For many veterans, this process starts with a real culture shock. Comparable to military life, a civilian workplace can seem like it lacks structure, concrete mission targets, and even discipline.
That said, veterans adapt quickly. Plus, it’s not your sole responsibility to integrate yourself, it’s your employer’s too. To help you hit the ground running, here are some tips worth checking out.
How can the Company Help?
Make yourself aware of the policies and initiatives your business has to support its people. You might be aware of most of them already (when you did your research for the role), but it’s worth reminding yourself just in case – things can look a lot different from the inside.
Stay in Touch with Your Support Network
Whether it’s friends, family members, mentors, ex-squad mates, or a mix of all of them, your support network may be able to give you some good pointers – the civilian workplace is home to plenty of hidden rules and customs that you might have a hard time navigating if you’re made aware beforehand. Learning from a range of perspectives and experiences can help you get a better understanding of what to expect in time.
Learn the Lingo
Just like the military, the civilian workplace has a language of its own. The corporate environment can be particularly jargon-heavy, so don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure. Most of the time, it’s just used to make something sound more important than it is.
Prioritise
Priorities described as ‘life or death’ in the civilian workplace tend to have a less literal meaning than what military personnel are used to. That said, mission objectives and priorities are rarely as clear-cut as they are in the military. To avoid getting thrown off balance by this, it’s worth setting your own goals.
Join an Employee Engagement Group (EEG)
EEGs can offer their members a strong sense of community and direction, especially when they’re founded on a shared experience. If there’s not a veteran-focused EEG to join, you can always create one of your own. If you’re the only veteran it’s always worth considering other internal communities.
Practice Patience
Adjusting to a new workplace is no small feat, no matter who’s trying to do it. For veterans, the pressure of an evolving identity adds new layers of complication into the mix – it’s something most veterans have to deal with at every stage of the transition process, and it takes time. It’s okay to take your time.
Recognise Your Value
It’s not uncommon for self-confidence to dwindle after you’ve made the transition out of the military. The forces give you a purpose, a clear trajectory, and a job that you know how to do extremely well. Swapping that sense of self-assuredness for uncharted territory can take its toll on your confidence, but it’s not impossible to rediscover it. When you celebrate your wins, accept praise, stop comparing yourself, seize opportunities to grow your skill set and keep an open mind, you’re off to a perfect start.
Remember, while it takes patience to fully adapt to a new way of working, it’s important that you find a company that fits you. If you need help finding your ideal veteran-friendly workplace, the team at Ex-Military Careers are here to help. Contact us here and we’ll find a way to support you, no matter what stage of the transition you’re at.
