Returning to civilian life presents you with exciting new opportunities but it is also filled with challenges – what are you going to do with your life? Will you be able to find a job? Will you need training to find a job? Can you adjust?

Most people adapt back into civilian life easily and comfortably; however, it can be isolating having to leave the military life having spent years with colleagues with whom you have shared experiences. You have witnessed the same things and stood side by side with them, but do not forget that it has given you some invaluable qualities too – courage, loyalty, determination and unanimity. Do not forget that you can take on anything and meet it head on.

Adjustment can be stressful and the transition from the familiar to something new can be a challenge but you do not have to be alone; other veterans or veteran groups can offer support and guidance to you. Having a plan of action can help to guide you with both your new career and in your personal life. There are five key areas to consider when you are entering civilian life:-

• Employment

• Education

• Housing

• Health

• Welfare

Talking to your Resettlement Officer can help to guide you through the process, helping you with the practical things like making sure that your CV is up to date and finding the job that is right for you. Although you will have gained a wealth of skills during your time in service, you may want to gain more skills or qualifications. There are support programmes that can help you with this and your Resettlement Officer can point you in the right direction. Seeking out military specific courses can be useful as they have the experience of helping to make the transition to the civilian workplace. Bristol Management Centre is one such provider and can provide you with a resettlement training package to make sure that you gain the best knowledge and qualifications to help you with the smooth transition into the civilian workforce.

The Joint Service Housing Advice Officer can provide you with information and advice about civilian housing to make sure that you have somewhere suitable to live once your transition has been made. Talking over the different options available to you can mean that you can plan for your future with a solid base point.

Depending on your service history you may have to be aware of the health problems that you could face including things like PTSD and flashbacks. It is important that you make sure that you can access the services that can help you to face these challenges such as making sure that you remember to register with health practitioners like doctors and dentists. The Service Personnel & Veterans Agency provides support to anyone who has served in the forces. They can help with advice on benefits, compensation payments and pensions. All these services are there to assist you in the transition and make sure that it answers all your questions and makes the transition go smoothly.

When you make the change from military to civilian life, it is more than a job change, it is a whole new world and you have to learn the skills which will get you to where you want to be. No one is going to give you a job just because you have served in the forces; you have to be able to "sell" yourself. Make future employers believe that you are a better candidate than the person who they interviewed before or after you. Use the support options that are available to you before you leave and make contact with former service personnel who have been through the same process before you. Keeping in contact with a support network can help you to grow both personally and professionally and by continuing that support by helping others in the future to make the same transition as you have made can benefit all.

Remember during your time in the services you have been taught "to get the job done" and you can take this forward into your future work life.

We can help you. BMC are a dedicated provider of approved MoD In-Service and Resettlement Courses in Management. We offer a variety of courses to help you prepare for the business world so that you are able to complete on a level basis in the civilian workplace. If you would like to talk any of your proposed course plans through with one of our very helpful and knowledgeable staff before committing yourself, you have only to pick up the phone and call us. We will be happy to help.