Introspection – my past 12 months post-transition from Army

In the past 12 months following my transition from the Army, time has swiftly passed, leaving me in awe of its speed. It has been a momentous and informative year as I embarked on a new journey as a civilian. Standing still for a moment to comprehend my journey thus far, I find it fitting to pause and reflect on my path, acknowledging both the victories and the losses and unravelling the profound realisations that have shaped and sharpened my trajectory. What lies ahead in this article is not merely a recollection, but a genuine endeavour to delve into the depths of my own experiences, embracing introspection and vulnerability. This introspective journey will serve as my compass, guiding me through self-discovery and self-understanding. Through honest articulation, I aim to elucidate the complexities of my transition, finding solace in retrospection and clarity in the written word.

A year ago, I only knew it was time for me to explore new horizons and transition from Army; I felt the time was right. Many who have transitioned before me and have experienced this feeling will be able to relate. Over the last ten years, I have studied at university while investing time on LinkedIn and employment sites to better understand my value proposition. If I'm being honest, I still grapple with this concept. When I speak of value, I refer to wages and roles—what is the worth of 29 years of military service, two degrees, and a mere year of corporate knowledge? Does anyone genuinely care about my service, or is it merely a matter of curiosity?

I believe the community care about our military and veterans twice a year; I suspect they are mildly interested all other times. Whether this seems fair is irrelevant; the civilian population simply lacks the capacity to devote more attention. They are engaged in fierce competition, relentless jostling, and constant hustle to secure a better future for themselves and their families—to survive. And I wholeheartedly understand and appreciate this reality. As veterans, we must accept this fact and shift our mindset of being owed something for our service to be focused on things we can control – upskilling ourselves, seeking advice and approaching our new reality with the same energy and determination we did while we served.

While it may be disheartening to realise that companies don’t fully understand or appreciate the skills and qualities that military service gives you, it should never diminish the value of your experiences. The discipline instilled within you, the unwavering leadership skills honed under pressure, the steadfast commitment to teamwork, the remarkable problem-solving abilities, and the indomitable spirit of resilience cultivated throughout your military years are transferable and can shape a thriving career in the corporate world, it is your responsibility to communicate effectively and prominently showcase these exceptional proficiencies.

As a leader in the Army, I never had much use for the full suite of softer skills that are paramount in almost every interaction within the civilian workforce. Unsurprisingly, the dark humour prevalent in the military is not widely accepted, nor is the frequent use of explicit language and descriptive vocabulary. While I understood the language and sense of humour, I failed to comprehend the importance of soft skills in the equation fully. Workplace resilience, in particular, emerged as a critical factor I had not anticipated. People are often compelled to assume a different persona at work, suppressing their authentic selves in an attempt to avoid offence or conflict. This adjustment has proven challenging. This non-confrontational and vague communication style is neither valued nor prized in the military and not suited for someone like myself, who has always been direct and honest. The link between direct and honest language and developing and maintaining a high-performing team is evident and well-documented. I had and still have minor issues with how direct my language is, written or verbal. I focus on it daily; what has not changed is my lack of patience, low tolerance for incompetence and lack of tolerance for people who are always negative and all about themselves.

I struggle with the nature of consultancy work, particularly the constant need to sell one's value and worth to clients. While I understand its rationale and acknowledge that it has always been and always will be a part of the business, it brings about a personal challenge for me. In the military, the focus was less on what you said you could do and more on how you performed in doing it. This mindset, where actions speak louder than words, resonates with me. Therefore, this struggle is an opportunity to take my own advice and become skilled at effectively demonstrating my value to clients.

Another area I've been grappling with is the issue of status. What I'm about to explain is something that all veterans struggle with, and even though I have successfully transitioned into civilian life, it remains a challenging aspect to navigate. It is widely acknowledged that our military is highly respected within the community. The pride in oneself and in your service is strong with almost all veterans and is an important reflection point. The strong sense of mateship and the galvanising team culture, where teammates become more like family, the pursuit of high performance becomes mandatory, and the shared mission to achieve and share in victory creates an incredibly powerful motivating force for service and personal growth. The profound sense of purpose is further reinforced by the belief that the team is bigger than any individual and only as strong as its weakest member, and the drive to improve oneself is fueled by the desire not to let the team down. These values are deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Defence Force.

However, when people separate from the military, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, they often encounter a company environment that does not necessarily share these same qualities and values. This misalignment between personal values and the corporate culture can be a source of frustration and disappointment for veterans. I often cringe or feel uneasy when introducing myself and explaining my service. This feeling differs from my pride in my service, and I'm still trying to understand why I feel this way. Despite these challenges, I remain incredibly proud of my military service and recognise that these struggles are a part of my own personal growth as I navigate the transition into consultancy work and civilian life.

One aspect I truly miss is the opportunity to lead. Although I have enjoyed a year of solely leading myself, I now have an undeniable and renewed energy to lead others. Did I anticipate that I would never lead again? Honestly, it hadn't crossed my mind. I simply knew I needed a break. So, what to do with this newfound energy to lead? That question requires further reflection to understand and develop a well-informed way forward. I strongly advocate for transitioning into the part-time military workforce; I unashamedly used it as a safety blanket and a way to remain connected to an organisation I have loved for many years and still do.

In writing this article, I wanted to go on a personal journey of self-reflection and vulnerability. While initially not intended as an advice piece, it became apparent that I have valuable insights to offer. It has become evident that the allure of greener pastures on the other side of the fence is not always as it seems. It is crucial to meticulously plan your transition and seek guidance from those who have already taken the leap.

I want to extend my hand as a source of support and guidance to anyone in need. My experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective, and I am here to provide advice should you seek it. I am genuinely enthralled by the company I work for; they exemplify respect, care, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in our field. This culture resonates with me deeply, and I find immense satisfaction in being a part of the team.

Admittedly, I acknowledge that there are areas where I can improve. I must strive to enhance my consulting and business development skills, which are essential to my professional growth. Additionally, I aim to cultivate greater tolerance towards individuals whose work values may not align with mine. With unwavering confidence and a renewed sense of purpose, I am ready to embark on the next chapter of my journey, armed with newfound insights, a commitment to personal growth, and an unwavering passion for excellence.