3 minute read
ASK THE EXPERT
from N.A.I. Magazine
Carolyn R. Owens, CEO ~ Infinity CoachingCareer Strategist ~ Leadership and Life Coach
Welcome to the first edition of New & Inspiring Magazine. This column is a special section for those who have served in the military, who are currently serving and their family members. Regardless of how many years you served, there are unique experiences you have encountered and will experience that are often overlooked. This column will tackle some of the challenges you face when transitioning from the military back into civilian life and life after service.
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So, you are probably wondering why I would want to write articles about military life and service. Well, I also served in the military for over 24 years, retiring as a Navy Commander. I could give you the details of my bio, but you’ll learn more about me through the articles and information I share.
When I retired from the military, I was well prepared for what was to come. Well, as prepared as I could be. One thing we learn is that as perfect as we may plan things it may not go exactly the way we want them to. I had a fairly solid plan, and things turned out well. The main reason was because I started early. I didn’t wait until I retired to start my next phase of life.
Transitioning from the military back to civilian life is an exciting time. It’s time for the next phase in your life and you have so many opportunities in front of you. As exciting as it may be, it can also be frustrating and overwhelming at times. There is much to think about and many decisions must be made.
If you can start mapping out your plan and charting your course two years before you plan to leave the military, you can reduce the feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated. Being proactive will allow you to have all of your documentation in order. It also allows time for those who will be impacted by the transition to fully understand the process. This includes children and other relatives such as your parents or spouse’s parents.
Children need to have a basic understanding, so they will not be left out of the process. If they are older, the military has been a big part of their life too. They are loving referred to as “military brats”. A title that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Your parents may have expectations of where you will be moving to. They may think you are moving to be near them. Or, maybe they have plans that you didn’t know about to move where you are.
The most important conversation you must have is with your spouse. Your teamwork is what helped you sustain through your military career, so don’t stop now. Don’t just submit your papers to retire or leave the military without having a conversation with those who will be affected by the change. You want to make sure all parties involved understand the need for separation or retirement and what is the best timing to do so.
If you have already been through this process you are thinking, yeah, I remember when I dropped my papers. For me, before I retired, I had a talk with my son and my father. My son was definitely a “military brat” but I knew he was ready for a change. My father would have had me stay in until I reached mandatory retirement, thus the need for the conversation. If you have been there done that, I encourage you to share your words of wisdom with those who follow you as they transition out of the service.
With advanced planning, you can make the transition a fun and memorable experience. You can find more tips and strategies in the book, Heading Home, 15 Simple Steps to a Successful Military Transition. If you have a question you would like answered, please send an email to me at askcarolyn2019@gmail.com. You will receive a personal reply and hear the answer on the podcast “Let’s Coach with Carolyn.”
Look for more strategies for military personnel, veterans and their families in the next issue of New & Inspiring. Until next time, fair winds and following seas...
Carolyn R. Owens, U.S. Navy veteran, has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Executive and Leadership Coach. She is the President of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where she can help you up-level your skills, so you can up-level your income, career, business or life. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, personality assessments, and a signature program, the Infinity Coaching Inner Circle. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at Infinity Coaching.
