Everyone joins the military for different reasons. Some want to pursue a better life for themselves and their families, some want money for college, and others just want to blow sh*t up. That said, serving can take a toll on not only the body but the mind.
The life you thought you wanted when you signed your DD-214 isn’t what you want anymore, and now you’re ready to make a change. So here’s how a lot of veterans change within five years of leaving the military.
1. They become extra moto (even more than before)
Many of us dream of hitting our EAS (Expiration of Active Obligated Service) after seeing all the bullsh*t we faced on the day-to-day — sometimes even marking down the calendar and counting down the days. After a while, though, you begin to admit to yourself how much you miss it. It’s common.
Hopefully, when you salute, you render a proper one.
2. The Billy Madison effect (almost non-stop school)
Many of us joined the military after high school to avoid college (or at least delay it) because we weren’t sure what career path to pursue.
With many so educational benefits in place, like the Post 9/11 GI bill, vocational rehabilitation, and Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans, going back to school can start out feeling like a vacation. Getting paid BAH (basic allowance for housing) and book money is a pretty sweet deal.
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Then, after a detailed meeting with the school’s guidance counselor, it appears that the path to your bachelor’s degree is going to take a while (more time than you thought), and you’re probably going to be the oldest guy or gal in class. You probably aren’t the smartest, either, but at least you can legally buy beer.
3. Career changes (At least one. Probably more.)
Maturity plays the biggest role in personal change. The fact is, you don’t know yourself as well as you thought you did. After a few semesters of school, your mental fatigue from tests and quizzes is starting to catch up with you. The realization sets in that perhaps studying to be a mechanic or nurse is no longer the right fit for you.
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To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with that. You’re the only one who has to live your life, and spending a third of it in a job you hate isn’t the way forward. We mentioned college classes and degree programs, but a lot of veterans will find that a traditional school isn’t for them. There’s nothing wrong with skilled trades; in fact, America needs more skilled tradesmen. You might find that working with your hands is what you do best, and serve your country in a different way.
4. Spiritual (finding it or losing it)
Typically, everyone in the military deploys at some point. Some experience more tragic events than others, and as a result of those events, they may begin to view life in different ways. Some might find comfort in religion. Or they might start to feel their faith in religion starting to slip. In the end, do whatever makes you the happiest.
