The transition from military to civilian life can be a difficult one. After years of living a structured life with clear rules and regulations, it can be tough to adjust to the freewheeling ways of civilian life. If you’re having trouble making the switch, here are a few tips that might help you out.
1. Understand that it will Take Time
The military way of life is very different from civilian life, and it will probably take you some time to get used to the change. Be patient with yourself and try not to compare your new life to your old one. Give yourself some time to adjust and things will start falling into place eventually.
2. Stay Positive
It’s easy to dwell on the negative aspects of your transition, but try to focus on the positive instead. Think about all the new opportunities and experiences that you’ll have as a civilian. remind yourself that this is an exciting time in your life and that you’re lucky to have the chance to start fresh.
3. Get Involved in Your Community
One of the best ways to meet new people and make friends is to get involved in your community. There are tons of different groups and organizations out there that you can join, so find something that interests you and get involved. Volunteering is also a great way to give back and make a difference in your community.
4. Find a Support Group
There are lots of other veterans out there who are going through the same thing as you, so it’s helpful to find a support group where you can share your experiences and offer each other advice and support. Your local Veterans Affairs office should be able to point you in the right direction.
5. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you’re finding it really tough to adjust to civilian life, don’t be afraid to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in military transitions. They can help you work through any problems you might be having and give you some tools to help make the adjustment period a little easier.
6. Start Planning Early
If you’re within a year of leaving the military, it’s time to start thinking about your transition. While it may seem like a daunting task, planning ahead will make things much easier in the long run. Begin by considering what you want to do after you leave the military. Do you want to continue working in a similar field? Use your skills in a different industry? Or maybe start your own business? Once you have an idea of what you want to do, you can begin researching your options and putting together a plan of action.
7. Utilize Your Resources
There are a number of resources available to help veterans make the transition to civilian life. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a great place to start. The VA offers programs and services specifically designed to help veterans find employment, start their own businesses, and adjust to life outside the military. Don’t forget to take advantage of resources offered by your local chamber of commerce or Small Business Administration (SBA) office as well. They can provide valuable information on starting and running your own business.
8. Stay Connected with Other Veterans
One of the best things about being a veteran is that you’re never alone. There are millions of other veterans out there who understand what you’re going through and can offer valuable advice and support. Join a local veterans’ organization or an online community such as Vets2Industry or Veterans in Healthcare. These types of organizations can help connect you with other veterans in your area and provide resources and networking opportunities. Staying connected with other veterans can also help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness during the transition process.
The transition from military life to civilian life can be tough, but it’s definitely doable with some planning and effort. Just remember to take things slow, stay positive, and reach out for help if you need it. With time, things will start falling into place and you’ll be enjoying your new civilian lifestyle before you know it.