Lost in transition
“What now?”
That question haunted me the moment I started the transition process. No one handed me a checklist. There wasn’t a clear path forward. I had a wife and newborn son back in Texas, and I was working a second job at the Apple Store just trying to stay afloat. I was that guy—smiling at customers while silently stressing about what the future held.
Like so many of you, I didn’t know what came next. I wasn’t sure if anyone would hire me, if my experience meant anything outside of the military, or if I even knew how to talk like a “civilian” in an interview. I was anxious, overwhelmed, and operating off instinct.
But here’s the truth I didn’t realize at the time:
The military actually prepared me better than I ever imagined.
It taught me how to lead under pressure, solve problems on the fly, communicate with purpose, and never quit on a mission—even when I was exhausted. What I didn’t know was how to translate those skills into terms the civilian world understands.
That’s why I started sharing my story—because whether you’re just stepping out of the uniform or you’ve been out for a while and still feel stuck, I want you to know this:
You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re just in transition.
You’ve already done hard things. Boot camp, deployments, 12-hour watches, leadership billets, family separation. All of it molded you into someone resilient and capable. The transition may feel like a fog of war—but you’ve navigated worse.
It’s time to pivot. Adapt. And lead your next mission.
Words of Encouragement for Every Veteran in Transition
You are not alone. Thousands of veterans are walking this road with you.
Your experience matters—even if it doesn’t come with a civilian job title.
You don’t need to have it all figured out today. Just take the next step.
The fear you feel? That’s just your brain getting ready to grow.
5 Tactical Steps to Start Strong in Civilian Life
Reframe your skills.
Break down your military duties into real-world skills—leadership, logistics, operations, communication, and more.
Build your civilian resume.
Skip the acronyms. Use action words. Focus on accomplishments, not just duties.
Network with intent.
LinkedIn isn’t weird—it’s your new battlefield for opportunity. Start connecting with vets in the industries you care about.
Get clarity on your next mission.
Don’t apply blindly. Take time to explore what matters to you. Use free tools, career coaches, or transition programs.
Stay mission ready.
This is just another op. Prep, plan, execute—and adjust fire as needed.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning is not a straight line. It’s a climb, and some days will be steep. But I promise you this—everything you need to succeed is already in your rucksack. You just need to unpack it, lay it out, and use it with intent.
Let’s walk this path together.
Plan. Execute. Lead.