After years dedicated to your country, it’s finally time to transition to civilian life. Whether you’ve served for six years or 20, transitioning can be challenging. Many prior service members and veterans struggle with the change.

While the transition can be challenging, and even a little intimidating, having a plan for your future in the civilian world can ease the transition and reduce your stress.

8 Tips for a Successful Transition

We’ve created a list of tips to help you succeed in your transition from the military to civilian life. You don’t need to complete these steps in the exact order, but they can provide valuable insight to help you adjust. Ease your transition with the following tips:

1. Start With the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Workshops

One of the best resources for service members is the TAP workshops. This program helps service members receive training and employment information or resources within 180 days of their separation or retirement date. You can find three-day workshops that cover different topics, including how to search for jobs, exploring career options, creating resumes, and preparing for interviews. Securing work early can prevent a lapse in paychecks that could impact your expenses.

2. Think About Your Skills and Find Employers

You’ve likely developed plenty of transferable skills in the military. Take some time to consider what skills you’ve developed, such as:

●Leadership

●Teamwork

●Adaptability

●Time management

●Integrity

You’ve also developed skills unique to your MOS. Consider if you want a civilian job in a similar field where you can apply your skills.

Once you’ve narrowed down your abilities, you can start looking for employers. Many companies and employers seek out prior service members, veterans, and those with the skills developed in the military. You may be able to find employers who are willing to mentor you or provide guidance as you’re transitioning to a new career.

3. Consider Where You Want to Live

After considering your career options, the next step is to consider where you want to live after separation or retirement. You should start making these plans well in advance since moving can take time, and you’ll want to thoroughly research the different options. You can ask yourself the following questions each time you find a potential destination to help you make an informed decision:

●What is the cost of living?

●Are there job opportunities in my field of interest?

●Do these positions pay enough for my expenses?

●What are the education opportunities in the area?

●What opportunities are available to my spouse and children?

●Do I have a support system there, such as family or friends?

●Can I travel to family for holidays and emergencies?

●Are there resources to assist with the transition, such as a VA hospital?

Asking these questions can help you find a new home that meets all your standards. You’ll feel more at ease, whether you’re moving back home, near your last duty station, or to a new city.

4. Start Organizing Your Finances

While you were in the military, many expenses were covered that won’t be once you transition to the civilian world. These new expenses can come as a surprise if you’re not prepared. Keep your transition smooth by planning how to manage a new monthly budget.

Remember that you won’t have BAH or BAS moving forward. If you can, have a decent amount of money saved before your transition. These savings can cover the time between your separation and retirement to your civilian employment. You’ll also have extra money to cover unexpected hardships you may experience during your transition.

5. Consider the Little Things

When you’re in the military, things work a certain way. For example, you use military-specific jargon and military time and refer to higher-ups as sir or ma’am. These things work differently in the civilian world. As you’re transitioning, consider using professional language in your civilian job, using civilian time, and referring to your professional contacts by their first name or last name.

6. Play to Your Strengths

Prior service members or veterans are known for their accountability, precision, leadership, and many other skills. Make sure you showcase these skills when you’re sending in your resume or interviewing for a new position. Many non-military job candidates won’t have the same skills you do from your time in the service, so use these strengths to your benefit when looking for employment.

7. Leverage Your Network

Service members make connections with many people during their service. You can leverage these connections to find opportunities during and after your transition. For example, you can join a veterans group and look for opportunities there or contact veterans who have entered the corporate world. Get to know these connections, and ask them how they approached transitioning to civilian life, and if they know of any opportunities.

8. Find Ways to Manage Your Stress

The transition process can be stressful and there’s a lot to do, but it’s essential to take time for yourself. You don’t want to become overwhelmed or burned out before you even reach the civilian world. There are different ways you can manage your stress, including:

●Take breaks from planning to do activities you enjoy.

●Eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise

●Consider meditation

●Schedule time to unwind

●Talk to others or professionals

●Practice deep breathing techniques

Managing your stress can make it easier to manage your transition, ensuring you have a clear head when thinking about your future. While transitioning to civilian life can seem overwhelming, there are ways you can reduce stress and handle the change so you can be successful.

Find Luggage for Your Transition With Military Luggage Company

When you transition, you’ll likely need to move, whether you’re returning home, staying close to your duty station, or moving somewhere new. You can use a lot of the luggage you used during your service, but you may not have enough to hold all your belongings.

Military Luggage Company can help you find the luggage you need to facilitate a successful transition. We offer backpacks, duffle bags, garment bags, computer bags, and more. You’ll discover that our bags have the quality, durability, and storage capabilities to carry you and your family’s belongings to your new home. Browse our selection today or contact us with any questions!