March 14, 2021
Ways to Beat the Transition Blues
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio under Pexels License
It wouldn’t be unusual to hear a former military member say that the process of reintegrating into society is the toughest transition they’ve experienced. Of the veterans who served after the 9/11 attacks, 44% found it difficult to readjust to civilian life. After getting afflicted with mental health problems resulting from the trauma of war, many vets struggle to focus on their transition.
Job hunting is one challenge many returning soldiers get frustrated with. Some suffered service-connected physical disabilities while others have no prior work experience or have lost previous skills due to inactivity. Re-entering civilian life after years of being in the military can be very daunting indeed.
Fortunately, our veterans must have developed a persistent attitude while in service, which should help them in their transition to civilian life. As long as they have proper guidance, they’ll be on the right track.
Whether you’re a service member who has just come back from overseas deployment, or you have a spouse who’s about to exit the military, here are several tips to transition back to civilian life:
Finding a job
- Connect with headhunters or recruiters who specialize in military-to-civilian careers.
Lucas Group and Bradley Morris are two of the top players in this field, with the former having helped 25,000 officers and technicians get decent jobs. As for Bradley Morris, the headhunter boasts of a 96% customer satisfaction rate.
- Identify transferable skills.
You must have learned certain skills from your military experience that can be useful in the corporate world. For example, the skills you acquired and used during your time in the aircraft repair department can be applied to an operations or a manufacturing job.
- Attend a Transition Assistance Program (TAP) workshop.
TAP has been designed to provide employment and training information to members of the Armed Forces within 180 days of retirement or separation, TAP offers a three-day workshop for retired military job seekers. Three topics are covered: career exploration, job search strategies, and resume, cover letter, and interview preparation.
- Switch from military jargon to corporate language.
Apart from having the right skills, it’s important to adopt the right speech when you’re in the civilian workforce, particularly when you’re being interviewed.
Getting an education
- Pick the right field.
In choosing a field, make sure you consider your interests, skills, and plans. You should opt for a field that you’re not only passionate about but also one with strong growth potential in the job market.
- Use the programs offered through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
If you’re among the vets who have served at least 90 days of aggregate active duty after September 10th, 2001, you can take advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The bill provides education benefits of up to 36 months. These include tuition, school supplies, books, and even monthly housing allowance.
Veterans who served between January 1st, 1977 and June 30th, 1985 are eligible for this program. It provides financial assistance for those who want to pursue courses for vocational training, certificate programs, or a college degree.
- Enroll in the Warrior-Scholar Program.
This program is tailored for ex-military members who struggle to transition from the battlefield to the classroom. Through workshops, tutoring, and faculty-facilitated lectures, you’ll be able to acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher education.
- Join a veteran student organization.
Many schools have veteran student organizations where former military members can link up. This is a great way to meet people who are going through the same journey as you.
Buying a house
- Set a budget.
Before looking into available properties, you have to decide on your budget first. Take into great consideration the costs of mortgage, taxes, and housing insurance.
- Consider the VA Home Loan program.
If you’re leaning on the idea of buying a house with no money down, you might want to apply for the VA Home Loan program.
- Try other loan options.
Unfortunately, not all veterans are qualified for the VA home loan. In case you’re among them, you can always consider other options, such as USDA loans, FHA loans, and conventional loans.
- Apply for pre-qualification.
Getting pre-qualified means you’ll have better negotiation power later on, as it allows the lender to approve your financing tentatively.
- Choose an ideal real estate agent.
Go for an agent who’s had past experiences with the type of loan you’ll be using. That way, you won’t have a difficult time with the selling and negotiating process.
- Purchase homeowners insurance.
To cover damages from possible burglary or natural disasters in the future, your lender will require a homeowner’s insurance. Purchase one right after you’ve agreed to a final selling price.
Help Vets Undergo a Smoother Transition
Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License
If you happen to own an old car that’s been untouched for several months now, donating it to us at Veteran Car Donations would be the easiest way to get rid of it. Not only will you be skipping the hassles of reselling a preloved car, but you’ll also be providing life-changing assistance to your community’s disadvantaged veterans. You can be a hero to our heroes!
We’ll place your donated vehicle up for auction, with the funds going straight to our charity partners. Like us, these IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations are committed to improving the living conditions of veterans who are struggling with unemployment, disabilities, mental health problems, and homelessness. The proceeds from the sale of your automobile will enable them to provide their beneficiaries with free quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.
You won’t be empty-handed after making your donation. We’ll provide you with great perks such as the free towing of your vehicle wherever you are in the country. Your charitable contribution will also entitle you to receive a maximized tax deduction in the next tax season.
You can donate almost any type of vehicle, not just your old car. In most cases, we accept even vehicles that are no longer in good condition.
To get an idea of our quick and easy donation process, check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, call us at 877-594-5822 or send us a message here.
Do Something Memorable Today
It’s time to repay our veterans for their invaluable service to our nation. Show them how much you appreciate what they’ve done. A simple car donation is all it takes to make an impact in their lives. Donate to Veteran Car Donations by calling us at 877-594-5822 or filling out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: May 18th, 2023