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Those rose colored glasses can also blind you to the frustrations that your new job shares with your military job. Whether you’re a civilian or in the military, no one enjoys projects that fail, meetings that go over their time limit,or plans that suddenly change.
2. They don’t know what they’ve got, until it’s gone. When you are in the service, you are focused on the mission and what has to be done. Being a part of something larger than yourself, having a designated focus, and existing as a part of a highly trained team become as natural as breathing. If you are deployed, you get used to a job environment that comes with a daily dose of adrenaline. All of these components are very difficult to replicate in the civilian world.
After transitioning, it can take time for some Veterans to realize the moments from military life that they miss. The excitement of beginning a new adventure, whether it be college, a new home, or moving somewhere where you already know more than two people, takes time to wear off. Once it does, the routine of ordinary life (and its irritations) can be magnified, which creates a
transition hurdle that virtually all separated Veterans face.
So, what is a separated Veteran to do? Although I’m far from the first to advocate these solutions, I’ve seen them work wonders:
1. Exercise. Physical fitness aids mental and physical healing, stress reduction, and overall health. The routine of getting back to an exercise regimen can provide a valuable sense of structure in an uncertain time. Once you find something you love to do, it’s also a wonderful way to make new friends while doing something that is fun and team-based. When you sweat it out with friends a few times a week, you will find yourself heading toward a more balanced life in your transition. Know some Veterans
(or yourself) who could benefit from some exercise? Check out your local chapter of Team Red, White, and Blue—a great Veteran Service Organization (full disclosure, I work there—but it’s still great)!