2006-07-09 21:03:48 · 11 answers · asked by ROGER 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes. It scared the crap out of me. For 20 years, all I knew was the military life. The regiment, the camaraderie, everything. All of that changed. If you can remember back to when you enlisted, you had the same fear. Your way of life is going to change, and you don't know what the future holds. You may have a family that you have to support, you may not have a place for them to live. These are all things, and more, that went through my head when I was retiring.
But, just like everything else, a good, solid plan, and the support of my wife helped me out.
I started applying for jobs six months before I went on terminal leave (we decided to stay and continue to work for the Army, just on the civilian side). I started working my new career while I was on t-leave, so things just sort of flowed from one point in our lives to the next. Granted, the position wasn't want I REALLY wanted, but I was earning money, was able to support my family, and have been moving steadily upward.
Good luck, and keep the faith.
2006-07-09 22:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by My world 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes! When I left the Navy I was scared sh**-less! I had identified myself as a Sailor and a military member for so long that I was lost. I likened it to inmates who get out of prison after a lifetime of imprisonment and are left with a lot of fear about how to adjust to the world outside. I looked at the world through a different set of eyes. I almost considered running for my life and re-joining just to feel comfortable again. But I knew that if I had the courage to join, I had the courage to be a Veteran living the civilian life. I have a great support system and am doing fine, just like you will be. Remember, it took Kahoney's to join and you have all the tools to make it outside the military. Good luck!
2006-07-10 09:29:46 · answer #2 · answered by ashpea2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Soldiers often had this problem of adjusting from the rigid life of being in the military to transform to a purely civilian life. Firstly, soldiers are practically disarmed when turning to civilians and they are uneasy without guns. Secondly, they had a hard time to live in a house without guards unlike in camps when it is secured 24 hours and 7 days a week. Lastly, civilian life in practically an easy life.
2006-07-10 04:09:05 · answer #3 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. You go from a very strict life style where everything is supposed to be perfect to one that is so far from perfect. It's normal to be afraid of it. Someex-military people get worked up by it that they think they are still in the military and in some cases believe they are at war. If you think it will be a problem for you you should go see a pschiatrist and talk with them. They could refer you to someone who could help you sort it out.
2006-07-10 04:05:49 · answer #4 · answered by Rebekah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course! When I left the Marines, I left a structured life.
In fact, as much as I disliked the Marines, I hated to leave it, because it was something I "knew" for 4 years, and I had to embark into the "unknown"...
But, like thousands of others, I made it in Civilian life, and am now retired.
I wish you well..
Jesse
2006-07-10 04:09:18 · answer #5 · answered by x 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very Normal.
Don't sweat it, it'll pass in time!
You've become used to the systematic routine the military provides, the feeling of somebody always watching your back! You realize that this will no longer be the case once a civi. It will take a few weeks to adjust, but you'll be fine!
2006-07-10 04:13:31 · answer #6 · answered by fnytms 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. You know that no matter what you are going to get paid. But if you get sick or miss days on a civilian job you have to use PTO, or some of your pay check.
Hang in there. You will be ok.
2006-07-10 04:08:00 · answer #7 · answered by Lynda C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, you have spent the majority of your time, however long in enlisted for, being told what to wear, where to be, and you have beccome used to this. So it is an adjustment and a change, especially if you joined when you were fresh out of high school.
2006-07-10 04:08:03 · answer #8 · answered by aj1908 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course. any change is going to have a fear factor to it and i'd bet you feared a little before going into the military.
the same goes for someone comming out of jail, except on a much greater shock scale
2006-07-10 04:07:22 · answer #9 · answered by sandpeople_1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you have been shooting people avoiding mine blasts etc. so yea we dont exactly have this over in the US so of course it would be hard
2006-07-10 04:07:18 · answer #10 · answered by sicivic05 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋