Note to Transitioning Veterans (or what I could go back and time and tell myself)

1/ The transition will be just as difficult as basic training because there’s just as much uncertainty with the transition as there is when you first join the military. There are some people who are naturally gifted at everything but if you are like me then you will have to fail multiple times before you can even be average. Don’t be so hard on yourself.

2/ Don’t over index on the first job. Your first job does not determine your future just like your first grade teacher does not determine where you go to college and work.

3/ You will succeed wildly and when you do try to be helpful to other veterans.

4/ Continue to serve and find a mission. Veterans inherently need a purpose. This is why many of us decided to join the military. Find a good and wholesome mission where you can continue living by values you learned in the military.

5/ Money is not the only thing that compounds. Friendships/relationships, health, skills, reputation, etc…keep doing a little bit of extra work each day and skill, expertise, and value will be created and compound. Your value will gradually reveal itself if you work on it. Be close to where the value is being created so you know how to create value.

6/ Find time to talk to transitioning veterans and try to be helpful to your tribe.

7/ Be proud of your service but there’s so much more you can accomplish and will accomplish. If you plan for the best years of your life to be ahead, then you can make that a reality.

8/ Find civilian allies. They want to help, they are 99% of Americans, and they are the ones that will teach and assist you as you transition. You are rejoining America and these Americans are what make our country fantastic.

9/ Context/Preface: Some thoughts I wrote down after talking to a few transitioning service members and reflecting on my journey.

#veterans #work #job #military #future #mission #allies #help #compounds #people