in the early 80's, it was the culture shock. Totally went from one culture to another. I was not ready for that! Maybe I should have re-uped!

Response by PO1 Michael Brouty made Apr 8 at 2018 6:41 PM

2018-04-08T18:41:21-04:00

No Common sense. Political correctness makes me sick.

Response by SPC Kelly MacLeod made Apr 12 at 2018 1:05 PM

2018-04-12T13:05:16-04:00

Finding out I have as little in common with civilians as I do other service members.

Response by CW2 Richard English made Apr 15 at 2018 6:44 AM

2018-04-15T06:44:28-04:00

After retirement (27 years) I was focused on returning to my earlier career, manufacturing. No surprises, I could not relate to the civilian workers and the manufacturing sector had changed. Actually, I was fortunate to have been guided by a veterans state employment representative, he sent me to apply for a contract position at Land Between the Lakes, it changed my life. After three years at the 370,000 acre park, Iraq war began and I got a position working for a military contractor, I was home. I have been in this career for 14 years and presently working for the State Department in Iraq. I have lived in the middle east for 13 years. Remember, there is a place for you once you leave the service but remember, do not fall into following the civilian mindset.

Response by LTC Ray Morris made Apr 15 at 2018 1:28 PM

2018-04-15T13:28:43-04:00

I came into the military at 17 and grew up there, staying for 27 years. So I've learned most of what I now know from NCOs and officers along the way. When the guys I served with gave their word, you could take it to the bank. I learned about integrity, honor, and loyalty form those folks, and many are still my friends. The hardest thing for me, upon leaving the military was discovering that civilians don't operate by the same playbook. A plummer will say, "I'll be there tomorrow around five," and you won't see him for a week. An acquaintance may tell you he or she will do something and it never gets done. That causes serious adjustments for many military people who have come to rely on others to do their jobs. As a result, I find that most of my friends are still military, or military retirees, mainly because we all have a common frame of reference - and a code we live by. I hope this helps.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2018 10:23 PM

2018-04-16T22:23:39-04:00

The hardest part about transitioning from the military to a civilian career was the questions the civilian colleagues asked after they realized I was in a combat zone. I had to be very careful to answer with as little information as possible - because most of the time they didn't really seem to want to know the answer unless it fit their preconceived perception. I learned to be vague and use sound bites. Sometimes I tell a story, but usually it's in a more laid back situation.

Response by CW2 Theo Bell made Apr 16 at 2018 11:29 PM

2018-04-16T23:29:00-04:00

Realizing how much I really don't know about our monetary system. The military should really add more training on how Wall Street really works and new systems like cryptocurrency.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 6 at 2018 1:06 PM

2018-08-06T13:06:32-04:00

How the Army aged me because when I go to interviews people think I'm NAM VET, or I'm grand father. Thank you US ARMY for so many deployments.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Aug 6 at 2018 2:55 PM

2018-08-06T14:55:03-04:00

Shannon Arroyo I can tell you with a certain degree of certainty that transitioning in 2018+ is more likely than not significantly easier than when I got out in 1970. By means of stark comparison, I would much prefer to ETS today. As a veteran looking in on the progress made in the transition protocols it appears to this vet that the military has made tremendous strides in preparing men and women for life after the military. (This is as it should be.)