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

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.

one thing that helped me was finishing a college degree

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.

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.

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.

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

Civilians

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!

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.

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.