Military personnel are well trained for a number of intense and difficult situations they might encounter during their careers, but there’s one scenario that can be particularly challenging to prepare for — post-military life. For veterans, going back to civilian life and rejoining the workforce can induce culture shock. To ensure the smoothest possible reintroduction, here are seven tips for veterans entering civilian life.
- Take time to readjust. The differences between your military experience and your civilian life are going to be innumerable. In the military, you were likely stationed abroad and followed procedures that no longer apply to your post-military life. If you’re still in a military mindset after arriving home, you may find yourself challenged when starting a different job. Give yourself some time to gradually readjust. If possible, take some time to become reacquainted with your home and new lifestyle before joining the workforce. Should you be struggling even weeks or months after returning home, consider talking with a qualified counselor.
- Anticipate your lifestyle change. Carefully consider how your life will change once your military service comes to an end — both through day-to-day routines and obligations and cultural differences. Write down your thoughts to organize them into a broader view. You might feel some attachment to these routines, but remind yourself that some of them need to be released before you can move on.
- Use the GI Bill®. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).Get a step ahead by furthering your education and using your GI Bill® benefits. Here are five ways to maximize the GI Bill® education benefits.
- Find desirable jobs. Joining the civilian workforce after military experience can seem like a downgrade, but it doesn’t need to be. Try to see transitioning into this next phase as moving into an exciting new chapter of your life — and think of your military experience as arming you with the irreplaceable skills, work ethic, and life lessons that make you a unique and desirable candidate for numerous roles. But don’t fall into the same trap as many other veterans: Finding the right job isn’t just about attaining a desirable salary. Doing something you enjoy will increase your general happiness and quality of life at the end of the day. Think about what matters to you, then, research careers that are a fit and that appeal to you.
- Translate your military skills into job skills. There’s no sense in joining the civilian workforce and attempting to behave as if you didn’t serve in the military. The skills you acquired — including discipline, punctuality, and teamwork — were crucial to your development, and many of them are highly sought after when employers are considering candidates for positions.
- Network. As a returning veteran, you might feel overwhelmed by where to start in terms of finding employment. But think about all the personal connections you’ve made over the years — before you enlisted and while you were in the service. Those connections will boost your career opportunities. Reach out and let them know you’re back home and looking for work — and include a brief summary of the kind of work you’re looking for. Note: The more people you contact, the better your odds.
- Know the Veterans’ Preference policy. If you want to greatly increase your chances of employment, check out federal employment options. Under the Veterans’ Preference policy, veterans are given priority when it comes to hiring for federal government jobs. There are departments within the federal government that may be particularly suitable to your experience, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs. When applying to these positions, be sure to emphasize the skills you gained during military service, as well as how the federal government has made a positive impact on you through the military. Even if the transition from military life to that of a civilian seems daunting, don’t forget that you’ve made an adjustment this drastic before — when you joined the service. The key is to consider all of the resources you have at your disposal and use them strategically. Once you’ve reestablished yourself in the working world, the rest of your civilian lifestyle will fall into place.
Resources
VA Free Career Counseling Overcoming Transition Challenges Connecting With Student Veterans
