Navigating the Civilian World: A Veteran’s Guide to Workplace Success
As a veteran who’s been through the trenches of transitioning to civilian life, I know firsthand the challenges we face. It’s not just about swapping camo for a suit – it’s a whole new battlefield out there. But listen up, shipmates, because with the right intel and support, you can dominate this mission just like you did in uniform.
The Transition Terrain
Let’s face it – the shift from military to civilian life is no walk in the park. On average, it takes about seven months for vets to feel adapted to civilian life. That’s seven months of navigating unfamiliar territory, often while dealing with three major challenges.
TOP HURDLES:
- Finding a job (33% of vets call this their biggest challenge)
- Parting ways with military friends (28%)
- Finding a purposeful career (28%)
But here’s the kicker – 60% of us already have long-term goals in mind when we leave the service. We’re talking about finding meaningful work, buying a home, and starting families. The drive is there; we just need to fine-tune our approach.
Translating Military Skills to Civilian Success
One of the biggest roadblocks we face is explaining how our military skills translate to the civilian workforce. Nearly all of us believe we have the skills to land our ideal job, but communicating that to employers who don’t speak “military” can be like trying to explain a field manual to a civilian.
KEY CHALLENGES IN THE JOB HUNT:
- Explaining how military skills translate (60%)
- Competing with candidates who’ve been in the workforce longer (46%)
- Lacking required education (43%)
Workplace Accommodations: Your New Battle Gear
For those of us dealing with service-connected disabilities, workplace accommodations are crucial. They’re not handouts – they’re tools to help us excel in our new roles.
EXAMPLES OF EFFECTIVE ACCOMMODATIONS:
- Ergonomic workstations for those with physical injuries
- Flexible schedules for medical appointments or PTSD management
- Private spaces or noise-canceling headphones for concentration
- Assistive technology like screen readers or speech-to-text software
Remember, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we may request reasonable accommodations. It’s part of our new set of rights in the civilian world.
Strategies for Success
- Skills Translation: Work on translating your military experience into civilian terms. Use resources like the CareerOneStop Business Center to help bridge this gap.
- Education and Certifications: Consider using your GI Bill benefits to gain civilian certifications or degrees that complement your military skills.
- Networking: Connect with other vets in your industry. Organizations like the VFW can be great resources for building your civilian network.
- Seek Support: Don’t go it alone. Use resources like the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program for personalized support.
- Communicate Your Needs: If you need accommodations, be clear and specific to your employer about how they can help you succeed.
Employer Insights
Here’s some good news – many employers are waking up to the value veterans bring to the table. Companies like Roush Enterprises have launched initiatives specifically to hire and support veterans, recognizing that our core values of discipline, teamwork, and drive to succeed align perfectly with their corporate culture.
Conclusion: Mission Possible
Transitioning to civilian life is a challenge, but it’s one we’re equipped to handle. Remember, the skills that made you successful in the military – adaptability, leadership, and perseverance – are the same ones that will help you thrive in the civilian world.
So gear up, use the resources available to you, and approach this new mission with the same determination you showed in uniform. The civilian world needs what we offer – it’s time to show them what a vet can do.
Hooyah, and good hunting on your new career path!
Sources:
[1] Veterans and the ADA | ADA National Network https://adata.org/employment-resource-hub/veterans-and-ada
[2] [PDF] Veterans’ Employment Challenges Report | Prudential https://eoa.oregonstate.edu/sites/eoa.oregonstate.edu/files/veterans_employment_challenges.pdf
[3] USDA Reasonable Accommodations Help Disabled Veteran … https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/2023/10/31/usda-reasonable-accommodations-help-disabled-veteran-succeed-federal-career
[4] Overcoming Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life https://greenhousetreatment.com/veterans-and-addiction/transitioning-military-to-civilian-life/
[5] [PDF] DAV Guide to Hiring & Retaining Veterans with Disabilities https://www.dav.org/wp-content/uploads/HiringGuide.pdf
[6] Challenges of the Military Transition to Civilian Life https://bestmindbh.com/blog/challenges-of-the-military-transition-to-civilian-life/
[7] Supporting Disabled Military Veterans in the Workplace – Disclo https://www.disclo.com/resources/supporting-disabled-military-veterans-in-the-workplace-a-comprehensive-guide
[8] Veterans Day News: New Survey Finds Top Challenges Facing … https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/11/veterans-day-news-new-survey-finds-top-challenges-facing-veterans-in-the-transition-to-civilian-life
[9] Challenges & How to Help – Veterans Employment Toolkit – VA.gov https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/challenges.asp
[10] The Difficult Transition from Military to Civilian Life https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2011/12/08/the-difficult-transition-from-military-to-civilian-life/
[11] Veterans and the Americans with Disabilities Act: A Guide for … https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/veterans-and-americans-disabilities-act-guide-employers
[12] Employment Issues Facing Returning Veterans http://www.lawforveterans.org/work/71-hiring/357-employment-issues-facing-returning-veterans
[13] Accommodations | U.S. Department of Labor https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/disabled-veterans/accommodations
[14] Resources for Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life – DAV https://www.dav.org/what-we-do/challenges-veterans-face/
[15] Understanding Your Employment Rights Under the Americans with … https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/understanding-your-employment-rights-under-americans-disabilities-act-guide-veterans
[16] Navigating Transition to Civilian Life – Performance.gov https://www.performance.gov/cx/life-experiences/navigating-the-transition-to-civilian-life/
