What's the biggest challenge you've faced transitioning from military to civilian workforce?

2017-10-11T15:27:35-04:00

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Oct 11 at 2017 3:30 PM

2017-10-11T15:30:16-04:00

For me, nothing really. I've work in a corporate civilian environment before joining the military.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Oct 11 at 2017 4:51 PM

2017-10-11T16:51:11-04:00

The comradery, teamwork and the security of knowing that someone has your back if needed. My first job after getting our it was everyone for themselves. I didn't stay there long (8 month), then I found a job with a company that me feel as I was part of a team and I really enjoy working for them.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2017 5:24 PM

2017-10-11T17:24:33-04:00

None for me, I was a W3 on the W4 !list and was sure I would stay for 30, I,retired, in 1977, to take a position that was what I wanted. I was agreed to take their offer on condition that they would hold the position until I retired. I was under contract and being,paid, as a consultant, by the company for for three months before I retired. The company came looking for me prior to my even thinking about retiring.

My family was in full agreement agreement with me retiring, I'm sure was being in Hawaii for an additional four years plaid a big part in their thinking.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Oct 11 at 2017 5:37 PM

2017-10-11T17:37:14-04:00

Finding a job where I can run drunk for 5 miles before work everyday and still be considered good at what I do

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Oct 11 at 2017 6:59 PM

2017-10-11T18:59:47-04:00

Not having a strong team that I could trust around me. It's still hard to get used to it, but that's my only complaint.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Oct 11 at 2017 8:54 PM

2017-10-11T20:54:54-04:00

The biggest thing I missed was doing strong research on the companies I was being interviewed for. I now realize how important this is to recruiters and hiring managers.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 11 at 2017 9:42 PM

2017-10-11T21:42:14-04:00

Finding suitable employment that will give me the same benefits I had in the military. Even before joining the military, finding employment that pays better than minimum wage has always been a "full-time" job for me. The last two jobs I've had since leaving the military have only paid 1/2 of what I was making at my previous rank in the Army, with no medical or dental.

Response by LTC Robert Gray made Oct 11 at 2017 9:48 PM

2017-10-11T21:48:41-04:00

Believe it or not it was trying to decide where to go to lunch. In the Army we would discus the options. If we could not arrive at a consensus the boss would make a decision. In civilian life no one would decide.

I noticed that same lack of the ability to make a timely decision on an issue was also present in operational decisions. Working in high hazard industries, we where faced with issues which required immediate hard choices. I cannot count the times that I exceeded my authority and made decisions that kept the production going Kept the workers safe and protected millions of dollars of equipment.

My immediate superiors where on me about exceeding my authority and not concerned that I had just saved the company bo ko bucks. During one incident the President of the Company walked in, overheard the boss, he walked up to me and thanked me for my action. From that day until he retired I was protected. Two weeks after he retired I left that company.

Response by SP5 Lori Pong made Oct 12 at 2017 10:20 AM

2017-10-12T10:20:36-04:00

Dealing with undisciplined, unorganized civilians who only had their jobs because of their time with the company.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Aug 28 at 2019 7:06 PM

2019-08-28T19:06:33-04:00

My biggest challenge initially was weak and irresponsible front line leaders, the plus in that situation was , Management recognizes my abilities and I quickly advanced to mid management which allowed me to make sweeping changes in 1st line supervisors

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 7 at 2021 12:21 PM

2021-09-07T12:21:52-04:00

Civilians. After 3 months I said "no more!" Started my own business. Never looked back.