By Sam Ast, Re-Entry Workforce Development Specialist, Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas
This blog includes ideas, suggestions and general information that might be helpful for former service members looking for employment or who need help navigating the transition back into civilian work life.
Veterans are some of the most honorable members of our society. They dedicate their blood, sweat, tears and cherished time with beloved family and friends and also importantly risk their lives to serve our country. Additionally, many people in uniform also face a myriad of challenges when their commitment is over, and they arrive back home.
Aside from the obvious and dramatic shifts in daily routines and expectations, veterans may find other difficulties as they reenter the regular workforce. Things like mental health problems, physical disabilities, housing issues or relationship problems can all make the life of a veteran more difficult. Leaving service can also cause veterans to question their own self-worth and value outside of the uniform, which can be just as detrimental to your well-being and progress.
The Skills of a Veteran
For some in the veteran community, there is a pervasive sense of confusion surrounding what to do next. This is often due to the perception that the skills and aptitudes learned and gained throughout the time of duty won’t translate into the jobs available back home.
The good news is that this perception, while understandable, is far from true. Many competencies and skills taken from one’s time in the military can also be utilized in more traditional types of work and should be highlighted on résumés and applications or leveraged during interviews. Some examples of these applicable skills may be more readily apparent than others.
For instance, a mechanic servicing armored personnel carriers or other combat vehicles likely would not find much difficulty doing similar tasks for a neighborhood car repair shop or dealership. If your occupational specialty was related to communications, it might make the most sense to join a marketing department or use those talents to contribute to a magazine or newspaper.
Exploring New Opportunities
At first, it may be hard to make the connection between uniformed and civil employment opportunities, but they will become more visible the more you look. Remember that the time after your military service can also be a great chance for a fresh start. There is no reason that you have to enter a field or occupation related to your time in the military if that is not what you are passionate about. Depending on your individual, financial or personal responsibilities, you might have the necessary latitude to consider taking time to attend school, contemplate writing a novel, learn to drive 18-wheelers, take up music or maybe even learn to operate a forklift. These continuing education options have massive potential to lead to paid work at a later stage or simply give you pleasure and contentment in the present moment.
Ask for Support
If you have trouble asking for assistance, just know that there are people and organizations out there ready and willing to give you guidance. It can be hard to ask for help, but it’s help you have earned. Letting others point you in the right direction does not make you weak. On the contrary, having the bravery to access available resources demonstrates your intelligence and shows you are willing to do what it takes to work on bettering your employment prospects and ensure your life after service is positive and worthwhile.
Not everything will be a breeze, but some things can be made easier. Let others help step in and give you their best effort to support you. Try visiting a local Goodwill® career center or reaching out to a Veterans Affairs representative. You can also go to your local library or visit a veterans’ support group. Whatever you do, remember that this is a great time to embrace the unknown and keep advancing.
