General
Adjustments
Paying Bills
For many separating service members there will be a whole new array
of bills to pay. If you lived in the barracks or base housing you never
had to worry about paying for things like rent or water or electricity.
A good idea is to get a wall calendar and mark down which days your
bills are due, usually the end or the beginning of the month. Also mark
down a block of time about an hour or so that you will devote exclusively
to balancing your checkbook and paying your bills. This is a tedious
job, but vitally important. What it will do is keep your focus on your
finances.
Many people separate and all of a sudden wake up one day broke and in
debt and have no idea how they got that way. Trust me, it's a whole
different ball game job-hunting once you are broke. A desperation colors
your character and demeanor and employers can sense that. Being broke
also causes many ex service people to accept much more inferior jobs
than their training and temperament suits them for.
Work
ethics
A number of veterans report that they were initially shocked at many
of their co-workers shoddy work habits. It was depressing to them that
although they themselves were punctual, dressed accordingly and maintained
a good attitude many of their peers did not. It's important to remember
that ultimately you are responsible for your own game and they are responsible
for theirs. Even if you are in a supervisory position there is only
so much you can do. They are not in the service and neither are you
anymore. The age-old adage leadership by example is still true. Focus
on yourself and let the chips fall where they may.
Sense of belonging
Even for those who couldn't wait to get out when they did there was
a sense of loss. After all, being in the military for several years
and then in the span of a day you're out is disconcerting. This feeling
can linger with you for a year or longer. It's natural. Try joining
a community club or even volunteering as a sports coach or withsome
other activity.
If you
still feel bothered call the Veterans Administration and ask to speak
to a counselor.
Chapter 5