Military Retirement: Lost as well

by Brian / Portland ME

I'm really glad to see a forum with others like me. I retired from the Navy in 2013. I worked as a Command Career Counselor and it was the most rewarding job assisting Sailors in their careers and college ventures.

Once retirement hit, I tried applying what i knew to the civilian sector and there is not a single job like it. I worked a couple crap jobs at AAA and a private security firm and quit both. I have good disability from the VA plus retirement so my family is financially fine but I'm not satisfied. I'm using Voc Rehab to go to school and tried my hand at a Vet Tech degree but it did not pan out after 6 semesters.

I'm currently trying for another degree but finding the same level of dissatisfaction, like a zombie just going through the motions. I have high anxiety/ severe depression, quick to anger, and a severe distrust of most people. I hole up in my house most of the time.

I do have some great immediate family (wife and son) and pets for support that keep me mostly grounded and from becoming one of the 22, although those thoughts occur daily and I'm getting help through the VA for this.

I feel like I can't find my nitch and like I'm failing because of it. I just wanted to put my scenario out there.

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What about creating a position for yourself?
by: Larry Steward / Aiken, SC

I served my time as a Medical Corpsman ending up in Vietnam with the Marine Infantry. I didn't expect to be a medic in the service. I was placed there after taking placement tests. However, it was a good fit in that I always want to help people in some form or another.

In my business life, for ten years I was involved in my own career management business and then what is called Corporate Outplacement where I coached professional managers who were let go but got their companies to sponsor them in comprehensive career transition support programs.

Now that I am 75, I'm launching a program to support people in retirement, who plan to continue working like me, to finally become what they are truly meant to be.

My advice to those I plan to work with is what I would encourage you to consider - find a way to create a role for yourself that absolutely allows you to do what you can do best for others.

There are so many ways, for example, to start a small service business say from home that you would love to do and make money doing it. At our age, trying to compete for jobs as we have always done, is not easy nor necessary. Believe in yourself and move forward towards creating something people want and are willing to pay for is what I believe in.

Good luck in whatever you do.
I can relate
by: Anonymous

I was a teacher and a counselor at heart. I ended my teaching career rather abruptly due to health issues. However I loved teaching children.

What I realize but need to put into practice is that love fueled me when I was connecting to these children. I showered love upon these children.

But yet I'm not willing or don't choose to shower that same Love upon myself. It's just a habit of loving others but not loving ourselves and it can be changed.

I found a simple little book on Amazon and it helps when I apply the jewels of wisdom found within it. It's called `Love yourself like your life depends on it.´ it's a simple practice and a very short read.

Just a take away for both of us - we are deserving of the same Love and compassion and support that we showered upon others. We are the gift and love just needs a way to express itself.

I hope this helps you. It definitely helped me just by writing it.
Finding Your Niche
by: Laura in Vermont

Hi Brian,
Voc Rehab probably could have given you an interest and aptitude inventory. If they haven't they ought to if you ask.

What about getting schooling for something related to what you loved to do in the Navy? That would take a while, but those Voc Rehab people probably only have Bachelor's degrees.

Educational Counseling jobs go to people with M.Ed. degrees but you would be doing what you love with young people again.

Meanwhile you might look into a part time job with an agency that does supported employment. People with disabilities get into these programs to find jobs and gain experience, and some of them have never had a job before so they have to learn how to job hunt and show up reliably to do a job. The pay is usually low but it can be interesting and satisfying to get others going again.

Just a thought...Good luck!
I know how you feel bro!
by: Brian

I was a Lieutenant/emt/Firefighter for 30 years, here in Atlanta Ga, I was medically discharged due to saving lives & fighting fires took a toll on my neck, resulting in 4 neck surgeries, I loved my job like you did, I believe with all my heart, there is nothing that compares to the military, firefighting for being a public safety officer.

I’m having a hard time transitioning to civilian life as well, I feel for you man, my faith in God keeps me a float for now, just know God has great plans for you, and thank you so much for your dedicated service.

Hit me up anytime.
Military Retirement
by: Sherry/ NC

Hi, you can take a personality test at your local community college to find the right job that would "fit" you!

It takes 2 hours to take it and it is NOT a pass or fail test; you will be amazed!

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