1

Start early

2

First be sure that you want to separate. Maintain as many connections as possible.

3

Use the skills you learned in the military to make a better workplace, not to measure those around you in the workplace. Civilians don't do things the way fellow veterans would. That doesn't make it wrong or even more inefficient, it just makes it different. Apply your skills to learn the best way in your work and them build from there to make it better.

4

Patience. Loads of it. Depending on the job or career, the lack of discipline, organization and unwarranted whining requires it. Seldom is there proper management and follow up of nuisance in comparison to the military. Also, have a degree, certification for a trade or take government job assessments prior to transitioning.

5

Know what skills you have and how they fit into civilian life. Get back into school and build up on your skills.

6

Seek out other veterans when transitioning from military services to civilian life. In my experience other veterans experiences and help was most beneficial to me as they could better understand my situation.

7

Use your veteran benefits - don't waste a moment.

8

Network outside of the veteran space!

9

Prior planning and understanding that there will be significant challenges. Establish a support system before you exit the military!

10

Use your GI Bill

11

Networking, talking with your fellow peers, colleagues on what they are doing when they get out, talking to friends and family on what's available and other leaders in the community or successful business owners and how they got started what they are doing. Get connected and stay connected with as many good people and resources as possible.

12

Make sure you have made the proper preparations on securing work before you get out.

13

Don't expect it to be the same. Civilians are selfish and it's all about making themself look good not getting the job done. Don't expect your service to get you ahead, most employers think of us as broken instead of as an asset. Don't be too arrogant, apply for lower level jobs because you essentially are 4 years behind the other applicants and your service doesn't show any experience.

14

Be patient. Becoming a member of the armed forces took months of training, transitioning to civilian life can take years because there is no standard operating procedures. Everyone will have a different perspective on what you should do. Be patient and think every decision through thoroughly.

15

Don't completely let go of who you were as a civilian before you joined. Making an effort to normalize a bit while you're still in will help ease the transition if you're already halfway to thinking and acting like a civilian again.

16

Start looking as soon as you get out but still take a large break so your transition will be smooth and more relaxed

17

Find a veteran service organization that appeals to you. Joining a new team of service oriented veterans helps fill the gaps between civilian and military life.

18

No one owes you a job. Figure out how to frame your skills and talents in a way that shows your value to employers.

19

Save a little from each paycheck so you have something for first months rent, or other expenses. Make a plan at least a year before your EAS.

20

Disregard the "professionals" opinions on resume's -- make your resume' as detailed as possible in civilian terms (project management, administrative/clerical work, team player, etc). Do not get the mindset that anyone owes you anything (I see to many veterans that get out thinking that way, and it only hinders them). Use your GI Bill -- though, I'd recommend using it at a technical institute/school, as that's more hands on approach and real world training versus any college. However, if you attend a college/university, make sure you get a p/t job of some sort in your field of study. This helps with transition, and hands on approach. Prior to attending any school -- research the top 25 jobs and go to school for those positions (i.e., engineering, medical, etc). Do not go to school thinking that any degree will help you -- that is not true today!!! Network early -- while your school especially -- with people who are in your field of study so that you have your network built up when you graduate -- it's not what you know, but who!!! Remember, it's not what you did in the past that defines you -- rather, what you're doing and want to do...Most importantly, surround yourself with positive people and positive influences.

21

Find experts in the community you are going to and lean on them. Gather with Veterans to gain an understanding of the transition and listen to everyone. Ask for critiques of your approach and change based on inputs.

22

Be aware that civilian life is not as black-and-white as military life. And that hard work outside the military DOES NOT guarantee you success or promotion.

23

Have a plan and then have several backup plans for your "set" job you have when you get out.

24

You can only be successful when you get out if, you have a goal and are motivated to accomplish it.

25

Don't wait until the last minute to start looking for jobs make sure you have one lined up prior to EASing

26

Develop a sense of self and build positive relationships.

27

Prepare, prepare. It depends on your MOS. if you were /are a grunt then you don't have much to work with except that you are loyal, dependable and a steady worker. So basically it starts with the MOS you choose in the beginning. Now a problem you might run into is that employers may fear you have PTSD and there will be issues later, missing work from DR. appts, mood swings. So showing that you didn't serve in combat can eleve some concerns but only tell them if you need to. If you do have PTSD then first take the time to heal before taking on a full time job, maybe start slow and work your way up.

28

Start looking for work right now. Start networking with people on the industries that you are interested in right now

29

Complete school (at least a Bachelors) and all the certificarions you can get in your current military job field and don't make an big finiancial obligations.

30

Prepare to feel like your tribe has moved on without you. And get started finding a new one.
Embrace your new identity as a civilian, and thrive in life. Prepare to put your military career in the past and start making a new life for yourself and your family.

31

Don't become lazy because people are not pushing you anymore. Get out, go to college, get a part time job, and enjoy your new time as a civilian.

32

Many civilians are either ignorant, afraid, or both of military service. If you happen to notice that that is the culture where you work don't try to change yourself for their sake, start looking for a new job.