Veterans and service members, let’s face it; we are not the easiest to deal with. Whether at home, or work, we can be some of the most stubborn, rude, short-tempered, and hard-to-work with individuals, and it’s not necessarily our fault. However, we do have to change our tune when it is time to take the uniform off, not just when we get home from the work day, but when we are transitioning out.
What in the world?
Civilian workplaces have a much different tone than what we are used to, so let me break it down for you. My goal is to make the transition to a civilian job not as jarring as it can be. Pay attention, open your mind, and rub your ear lobes while chanting woo-zahhhhh, because things are about to change.
Transitioning from military to civilian life involves significant cultural adjustments for service members. Here are some key areas they should be aware of:
1. Communication Style
- Military Culture: Communication is often direct, with a focus on clarity, precision, and hierarchy. The military is a culture of executing tasks with little questioning or guidance.
- Civilian Culture: Civilians may communicate more indirectly and casually, and they may value diplomacy over bluntness. Understanding these differences can help avoid misunderstandings in professional and personal settings.
2. Workplace Structure
- Military Culture: The military operates on a strict chain of command with defined roles and responsibilities. Although your role is defined in the military, you may be expected to accomplish or learn a new role quickly despite your current workload.
- Civilian Culture: Civilian workplaces tend to have flatter structures, with more flexibility in hierarchy and job roles. Initiative and self-direction are often highly valued, and reporting structures may be less formal.
3. Pace and Expectations
- Military Culture: The military environment is fast-paced, with strict deadlines and an emphasis on efficiency. You are expected to stay till the mission is accomplished despite any personal issues, excluding emergencies.
- Civilian Culture: Civilian life can move at a different pace, with a greater emphasis on work-life balance and flexible timelines. It may take time to adjust to the differences in urgency and expectations.
4. Teamwork vs. Individualism
- Military Culture: Teamwork and cohesion are essential. The success of the unit often supersedes individual accomplishments. It is a “we” mentality.
- Civilian Culture: While teamwork is important, there is often a greater focus on individual achievement and personal career development. You will need to adopt, or at least be more open to the “I” mentality.
5. Authority and Autonomy
- Military Culture: Service members are accustomed to clear chains of command and following orders without question.
- Civilian Culture: Civilian environments may value individual decision-making and encourage questioning authority to foster creativity and innovation.
6. Benefits and Compensation
- Military Culture: The military offers comprehensive benefits, including housing, healthcare, and structured career progression.
- Civilian Culture: Transitioning service members will need to navigate the complexities of civilian benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and negotiating salaries, which may not be as standardized.
7. Work-Life Balance
- Military Culture: Long hours and deployments often blur the line between work and personal life.
- Civilian Culture: Many civilian careers place a stronger emphasis on work-life balance. Learning to set boundaries between professional and personal time can be challenging but important for mental health.
8. Sense of Purpose and Identity
- Military Culture: Many service members find deep meaning and purpose in their military service, where roles are clearly defined, and the mission is central. Often, after leaving the service, there is an ‘identity vacuum’ that veterans struggle with.
- Civilian Culture: Some veterans struggle to find a similar sense of purpose in civilian jobs, which may not offer the same level of mission-driven focus or camaraderie.
9. Social Dynamics
- Military Culture: The military is a tight-knit community with a shared set of values and experiences. Bonds are often strong, especially among those who have served together.
- Civilian Culture: Civilians may not fully understand or relate to the experiences of service members, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Veterans may need to seek out new support networks and communities.
10. Physical and Mental Health Support
- Military Culture: The military provides structured support for physical and mental health issues, often with immediate access to services.
- Civilian Culture: Veterans may need to navigate civilian healthcare systems, including the VA, which can be more complex. It’s important to be proactive about seeking mental health support during the transition.
11. Dress and Appearance
- Military Culture: Uniforms and grooming standards are strict in the military, and service members are accustomed to these guidelines.
- Civilian Culture: Civilian dress codes are more relaxed and vary depending on the industry. Veterans may need to adjust to a more flexible or casual approach to appearance in civilian jobs.
These are just broad strokes when it comes to the differences in civilian and military work environments. The changes differ from job to job, and organization to organization. Veterans need to understand when starting a new journey after service that things will not be as they once were.
Be proactive for your mental health
It is important for veterans to seek support when the differences create stress or anxiety in their lives. Find support where you can with the resources that are offered. Check-in with your local VA to find support systems for newly transitioned veterans, look for your local VFW Post, or reach out to mentors or coworkers who have already experienced the transition. It is never too early to find support and preparation for this next stage of life. It may sound simple, but you will be surprised how much anxiety you will feel when you experience those ‘veteran moments’.
