Overcoming the roadblocks to finding employment after service

Homeland Magazine had a chance to speak with Jena Hedrick-Walker: Military family support programs and psychological health services expert and Directorof Strategic Development at Loyal Source Government

Services

Homeland: Why is finding employment one of the most difficult transitions for Veterans after service?

Jena Hedrick-Walker: Finding employment after service can be a more daunting journey than people may think for a Veteran. The environment is completely different. When in the military, your source of income is secure. Even if the location changes or the job role or rank changes, military service members know their income is certain.

Additionally, the culture is different. In the military, Veterans don’t necessarily have the option to choose their boss or where they want to work. The idea of having to procure income from an unfamiliar source that is culturally different is a significant life change, and anyone going through a significant life change will experience stress and even insecurity.

There is good stress, eustress, and bad stress, distress. Finding a new form of employment after service is eustress, but regardless it’s stressful. Stepping into a new situation can cause increased anxiety or decreased self-confidence.

Homeland: Are there practices or habits Veterans can implement to make that transition easier?

Jena Hedrick-Walker: The first recommendation I would make to a Veteran looking for employment after service would be to establish a routine. The routines enforced in the military are instilled in Veterans, and Veterans typically thrive within a routine after service.

I’d encourage Veterans to set parameters around the job search. Job hunting brings rejection at times, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and even obsessive over securing employment. Setting specific timeframes around the job search can be helpful Maybe it’s two hours a day dedicated to job hunting and no more. It’s important to also take time to check in with yourself. Dedicate time to fun activities with family and friends as well.

I would also implore Veterans to ask questions. Seeking out mentors and networking with people that have knowledge and skills about job hunting or other industries of interest is highly beneficial. People want to help people. If a Veteran says, “I’m a Veteran, this is my experience. I don’t know how this will translate into the civilian world. Can you take 15 minutes to speak with me about this industry?,” people will be receptive to that and lend a hand.

Homeland: What can potential employers do / or what should they be aware of when hiring Veterans to help the transition?

Jena Hedrick-Walker: I would encourage potential employers to keep an open mind. When you first pick up that resume, there might be experience listed that doesn’t seem to be a fit. Instead of writing them off, pick up the phone and give them a quick call to learn more. There is a reason the Veteran thinks their experience and their skills would be beneficial in the position. Give them the opportunity to explain why — and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Veterans want the chance to tell you about their experience and how it will translate.

Homeland: What resources are available for Veterans struggling to find employment?

Jena Hedrick-Walker: There are several excellent resources available for Veterans, and I’d encourage Veterans to take advantage of them. Veterans Affairs (VA) is a great resource. There are people at the VA that have truly dedicated their lives to supporting Veterans. It’s also about the relationship between Veterans and resources. Making a call and finding someone you relate to and have a connection with could be the best person to talk to about specific needs. The relationship can make all the difference for Veterans utilizing the VA.

The National Resource Directory, Hire Military, Veterati and Loyal Source Government Services are also fantastic resources for Veterans seeking employment.

Homeland: Are there specific types of jobs that are well suited for Veterans transitioning into the workforce?

Jena Hedrick-Walker: If you look across our military service members, you’re going to see people from all walks of life with all different passions. Society needs to be careful about classifying Veterans as only Veterans. They are unique humans with a culture and a specific history with individual experiences. The fact that they are Veterans is just an added bonus to who they are.

We can’t pigeon-hole Veterans into a box. There’s not necessarily an industry or a specific job that Veterans as a whole would be better suited for than another. Veterans, like anyone else, have interests and hobbies. I once met a war ship captain who loved botany and wanted to be a plant biologist after service. Veterans are some of the most creative people I have met.

Homeland: Are there any specific qualities that Veterans bring to the workforce?

Jena Hedrick-Walker: Veterans make some of the most loyal and diligent employees because they know how to survive and thrive in challenging environments. In the military, you’re thrown into difficult situations and trained to figure it out and persevere.

Veterans also tend to be highly ethical individuals. When you are sworn into the military, you promise to uphold a set of core values during active duty and in all aspects of your life and that will carry on post-service.

Finally, Veterans tend to have a lot of supervisory experience. As they progress in rank, they are given more and more responsibility and the opportunity to excel in leadership and management.

Homeland: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Jena Hedrick-Walker: I think it’s important to remember that we need to approach every single Veteran as an individual with strengths. Society habitually believes that when you come out of the military you’re damaged. I would argue that Veterans are some of the most resilient people I’ve met, and they are made stronger by their service rather than broken.

About the Author

Jena Hedrick-Walker: Military family support programs and psychological health services expert and Director of Strategic Development at Loyal Source Government Services

For more information, visit https://www.loyalsource.com/veteran-services

Finding a job in the civilian world may seem easy at first. After all, you have learned skills, practiced leadership and demonstrated initiative that will make you successful wherever you go.

The reality, though, is that it can be difficult. In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned.

Veterans In Transition is dedicated to you and to helping you succeed in your transition.

For editorial & monthly columns regarding transitioning to business, career advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners and more visit Veterans In Transition at www.tinyurl.com/Veterans-In-Transition