Transitioning into civilian life is hard. It takes time getting used to, especially if you were young when you first joined the armed forces. However, you’re not alone in your struggles. Most veterans face the same obstacles when starting their career. But you can overcome them. All you need to know is how to take up a fresh perspective, get to know these four challenges, and how to solve them successfully.
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A Change in Perspective
In the military service, a soldier focuses on the mission. Your direction is the target and the steps you need to take to achieve mission success. Once accomplished, you return to base and get the next assignment, and the entire process repeats itself.
Although it might seem abstract looking it from a civilian perspective, a career is similar. You work on a project (a mission), and you take steps to complete a project (day-to-day tasks), while the company sets your goals (targets).
The only difference is you don’t get to see any immediate impact of your work, especially on long-term projects in, for example, the IT industry. Like a large scale field operation, you have to trust the chain of command and that your efforts are helping the cause of your organization on the market.
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Search for Purpose Outside the Job
To most veterans, not seeing the results of their efforts and hard work is disheartening. However, once you transition into civilian life, you can find solace in your work, but also in the experience, you lead outside the office. And it can give you even more purpose in life.
Instead of focusing all your efforts on your job, pay more attention to your desires. Create a work-life balance, where you create enough time to express yourself and improve your skills. Continue your education, take up a certification course, learn a language, pick up a hobby you wanted, or enjoy time with friends and family.
It’s how civilian life works. All of these things will give you a boost in the right direction, and help you finish day-to-day tasks until you find satisfaction in everything you do.
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You Advance Differently
Companies have a different chain of command and a different structure of promotion. When you commit to a career, you can’t expect to earn a boost in the ranks based on the mission success and experience. However, in the private sector, a company usually has a promotion schedule and various roles that allow advancement under specific conditions.
In transitioning successfully to a civilian job, it’s best to find out about company policies regarding promotion. Talk to the employer before you join their organization full-time, and determine what will it take to progress through the ranks according to your ambitions.
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It’s a Different Kind of Adrenaline Rush
Except for a few jobs, you will likely never feel the same adrenaline rush as you did during service. There will be stress and pressure involved but without the life and death consequences. It’s not the same and can be an issue for veteran servicemen and women with combat experience.
Remember that your military background allows you to thrive under pressure and that’s a significant asset in the workplace. For example, if you choose a career in IT., you will work under tight deadlines and increasing pressure to do your job well and on time. Because this isn’t anything new to you, your training will kick in, and you will become more decisive, faster, and perform better, all of which can benefit your career.
If you are looking for a high-income job in a very agile work environment, consider the IT industry. At MyComputerCareer, we offer veteran certification programs that allow you to take the first step in a successful transition back into civilian life. Take our FREE career evaluation and find your next best role in the workforce.
About MyComputerCareer.edu
Based in Holly Springs, North Carolina, MyComputerCareer, Inc. is an innovative adult technical school with courses taught online and at its seven campuses in Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina and Texas. Students who complete MyComputerCareer’s rigorous Information Technology courses may earn up to 13 highly valuable IT Certifications in areas ranging from Operating Systems to Computer Networks and Cyber Security, certificates often required even for those with four-year college degrees. In addition, these courses form the foundation for students interested in obtaining an Associate’s degree from MyComputerCareer.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
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