What was the biggest adjustment you had to make when transitioning from Active Duty to Civilian life?

2017-04-07T11:55:31-04:00

Whether it's talking to loved ones, finding employment, or adjusting to your "new normal," PatientsLikeMe members are sharing how life has changed for them. What's your experience?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 7 at 2017 12:00 PM

2017-04-07T12:00:52-04:00

Figuring out my work wordrobe and dealing with people who gave no mission focus.

Response by PFC Alexander Oliveira made Apr 7 at 2017 12:08 PM

2017-04-07T12:08:56-04:00

it might've been how much more relaxed everybody is in the civilian world. I wasn't scared of running into somebody higher ranked than me all the time. and when I did run into somebody above me they were just normal people. it wasn't some SGM with short man syndrome who saw my rank and demanded the utmost discipline from me. it was nice to relax.

Response by LCpl Shane Couch made Apr 7 at 2017 12:45 PM

2017-04-07T12:45:39-04:00

The hardest transition is dealing with civies. Even the simplest conversation with them may seem they have been living on another planet during your time in service. Your reactions to work and well everything else are much more immediate than everyone else around you. You will know who a majority of the veterans are just by the way they carry themselves. It will take time but it isn't difficult, it will eventually just fall in place.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2017 1:11 PM

2017-04-07T13:11:52-04:00

SN Vivien Roman-Hampton I was discharged in June 1972 when there were many civilians that did not like the military or veterans. In the military, there are fellow brothers and sisters. When you are back n the civilian world, you are dealing with folks that think and act differently than you are used to. It is a culture shock that you have to adjust to.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Apr 7 at 2017 1:48 PM

2017-04-07T13:48:20-04:00

For me it was communication. I spoke directly and assumed responsibility for everything. It took a while to know not everyone is judging me as a leader, woman or Air Force officer. Now I'm just Becky. Bossy but in a softer way...kinda...I don't know, maybe my husband has a different opinion....

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 7 at 2017 4:30 PM

2017-04-07T16:30:49-04:00

I was shocked at how bad some civilian organizations were run? Shocked by how badly they were flapping in the wind. Still am.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 7 at 2017 6:07 PM

2017-04-07T18:07:23-04:00

I had one of the more interesting MIL aspects. That's being a senior officer in the reserves having to report to an idiot O-4 as a civil servant. But I knew well the "Rule". Military Alpha Hotels are not around long. In my case, the front office knew and respected me well enough to execute the babysitting mission well. Second was the diversion aspects. Made sure he got tagged as the SBJO who had to rely on me to get it done. Gradual deprogramming and rebuilding exercise. He was much less rigid and appreciative of what non MIL types add to the fight. Oh yes, my reward. Why support the SBJO when you can be it. But then again, not everyone should get tagged as that. Nasty Admins and JAGMANs really do need to be done right for the sake of the innocent and oppressed.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Apr 7 at 2017 6:41 PM

2017-04-07T18:41:12-04:00

The hardest part of my transition was finding a job,this was back in 1968 so there still opportunities in the work force that did not require the college and advanced degrees that our current Service members face,so I managed to find work but it was hard just the same.

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Apr 7 at 2017 10:00 PM

2017-04-07T22:00:12-04:00

Having a boss that didn't yell. I actually found it unsettling at first how my boss would calmly explain things rather than turn spitfire.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 12:32 PM

2017-04-08T12:32:05-04:00

After training on the Guard side I can tell you I more often than not wish I had gone Active because I actually enjoyed it. That said, if you're leaving maybe consider doing 3-6 years in the Guard or Reserves as your final stay in the military. I think it has the potential for a valuable transition phase for anyone on Active Duty. You still have that sense of military while you are engaged in your Civilian life.

Just a thought.

EDIT

I still don't like Civilians very much. Didn't really like people in general before I joined, but now things just pop out more. Constant irks.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Apr 8 at 2017 3:32 PM

2017-04-08T15:32:40-04:00

Remembering I wasn't a NCO anymore and that "worker bee" meant that I had to bring up any issues to management instead of taking care of it myself; a.k.a. at the lowest level possible.

Response by MAJ John Douglas made Apr 8 at 2017 9:08 PM

2017-04-08T21:08:57-04:00

I had no idea how "militarized" I had become in my bearing, communications, everything. Apparently it was obvious to anyone who had not been in uniform. I hope it showed in a positive way but I'm still not real sure. Having said that, once I retired, I never looked back and never said I wish I was back in the Army. The Army was very good to and for me but it was done and time to move on.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Apr 9 at 2017 2:05 PM

2017-04-09T14:05:41-04:00

My adjustment was time and distance. Instead of 9 to 5 and work just 5 minutes away, civilian work was 8 to 5 and 30 minutes away. It took some time to get used to it.

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made Apr 13 at 2017 5:01 PM

2017-04-13T17:01:13-04:00

Working regular hours...you should try it, it is a great concept.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 9:03 PM

2017-04-14T21:03:51-04:00

Re-learning how to make friends. Most of my friends on active duty were in the military, often in my unit.

Response by SPC Shannon Wade made Nov 23 at 2019 9:07 PM

2019-11-23T21:07:58-05:00

For me the transition was worrisome because I am the only one working in the household so all the bills rested on my shoulders and when that paycheck stopped due to me getting out of the Army, we got behind and are still playing catch up almost 4 months later. The job I had lined up was a government job and it started a month later than what was originally told, which meant going almost two months with no pay. We had to ask for help to pay our electric bill twice because there wasn't any money. We lived off canned food and thankfully food in our deep freezer to get by. Then when I got the job I had to move to it but thankfully the Army gave me a little money beforehand to do a DITY move. I've heard people make jokes that getting out of the military is like being released from prison, you dont have money and you dont really know your next move so I'd say it's pretty darn close. If the job had taken 3 months my family and I would have been homeless because I have to make so much money in order to support our bills and our family of 6. Other than financially difficult, adjusting to the slow pace of civilian life/work is...undescribeable. I went from working 14 hour days completely stressed almost 24/7 to working 8 1/2 hours sometime between 6:30am to 6pm so pretty much make my own hours. Civilian life has been a huge change and one for the better for my family and me. I thank the military for getting me where I'm at today and my husband for pushing me into the job I have now.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Feb 19 at 2021 8:40 PM

2021-02-19T20:40:14-05:00

Dealing with individuals that cared about nothing but themselves. From my point of view, just did enough to keep there job.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2021 10:09 PM

2021-02-19T22:09:39-05:00

For me it was what do to do with all my free time. I ended up joining back. Then I got out again. Then I joined a third time. This time I am going to retire.