Posted on Nov 18, 2015
What is the worst part, personally, about transitioning into civilian life?
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I am currently clearing out of the Army due to a medical retirement. I have my worries about being able to transition and/or function back to civilian life and the work force. What are some issues that you have faced? What have you done that helped you over come those issues?
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Transition
Transition
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 82
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It's not as difficult as you might think. You will probably be the most dedicated man on the job, but that is not a drawback. Don't expect anyone to have your six though.
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PFC Randy Hulse
I think the most difficult part is going to work for a civilian organization where the work ethic and discipline may not be what you're used to in military. We get used to everyone working as a solid team and one mission standards. Some companies are geared towards individual achievements and when you're used to working as a unit, fitting in can be a challenge. It's not like the old days when civilians hated us and we were looked down on. All in all, the programs available to help you transition are better than ever. Jobs for military personnel are much easier to obtain because companies want veterans. Discipline as a whole is lacking in civilian life and that's hard to adapt to. Biggest advice...get your VA benefits squared away as early as you can. Be prepared for alot of waiting and frustrations. You'll find jobwise that you'll have an edge on the competition. Make sure to spend time with a good resume counselor so you properly display your military training and experience to civilian requirements. Thanks for your service.
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I have to admit, I miss the structure and organization of the military, and "Big Boy/Girl" rules take on a whole new meaning on the civilian side...
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It really wasn't too difficult. I've shared this quote in the past in another thread and it fits here so I'll share it again. My manager said this to me the day he interviewed me for the job I'm currently holding. He's also a veteran. He told me, "Don't let what you did in the service define who you are today". He meant simply, don't let the military influence control you. Of course, it's going to influence our lives, but that doesn't mean we should be consumed by it. Good luck in your transition
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Leaving it behind. Even though I was Army Reserve, when I retired, it took about two years for me to get it out of my system. I was kind of lost. Tthe things I missed the most, the job, and the soldiers in my unit. But above all was, a minimum of once a month I got to go "home". I live in Denmark, no Americans around. Once a month I could order an American breakfast at the messhall, I could have a cup of coffee, relax and read a newspaper(Stars & Stripes). Yea, I can read a Danish paper, but it's not the same. I could sit down, relax and enjoy a conversation and not have to think if I was saying it right.
I've had to move on. I got a hobby and became a member of the VFW. I stop looking back, and keep my eyes pointed forward. If we look back too much, we miss where we are going. I've also got into writing. I've written a couple books and working on a couple more. I'm retired now, and looking forward. My time in the military is gone, it was goood, and I enjoyed it, now life must move on.
I've had to move on. I got a hobby and became a member of the VFW. I stop looking back, and keep my eyes pointed forward. If we look back too much, we miss where we are going. I've also got into writing. I've written a couple books and working on a couple more. I'm retired now, and looking forward. My time in the military is gone, it was goood, and I enjoyed it, now life must move on.
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SFC (Join to see)
im now glad that i got this AGR gig now, i feel involved and with a daily goal, to take care of business in uniform away from crazy civilian sector.
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When I got home from Afghanistan, I was 20 years old and trying to go back to college. The hardest part for me was feeling so alone. NO ONE understood me and I sure as hell didn't want to explain myself all the time. I found myself getting angry at every little thing. Sure I looked like an average college chick but I sure as hell didn't feel like one.
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SGT (Join to see)
What helped me adjust to "college life"? Finding like-minded people as well as finding a meaningful endeavor. I joined the Veteran's Association. They were just a group of people who were trying to make it through college that had the same chip in their solder just like I did. There is often a stigma behind joining such a group. We rarely talked about our deployment experiences. Rather we discussed which teachers to take and where we were going to have beer after class. We helped other veterans in need of assistance and helped develop military culture on campus. I would NEVER have made it through college without the help of my fellow veterans.
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SGT Ray Wolfe
I know that feeling and luckily there were other former military soldiers in that college. I felt uneasy for the first few months but conversed with those other soldiers and had some classes together and daily life started to get easier. I think most veterans have have the same problem after serving but they can relate to each other and get by. I graduated a few years ago and have went on to obtain my Masters and half way through my doctorate degree. I am sure if you look around you will find veterans in your school and most can relate to your experience without explaining yourself all the time. Good luck in your endeavors.
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MSG Tim Donahue, M.Ed.
I agree - join the veterans group. Like minded people - same dedication. I went back to get my Masters Degree after retiring - so I was a non-traditional student. Joining with other veterans helped me feel a part of something. I took care of them and they took care of me. Plus we had a hell of a good time beating the ROTC cadets in sporting events!
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Personally for me, it was fear of the unknown. Having to apply for jobs and wiondering where your next meal was coming from, how you're going to pay for rent. The military provides a huge sense of security until its no longer there and you are all alone in the vast world. It sucks until you find your footing again and then you have to work with naive civilians with no ethics.
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I was discharged in June 1972, and my biggest fear was how would I relate to civilians. I started working full time and started college. I was four years older than most of the college students, but it seemed like a larger age difference. I was mature, disciplined, driven, and goal oriented, while a lot of the students were there to have a good time. I was either at work, at school, or home sleeping, so I really did not have much time to worry about anything. The busier you are, the less time you have to worry about functioning in the civilian world.
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The biggest thing I missed was the family I had around me at work. There are so many things you can ask of a brother and sister, that you can't ask of a colleague.
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