Effects of a Career Change
You have been in the military for a number of years, and you are now making the transition
back to civilian life. Understanding stress, and coping with it, are essential skills you will
need to get through this difficult time.
Leaving the Military Challenges Your Identity
You have worked hard to become a Captain, Sergeant, or Petty Officer. When asked what you
do, you probably replied, "I'm in the Army (Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or Marines)." Now
you must start over as a civilian. Now you are just another civilian.
Changing careers is a stressful undertaking, perhaps even more so for those leaving military
service after many years. A service member may have worked for 30 years to achieve a
rank or grade, but upon leaving the Armed Forces, he or she leaves this rank behind -- and with it,
a large portion of his or her identity.
Some people find it easier than others to adopt
new identities. Transition is traumatic and stressful, but it also opens up a whole range of
possibilities. If you approach your transition as an opportunity to grow, you will have
already taken a giant step toward reestablishing your identity.
