What’s Next: Remember who you are

WHAT’S NEXT

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

What to Remember in your Transition to Civilian Life

Memory is a funny thing. We tend to remember things we’d like to forget, and we forget those things we thought we’d always remember.

As you transition out, it’s important to remember the accomplishments, experiences and friendships that will help you in this next chapter. When you’re focused on the “what-if’s” of transition, it moves your focus to the future instead of the past. By remembering all you have done in the past, you can be prepared for a new future that is satisfying and rewarding.

Use this acronym to “REMEMBER” your experiences in a way that sets you up for success in transition.

Remember who you are and why you decided to serve. Your training, your ability to complete a task, to be on time and be a part of a team are all things that will add value to any organization. Remember why you decided to serve. Maybe it was to be a part of something better than yourself, or perhaps to escape from a fear of what you thought you’d be stuck with. Maybe you wanted a way to get an education or see the world.

Whatever the case, you were decisive and did it. You experienced change and can embrace challenges. You became part of something bigger than yourself. Remember that. Embrace the fear of change. FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. When you have the natural fears of transition, where is that fear rooted? Not making enough money? Not speaking the right ‘civilian’ language? Not being groomed enough for civilian employment? Fear not. Write out a list of the raw fears that you are facing in transition. Find a mentor who is experienced in helping those in transition and discuss these. You will be surprised how much ‘False Evidence” you have in your mind that appears real.

Make a plan. Start planning 12-18 months out. If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Do your research. Do some soul searching. Where do you want to be location-wise? How important is the salary number? Do you have a certain work culture in mind? Write these down clearly and specifically. Then you have a guide to help narrow your choices to those that fit what you really want.

Engage your network. After you write out your plan, tell others about it. Want to work for Subaru in Lafayette, Indiana? Jump on LinkedIn and find the head of HR. Ask for an informational interview. See who else knows people who work at Subaru and engage them for ideas of what it’s like to work there and the best way to land a job.

Move. The paralysis of analysis can be…paralyzing. With so many companies, jobs and choices make it easy to freeze up with indecision. But you have a plan! So, start moving towards what that says. If a choice doesn’t align with your plan, forget it! Keep moving while making decisions that align with what you said you want. That will get you to the job/career you want and love.

Be accountable. Transition is not successful if you go it alone. Be accountable to your mentor. If you are struggling with interviews or networking, be honest with yourself and with your mentors and friends.

People love to help but it is often difficult to ask for help. Just ASK. Do what you say you’ll do. Do what they suggest you do.

Elevate your mind. Look up. Literally. You’ll probably get rejected at some point in the process. Everyone does. Maybe you don’t hear back from a company after a great interview. Don’t assume rejection, but be okay if it is. Keep your head up. Elevate your mind. Follow up if you don’t hear back about a job you want. Remember, you’ve made it through boot camp and far worse. How’d you get through that? Your network, resources, friends, books, and faith will keep you elevated if you allow them to! It’s not trite to say that when one door closes, another one opens. Elevate your mind to really believe that.

Reframe your thoughts. It’s common to think you don’t have the skills and experience necessary for civilian jobs. That’s not the case. If you think it is, you haven’t reframed your experiences and accomplishments in a relatable way to civilian employers.

Your mentor and network can help you reword your skills and accomplishments in the military into a story that’s incredibly valuable to employers.

Reframe how you see yourself. Ok, so the dress code and language is different in the civilian work world. No problem. Start small. Get used to removing “Yes Ma’am” or “Yes Sir” from your daily lingo. Avoid using acronyms that only the military understands. Start practicing interviews with your peers. Get feedback, and keep reframing until you get comfortable.

Remember, you have what it takes! Remember these tips and put them into practice to help navigate your best path in transition.