Navigating the Transition: From Military to Civilian Life
In her first WarCollar blog, our recruiter Nariman Main shares her own experience transitioning from military to civilian life and tips for navigating into the unknown.
I had to cut my long hair to shoulder length to comply with grooming regulations. When it grew out again, I perfected the art of the bun—complete with a generous amount of hair gel to keep it in place! My black boots required that flawless shine, achieved with actual shoe polish, which I had to melt down with a lighter for easier application. My uniforms demanded precise creases in specific areas, not to mention the extra starch. I can’t help but reminisce about being the apple of my 1st Class Petty Officer’s eye, who made sure no Marines approached me during our deployments. The joys of deploying with a bunch of grunts on a ship, who apparently had bad sea legs. What do I now that I'm back on land wearing civvies?
You left the military with great memories and now what?
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be daunting. Many of us veterans faced a mix of excitement and fear as we stepped into a new chapter. It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about adjusting to a different pace of life, new social dynamics, and often, a loss of identity. We had to adapt to wearing civilian clothes to work and not our uniforms.
Common Fears
Job Market Anxiety: Many worry about translating military skills to civilian roles. The fear of being unqualified can be overwhelming.
Cultural Adjustment: The shift from a structured military environment to the more flexible civilian world can feel disorienting.
Isolation: Leaving behind a close-knit community can lead to feelings of loneliness and uncertainty about building new connections.
Mental Health Challenges: Many veterans struggle with PTSD or anxiety, which can be exacerbated during this transition.
Overcoming the Fear
Seek Support: Connect with veteran organizations that offer resources and mentorship. You're not alone in this journey.
Leverage Your Skills: Remember that leadership, teamwork, and resilience are highly valued in the civilian workforce. Highlight these in your job search.
Take Small Steps: Start with part-time work or volunteer opportunities to ease into the civilian lifestyle.
Build a Network: Engage with local veteran groups [<-- link to one we like], attend networking events [<-- link to recurring one we've been doing?], or join online communities to meet others who understand your experiences [<-- link to one we like].
Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being during this transition. It's okay to ask for help.
Embrace the journey and remember that it’s a process. The skills and values you gained in the military are powerful assets that can help you thrive in civilian life. You’ve faced challenges before; this is just another one to conquer!
Remember, as a civilian, it's ok for you to walk on the grass now!
Take Action
As a certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business, WarCollar Industries understands the sacrifices veterans and their spouses have made. We also understand the challenges they face transitioning to the private sector. If you are a veteran, spouse of a veteran, or a member of the veteran-owned community and are interested in working with WarCollar, check out our job openings, see us online this Thursday, October 31 for a Career Fair, or just send us an email to introduce yourself and get more information.
