BY AVA COLLINS
Remember that a work environment helps you to reconnect with the civilian world and also assures financial safety for your family, as well as your own needs.
Ex-military personnel are bound to feel some sort of resistance when transitioning into civilian life. Even though being around family and friends once again is joyful and uplifting, the simplicity of routine existence can be rather complex for someone who’s used to the structure and uniformity of military life.
Transition takes time for everyone and it really isn’t easy, especially for veterans who are trying to adapt to life after leaving the armed forces.
How Can Veterans Ease their Transition into a Smooth Civilian Routine?
With so much time and energy at hand after leaving active duty, it’s important to utilize it the right way by doing things that matter and make a difference, besides filling the obvious void. It goes without a doubt that ex-military personnel have what it takes to succeed in just about any situation.
As a veteran, it’s a good idea to take the time out to introspect and research job opportunities that align with your existing interests, which will give you much-needed inspiration and take you one step closer to a fulfilling civilian life.
Here are 5 tips to make the transition to civilian life smoother:
1. ALL GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME
Patience is key when adjusting to a new lifestyle, especially when it’s a change in career – that’s unchartered territory for anyone! A little time, effort and adjustment is all it takes to get back on track. Use the initial period to simply get back to home living and appreciate the time spent with family and friends. Take all the help offered by loved ones, since a solid support system is necessary to help you establish a strong foundation. There is also the support that is extended from colleagues, other veterans and focused support groups that are handled by professionals who understand how tough this transition can be.
2. BENEFITS OF CIVILIAN LIVING & WORKING
Civilian living has its own charm, so it’s best to spend some time doing things that bring you happiness and a feeling of contentment. It’s not necessary to jump in into the work life right away, so take some time off to gather your thoughts and come up with a suitable plan of action. At the same time, it’s important to note that working life is bound to be purposeful, and is the best way to use the valuable skills learnt through the myriad experiences you’ve gained. Remember that a work environment helps you to reconnect with the civilian world and also assures financial safety for your family, as well as your own needs.
3. CHOOSING THE RIGHT JOB
Being strategic is a finely-honed skill you already possess, and this should be utilized for personal gain. Brainstorm! Come up with a list of pros and cons of various prospective job opportunities, and then weigh them to narrow down the options as per your preferences. An essence of passion is necessary, no matter the job opportunity and is bound to make civilian work life entertaining besides fruitful, so look for openings that you find interesting. There is a plethora of opportunities just waiting for candidates with the kind of credentials that ex-military personnel possess. Getting down to choosing the right job is all that’s in the way.
4. KEEP MOTIVATED DURING TRANSITION & AFTER
It is tough to take the first step, but keep in mind that it gets easier with each step forward. Once you’ve started the process, each further step starts coming to you with more ease, and it’s all about knowing that there is no stopping now. Focus and determination are forces that you’re already familiar with and you can’t afford to lose them – not now, not ever. Self-motivators are valued above anyone else, whether in personal life or work life. Also remember that civilian life post military is perplexing for any veteran, and it is perfectly okay to ask for help!
5. START AFRESH
So many people ask for a chance to start afresh, and most of them don’t actually have what it takes. Being ex-military and possessing qualities that build strength and determination are gifts to be proud of, so hold your head high! Your existing skill set, strong ethics and problem solving skills should be considered a huge asset when it comes to getting a new chance at life, so embrace your fresh start with arms wide open and you’ll see the results in no time at all.
Reference Links: http://taskandpurpose.com/get-motivated-transition-military/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ava Collins is from Walnut Creek, CA and has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. She is an online marketing associate with Hicks Professional Group (www.hickspro.com) as well as their HR Manager and takes care of their office administration work. She has a knack for recognizing IT talent, and excellent people skills that prove beneficial in every professional endeavor she takes on. In her free time, she loves to travel; that is when she is not offering her time to social services.
