8 Steps to Take after Serving in the Military
Serving in the military can be a transformative experience, exposing you to an array of new skills. That said, the post-military transition is no easy feat, from finding new housing and job opportunities to adjusting to civilian life after years at war.
However, nothing should stop you from achieving your goals and aspirations. In this article, we will discuss some important steps to consider when transitioning from military service into civilian life and how time, dedication, and sometimes professional assistance are all important.
Visit a Doctor:
Spending time in the military often puts veterans and service members at risk of serious health issues. Lung diseases, infertility issues, blood disorders, and respiratory problems are just a few of the many. Some of the causes of these particular health problems are exposure to harmful chemicals like asbestos or contaminated water. Asbestos exposure can cause a deadly lung disease called mesothelioma.
As for waterborne diseases, the Camp Lejeune water contamination problem from 1953 to 1987 in North Carolina—one of the most notorious cases—exposed service members to harmful chemicals like vinyl chloride, benzene,and trichloroethylene (TCE). If you or a loved one were exposed to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune base camp, you can file for disability compensation.
Update Your Resume:
Getting military experience is one of a kind. When you think of updating your resume, add your military experience and describe it in a way civilian employers can value.
When updating your resume, add attractive points you think the employer is looking for. Make your resume easy to read and avoid military jargon. Add short sentences and bullet points.
Add whatever achievements you accomplished in your military career. The achievements will attract potential employers and give them an understanding of your capabilities.
Remember to be clear and concise. Also, update your resume for each job to increase your chances of getting hired.
Know Your Goals:
Knowing what you want out of your post-military career can help focus the search and create a plan of action. Be sure to consider what kind of job, location, salary, etc., you're aiming for. Make sure to investigate the job market and various career paths to ensure that they match your abilities and skill set.
Furthermore, goals must be realistic. Try to identify small goals you can achieve quickly, which will help you stay motivated and make the transition easier.
Take Advantage of Education and Training Benefits:
You may qualify for education and training benefits by serving in the military. These benefits could assist you in acquiring the required expertise to pursue a new profession. It is crucial to understand the various types of benefits available and how they can assist you in achieving your objectives.
It would be beneficial if you researched these benefits to determine if they can assist in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a new career.
Make sure that the educational and training benefits you choose are updated with current industry trends to stay competitive in the job market if you decide to use them.
Manage Finances and Plan for the Future:
Whether you served in the military or not, having emergency funds is extremely important. Try to create a budget, and be prepared for any unexpected expenses. Always review your credit report and strive to enhance your credit score.
Furthermore, it would be best to search for insurance plans that protect against unexpected income loss. Develop a retirement strategy and consider investing in financial tools like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to increase your savings.
To make informed financial decisions, seeking the advice of experts is highly recommended. You can approach a financial advisor who can offer guidance on managing your finances effectively.
Address Mental Health Needs:
Serving in the military can be a challenging and demanding experience that may have an impact on mental well-being. Addressing any mental health concerns that may arise after completing military service is important.
If you feel any signs of anxiety, depression, or PTSD, seek professional help from a mental health professional who has experience working with veterans.
Consider reaching out to fellow veterans who are going through a similar experience as you for guidance. Engaging in mindfulness practices and physical activities may also aid in managing your mental health needs.
Accept New Opportunities and Experiences:
Having served in the military for an extended period can equip you with a distinct set of abilities that may prove beneficial in a range of professions. Veterans can pursue some of the best jobs and career paths, which may lead to exciting opportunities.
Explore civilian occupations that align with your skills and past experiences. Also, consider networking with other veterans, participating in veteran organizations, and volunteering for military-related programs to maximize your opportunities.
Staying positive and optimistic while transitioning to civilian life as a veteran is important. Veterans can succeed in this new chapter by creating a solid plan and putting in the effort.
Consider Entrepreneurship or Small Business Ownership:
If you want to start a business, many resources are available to veterans who wish to become entrepreneurs. Do some research on veteran-owned small businesses and take advantage of the various financial and networking opportunities available.
Look into the Small Business Administration and other organizations that support veterans interested in starting their own businesses.
Additionally, take advantage of military member discounts and resources offered by various corporations, online tools, and other sources to achieve your business goals.
Conclusion:
Taking these steps to move forward after serving in the military can open up many possibilities for veterans and their families. Even if some may feel overwhelmed by the transition, keeping a positive attitude and mindset can make all the difference.
Remember that veterans can improve their chances of successfully adjusting to civilian life by preparing adequately and maintaining patience. Veterans have earned the right to a successful and prosperous future because of their commitment to defending our nation, so no matter what path is chosen, resources should be leveraged, and never turn down support or guidance offered during this transition period.