Comments on: Changing Careers: Military to Civilian

By: Julius

Julius — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 19:47:30 +0000

I literally went and read every article you had on military to civilian transition. I thank you for sharing your experience and giving advice on several topics for you have experienced them personally. I am on that same boat where I need to make a decision, which is leaning towards getting out and finishing my Degree. I gave my blood, sweat and tears in USASOC for 8 years and like you said, “enough is enough.” I’m currently on my 6th deployment and is not helping me finish my degree due to my profession as an operator. I ETS in 10 months and working through a plan to “not struggle” during my college years. What other advice do you recommend for Military to College transition. Thanks

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:19:18 +0000

WBaker,

It can be tough to make the transition, especially after a deployment. It seems like you are still living half a world away and the recent experiences still weigh heavily on your mind. The transition becomes easier with time, especially if you can surround yourself with other veterans, even those who weren’t in the same conflict. They know what it’s like to serve.

But you aren’t doing a disservice to your comrades in arms when you go on with your “normal life.” In fact, you are honoring the best way you can. We serve so that others can live. And there is honor in that.

Thanks for your service, and thanks for sharing.

By: W Baker

W Baker — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:34:24 +0000

I know what you are talking about. I just got back from a Iraq deployment and am struggling to get back to a civilian sector. I left my job knowing it would be there when i got back. Maybe i just didn’t take the time off to re-adjust to civlian life, going back to work after only being home two weeks. You sometime feel so out of place, just not fitting in to your old life. I really hate being a civilian again.