4 minute read
What’s Next: Your Obstacles
WHAT’S NEXT
Transition to Civilian Life
By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy
Your Obstacles are Your Stepping Stones
The transition to civilian life is often overwhelming, stressful and can trigger feelings of inadequacy. Why? Because it’s a change. Suddenly that feeling of belonging turns to feeling alone. Executing on planned missions is now a stumble through a maze in the dark. But, when you entered into the military, did you know everything going into it? Nope. But you figured it out, right? Yup. When you encounter an obstacle, you have a couple options. Throw up your hands in defeat, or figure out a way through. Floyd decided to teach himself how to swim through months of nonstop and intense training. His preparation and dedication worked, as he was able to pass the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Physical Screening Test.
Can’t Swim? Get in the Water
When Floyd McLendon enlisted into the United States Naval Reserve in the summer of 1992, he didn’t enter as an expert in the field. After 14 months of Active Duty service, he chose the path Electronics Technician (ET) “A” School to become a radar and satellite communication’s expert. And an expert he www.bandofhands.comwas. Did he stop there? Indeed not. After 6 years, he thought of his family, friends and fellow Americans as he decided his next goal. He then decided to undertake the most grueling and difficult challenge of his life: becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. There was just one problem: Floyd didn’t know how to swim.
Quitting isn’t Failing if it’s a Recharge
Is that where the fairytale ends? You guessed right. Nope. After suffering an injury that resulted in him losing both 30 lbs along with the will to continue, he quit during his first attempt of Hell Week. The decision to quit served him in the moment, but 15 months later, he realized that being a positive representation for his friends, family and fellow Americans was more important to him. He followed his gut. Floyd graduated with BUD/S Class 254, officially becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. He spent the next 13 years at four different Naval Special Warfare commands. He deployed 5 times, with presence in 24 countries over 5 continents, including two combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s no surprise that Floyd’s first line of advice for those in transition is Think Big, Dream Big. If you’re facing the challenges that come with transition, consider Floyd’s words of wisdom to help you cope and rise up to the challenge:
1. Your profession in the military does not define your future in the civilian sector.
Everything you’ve become good at was learned. Just because you start off cleaning barnacles off of a ship doesn’t mean you’ll be doing that in 10 years. Similarly, everything you’ve learned and done in the military is incredibly valuable and transferable in the civilian work world.
2. Understand your wealth.
You bring unmatched knowledge and experience to the table. Think of all your experiences leading teams, executing on projects and missions, and how you were a team player. This is far more valuable than straight skills.
People graduating from college with no real-world experiences cannot and do not bring the same level of value as you. Remember that, live that, and lead with that.
3. Preparation before, during, and after your transition will determine the timeline of your success.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. If you fail to plan, you fail to plan. Being methodical about your timeline and what needs to happen at each stage leading up to transition and beyond will ensure that you’re ready for any obstacles that come along the way. Leverage your network, ask for help, and refine your plan as you go.
4. There is no substitute or replacement for the brotherhood. Accept it.
Appreciate the camaraderie you had, but get over the fact that you may not have those same relationships as you enter into the civilian workforce. But fear not. Find a company that has employer resource groups (ERGs) to start rebuilding that camaraderie. Many companies have veteran groups (in addition to others) to help foster a positive and supportive work environment.
5. Humility, Kindness, and Love will elevate you to unseen, remarkable opportunities.
What you put in will play out. This one speaks for itself. Those who live by these values are always the ones who are happiest. When you’re happy, you can achieve anything.
And one more note. You might fail, but that’s okay. Use it to your advantage. It’s not uncommon to be out of your first job in 18 months. That’s not a failure. It’s a learning experience, a stepping stone, and an uncovering of what didn’t work. If you desperately need a job and take the first one available, you may hate it. You may not have camaraderie at first, but that’s okay. You course correct and continue the mission with more knowledge and self-awareness.
Remember Floyd burned out and quit during Hell Week before returning to achieve great things. He sharpened his leadership skills in life and death situations, and dedicated his life in service to our great country, defending us from enemies, and continues his commitment to accountability and service minded leadership as a future Texas Congressman.
Need help with your resume or interviewing skills? Reach out to Eve at: eve@bandofhands.com
