For those that have been here before welcome back. We are your hosts, BJ 'n Cindy. We own and operate this site as well as the sister sites. Finding your way post-military can be overwhelming and difficult. Research shows that around 45% of veterans say the military did not prepare them well or at all for transition to civilian life. While being in the military may have given you purpose for most of your adult life, you can find meaning in life as you leave. Here are four tips to help you make your way in this new chapter of your life.
1. Find Hobbies
While on active duty you may not have had the time to engage in hobbies. Now that you have a bit more free time, you can either get back to former recreation activities or find new ones. As you sit at home at night, you could try crocheting or knitting. If you are not the knitting type, perhaps cooking or baking interests you. Maybe you restored older cars with your dad as a child, this could be something that could give you joy again as an adult. Try several pastimes if you are unsure what will work well for you.
2. Start a New Career
Making a name for yourself in a different field can be intimidating. Civilian jobs function differently than the military, typically with a more relaxed chain of command. Before you begin your post-military career, gain an understanding of how things operate in that particular type of work. Ask friends or family with similar positions and conduct some of your own research as well.
Before beginning a new occupation, consider going back to school. This could give you time to acclimate to civilian life while obtaining a degree. Information technology degrees are useful and teach you the skills required to become an IT expert. Business degrees can prepare you for any number of careers in the business world such as marketing or accounting.
3. Try Stress Relievers
Change is stressful for everyone and veterans adjusting to post-military life are no exception. Since you likely got your fair share of exercise while on active duty, keep your body and mind in shape with regular workouts. There is no need to stick to any specific type of exercise, you can try what you enjoy. If you are unsure what type of workout you actually like, try yoga, pilates, cycling or hiking to see what is enjoyable to you.
Another helpful stress reliever is meditation. There are numerous types of meditation and, like exercise, you need to find the right one for you. If you feel overwhelmed in your new life, meditation could be a tool to help you deal with stress and to re-center you if you are thrown off balance emotionally.
4. Work Through Your Feelings
If you become truly overwhelmed with your feelings and are unable to cope, speak with someone to get the help you need. This could be a mentor, life coach or mental health professional. A helpful mentor might be someone who has been in your position previously such as another veteran who has re-entered civilian life. Both you and your family may struggle to deal with this next phase in life, so support the other members of your household as well.
For some veterans, rejoining society as a civilian can be quite difficult. Reach out for help if you need it and try to find joy in your hobbies and work life.
Contributed by Hannah Simpson