
Beware, Vet Transitioning!
I never thought coming back into civil life would be this hard. I feel like I don’t fit in this society anymore. Everything I try to do to get my life started just ends up creating more conflict. All I know how to do is will myself through my problems by force. I also think managers are picking up on my intensity at interviews and don’t want to risk giving me a chance for a job. I’m moved back to my mother’s basement and I get pressure from her every day to find a job or move out. Being a Veteran hasn’t benefited me at all. I’m still young but what else can I do to get my life on track? Desperately seeking meaning but I can’t get out of my head long enough to learn how enjoy life again. Help.. Please!

I'm sorry to hear about your situation but as a veteran, former wife of a retired Marine and mother of a Marine and Army Reservist with combat experiences, I know about some of your problems. The fact that you can identify and articulate your troubles is a good sign for healing and solving them. Employment is important but getting a job may not be as hard as keeping it. Your intensity is understandable to me because I know of the need for a military person's training to be "in the moment" and focus because your life and your buddies lives could depend on it. Coming back into civilian society today most likely doesn't need immediacy except in first-responder jobs like law enforcement or fire and EMTs. But some jobs could use your physicality and knowledge on how to follow immediate instructions such as in safety jobs like rural firefighter jobs such as in the USDA Agriculture forestry departments. I think they require wearing a well kept uniform and use and maintenance of life-saving equipment and operation of emergency vehicles and fire trucks. With climate change, and recent big fires across the country, we need these kinds of personnel. Takes training but you already have the "team work" ethic and can use your military background to help transition into such fields. Public safety has many kinds of jobs so I encourage you to seek them out and try to keep your "nose clean" and away from -isms that can negatively affect a background clearamce because most of these jobs require a clearance. Take care and be proud of your service because I am proud of you! Semper Fi

I know u pray but TELL GOD EXACTLY WHAT U NEED HIM TO DO. ima pray tight now Clifton. CHANGE IS COMING TODAY!!!AMEN

i know u pray but tellGOD EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED HIM TO DO! Ima pray right now for you. Change is CONING TODAY!AMEN

Have you applied to Home Depot, Amazon, or Lowe's yet. They are nationally recognized for hiring veterans. I know it's stressful but try to keep sending out applications. It takes a lot of tries before you get a call back or hired. Hang in there!

Hi Clifton, So Sorry to hear about your struggles. I think there should be more resources available to help service members settle into civilian life after they finish their duty.

Get out of that basement right now and get some help!! Go to makeaconnection.net and find local help. My nephew had similar experiences and issues after serving in the Gulf. He was on the verge of permanently hurting himself but by the grace of God he was able to find help. Good Luck!

Clifton, After reading your message I can’t stop thinking that you might have some unaddressed issues. I’m not a healthcare professional but maybe you should reach out to some veteran support groups in your area for help.
Hi Clifton, What type of work did you do in service - is it something that could be useful now? What type resume are you using? If your military skills do not translate, rather than elaborating on them, state your skills, knowledge and ability -- Able to follow and complete detailed requests, team player, - capable of operating (types of equipment); in good physical health, free to travel, relocate, etc. All of us were required to learn first aid, there is usually a need for medical personnel. And, have your thought of training in a new field? There are grants available, check with the various organizations. Also, get involved with military organizations, AMVETS, etc., - We vets rely upon one another, don't hesitate to talk with others and seek advice. Speak with friends and others - the best job offers come from word of mouth. Apply in person - do not rely totally on resumes - but take one along plus your DD214 - (veterans' preference). Give a positive appearance and state you are seeking any work - full/part time/temp, for which qualified. Get medals on active duty - list them on your resume (it gives a good impression of what type worker you are.) Also, on your resume, I recommend in the final paragraph: References upon request. Be sure you obtain permission from those persons before listing them as references. I suggest you also provide your references with a copy of your resume. You might do well to use a military person - someone who is knowledgeable of your skills, etc. I have had some of my veteran clients even volunteer to work a week for free - telling the employer, "To see iI you are satisfied with my work performance." Best wishes, Clifton.