What is the worst part, personally, about transitioning into civilian life?

Slowing down and feeling alone was the hardest part. Was constantly surrounded by some sort of community and level of comfort. Once out that is all gone. Being in and squared away gets results, but on the outside mostly everyone will just look the other way. It'll be hard to find other relatable veterans even while going to school. People our generation can be so busy or preoccupied. Reestablishing trust, new friend-ships, and just having everyday conversations with other people will be nothing like it was. So have a solid friend or two, stay sober, avoid burning any bridges, and try to connect well with a local veteran support group. All that can really help you process the change...

Feeling alone in a community that did not appreciate my 20 years of service. It has required me to move to VA for new work and leave my family behind until we can get a new home built and the kids transferred to a new school. I networked like crazy on LinkedIn and that is how I found my current position. A total stranger helped me find this job because he worked at this company previously and he understood the value that I brought to the team.

I medretired out with 80%army, 100%va and 60%crsc. Almost everything i learned..i did on my own. Now i am a County Veterans Service Officer. I help vets navigate to va and many other veteran programs so they have fewer worries and problems than what i suffered. Shoot me an email and i will give you my office phone number. I will walk you through a lot of what you are going to have to do and some of the decisions you will be forced to make. [login to see] -lake.wi.us

Not that bad. Biggest issue for me was my resume. You are really starting from ground zero again. You must figure out what skills, etc. you can use on the resume for the position you are looking at. You have to sale yourself to civilian employers. Also, some employers can't stand to hire vets. Sad by true.

When I first got out my biggest problem was civilians not understanding the worth of some of my training. Plus it seems they think all veterans has PTSD, and that we are all one second away from going postal. I've since had to stop working because of mulitpal issues due to my service.

Lingo, camaraderie, being underestimated or even overestimated. (Presumed to be of lower intelligence despite being higher than average, or being assumed to know high level classified intel "just because" I happened to have been a soldier). I began work in security with a predominantly veteran workforce. The structure of security and my fellows helped my transition while I went to school and completed the rest. It took me a good three or four years to relax.

The sense of family with my coworkers. It may be the single biggest issue I had keeping a job. I found a small company who really does have a family like workplace.

You are alone, no one is there to help you. Right now I just retired 2 months ago and to say the least, I am having a hard time finding a civilian job. You will heard of promises, but they are exactly that promises... Good luck

If you are prepared it can be great. Ensure you know and the pros and cons. For example, for the 3rd year from ETS transfer your POST 9/11 GI Bill to your spouse of kids/dep. If not your will gain 3 yrs on you contract if you are at the last year.

Getting treated like I don't have anything to contribute at my new employment despite the fact I have 30+ years of active duty service. Marginalized is what I would call it. Time to update the resume.