From Service to Civility: Navigating the Transition with Planning, Honesty, and Embracing Change
All the services do a great job informing veterans about the need to plan their transition from the military to the civilian workforce; in this aspect, the services have significantly matured. However, they often fall short by offering a generic "roadmap" for separation, failing to acknowledge the uniqueness of each individual's journey. There is no "one size fits all."
So, then what? Do you give up? No, you create your own personalized plan. Creating a personalized plan requires effort, honesty, and some old-fashioned pen and paper. Before diving into the tough questions, it's crucial to account for the inevitable changes. Transitioning from a highly structured military routine to the freedom of civilian life can be disorienting. You'll lose your daily structure, no more mandatory formations, or PT, no more staff duty or motor pool Mondays. Also, your social group dynamics will shift. Are you moving back home? Are your friends staying in, and you're separating? Being prepared for these changes is paramount for a successful transition.
If you are lucky and have ample terminal leave, beware of complacency. It is natural for it to set in as you are at home decompressing or traveling with the family or visiting friends. Complacency is normal, just don't stay there permanently. Remember that VA payments and benefits can sometimes be delayed, including disability, vocational rehab, GI bill payments, or school BAH. The post-separation VA system, though significantly improved, is still a government entity with its limitations. Prepare for potential hiccups to ensure a smoother transition.
This leads to the obvious: financial readiness. Expect changes in your spending habits. You will probably spend more and either receive the same amount (if on terminal leave) or less (if already fully transitioned and waiting on VA benefits), so be proactive and budget. This is where I see a lot of veterans get into some serious debt, depleting all savings and maxing out credit cards. Budget, budget, budget. Remember, you will no longer be receiving that BAH or that rent-free barracks room, no more mess hall either. Pace yourself; it can take a while to land a job, so there is nothing wrong with taking side gigs (rideshare, food deliveries, etc.).
Now, this is an important one…take care of your mental health! You will go through a wide range of emotions in the weeks and months following your separation, and it can be overwhelming. Changes in routine and scenery, separation from friends, financial worries, depression, sadness, and even some positive emotions like elation, happiness, and relief. These feelings are normal, but we rarely discuss them. It can lead to a feeling of alienation, like you are the only one. Trust me, you are not. Mental health is paramount. Seek support from local VA groups or fellow veterans to maintain a sense of camaraderie. Check them out! You are not alone in your journey.
Job hunting will likely be a tedious process. Even if you land a job quickly, the onboarding process can take time, and getting that first paycheck can take even longer. Now, the reality is that very few are lucky enough to land that job after the first interview of the first job they apply to. Start by asking yourself some basic questions about your desired career path, salary requirements, and non-negotiables. This will help you narrow down your job search and focus on opportunities that align with your goals. I will go into further details in my next article.
In conclusion, use all the resources provided by the services as a starting point, but remember to tailor your plan to fit your individual needs. Like I said, there is no "one size fits all" plan. There are plenty of challenges ahead; the good news is that you're not alone. There are numerous resources and people ready to support you. Stay tuned for my next article, where I'll discuss laying the groundwork for your job search.
