Anyone else have a rough time working with civilians?

Sgt Adrian Jones — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 16:13:57 -0400

So since transitioning from the Marine Corps I've had a rough time working around civilians, it doesn't affect my performance. But at times it is annoying currently I work at a place where there is one guy that wants to act like a big tough guy but complains and yells about everything a real snowflake. I caught him talking about me behind my back, so I confronted him then he proceeds to tell me "was I talking to you" I followed up with your talking about me behind my back. I stayed behind my desk didn't raise my voice stayed calm, this guy got loud so everyone in the office could hear. I simply said be a man if you have a problem with me pull me aside or come out with it. But don't talk behind my back...I'm thinking I should go back working as a contractor or something. these guys have it easy and yet they complain about everything...#firstworldproblems

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2018 4:28 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 16:28:25 -0400

Sgt Adrian Jones I understand your frustration. I was discharged in 1972, and I encountered many civilians that did not like the military or veterans. During my civilian career, most of the folks that had the same work ethics that I did were military or veterans. Over the years, I have adjusted to tolerate civilians, and I hope that you will also. Semper Fi Brother!

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Oct 4 at 2018 4:29 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 16:29:13 -0400

Had a problem when I first retired. I was used to structure, clearly defined tasks and goals, with order and discipline. The first civilian employment I had nearly caused me to lose what little mind I have left. No common goal, everyone was in it for themselves, no company or teammate loyalty, blatant disregard for supervisors, ...... UGH!! Made me want to try to return to active duty. Nearly nine years later and I still can't believe the level of disrespect and disorganization I encounter. At least now I've adapted and just press on with my own task goals.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 4 at 2018 5:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 17:20:04 -0400

I have seen union workers get a full days credit for an hours worth of work.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Oct 4 at 2018 6:01 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:01:18 -0400

Nope, but I was a civilian long before entering the military. I was 31 when I joined so I worked many jobs as a regular Joe. So, after leaving Active duty I was nothing at all to fall back into place. Now, I am a Army Civilian and Reservist, so I just switch it back and forth all the time.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Oct 4 at 2018 7:25 PM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 19:25:05 -0400

Sounds like he believes he is untouchable and that is partly true. Civilians are not subject to the UCMJ so you can't reduce them in rank and it takes almost an act of congress to get one fired. Just like the military, document every instance of misbehavior and what corrective measures you did to try and fix the problem. All about documentation! When you had enough, bring the paperwork to Human Resources and ask for advice.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2018 9:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 21:11:57 -0400

I have encountered people in the civilian world, starting from the first month after I left active duty, who have personality issues I did not encounter during my service. I don't know if that means I just had good fortune in the people I worked with in the service, or if it means that the civilian world has more people with low character. I think it's a bit of both. As far as the defense industry and contracting, that's a mixed bag in my experience, with as much in common with the civilian world as with the military. However....

That's the world we live in. We just have to adapt and overcome. It is a condition of the operating environment. I've read that Secretary of Defense Mattis reads Marcus Aurelius's book Meditations, which seems to be largely about ways to not lose your temper when dealing with idiots. (I need a more modern translation, myself. My copy is written in a archaic manner with sentence structure that is inside-out and backwards.)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2018 9:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 21:23:42 -0400

Yes. The structure, discipline, and teamwork that we get used to in the military isn’t there. Civilians don’t give a crap about you or your experiences. From what I’ve seen, kissing butt gets you a lot farther than work ethic and carrying the weight of two or three other people on top of your own just gets you reprimanded. Maybe I’ve just worked for crappy people though. Idk.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Oct 5 at 2018 5:58 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 05:58:48 -0400

I recently started my first straight civilian job. I am enjoying myself but am forced to ignore how disorganized and down right goofy the place I work at is. I am trying to introduce some organization and sensible practices and it is working some but not as fast as I would want. A lot of civilians seem intimidated about the military and talking about it too much does not help. Every situation is different and my simple advice is do your work, try to enjoy yourself, and keep remembering that those goofballs have no clue and try to get them in gear but ultimately there is probably little you can do about it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 9:22 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 09:22:07 -0400

Screw that. If the Marine Corps life isn’t for you, try going Army. The one thing I love about the military is the camaraderie. Civilian work life is truly dog-eat-dog, full of land mines, and often lacks the cohesiveness the military offers. Moreover, how many civilian companies offer a full annuity after 20 years for the rest of your life? Here’s a battle plan for you:

1. Join our ranks.
2. Retire military.
3. Go GS and enjoy the good life.

Food for thought...

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Oct 5 at 2018 12:48 PM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 12:48:23 -0400

I had a job as a millwright in a GM. Foundry for 35yrs. Remember the old saying empty barrels make the most noise. Over the years people like to talk tough but they don't back what they say. You called him out, but being the person he is he just makes a lot of noise he wants to make the other employees sound like he is more powerful than a Marine. Im not one to advocate violence. In my day if we had a bully who was demeaning us. We would fight. I know times have changed. Im 77yrs old but in my time I would have said Quit talking about me or Im going to deck you. I got in trouble for saying that before on ralley point. Im just telling you my experience. I worked in a Hot, Dirty environment and the work was hard at times. To me you are a Marine Brother. Semper Fi.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Oct 5 at 2018 2:12 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:12:43 -0400

It's hard coming back. Your used to being and working with professionals. That's why so few Americans join the military, They can't be what we are. And most of them are just whiney assholes. Sorry but your going to have to learn to work with them because your stuck until you retire or win the lottery.