Theresa has been very open about the emotions she has been experience as the day comes to her leaving the military. I thought it was a great time to sit down and talk to her about what she is feeling a few months before leaving the military behind. She also shared some of the resources she has found and even asked me some of her own questions about leaving the service. If you are curious about military transition check out this episode of Women of the Military podcast!

Emotions of Leaving the Military

When Theresa leave the military she will have completed 29 years of military service. We talked about why now was the right time to leave the military after so many years. She said that she has known for a few years that leaving the military was on the horizon and ultimately knew she did not want to compete for the rank of O6 and the requirements that would come with that. She also looked at her finances and felt that she and her husband were in a good place to retire and meet her goal of not having to work full time.

Doing it wrong

One of the topics we discussed is how the military puts members in a box when they transition. Both Theresa and I don’t fit inside the box where you find a traditional full time job after service. This can make you as a member feel like you are doing it wrong. The military often provides a path forward with an operations order or a check list. Transitioning is so different. But unlike a military operation there actually are different paths you can take to find the path that is right for you and while it goes against your nature not following the checklist might be the best option for you.

Challenge of Loneliness

One of the challenges many veterans face is finding community after service. I have experienced both times of great connection and friendship. While also having the challenge of being lonely. As we move and life stages change it can be easy to find yourself alone and desiring more connection. Theresa also talked about how hard it is to make connections in a new place. She recently moved from England to Mississippi. It has been an adjustment to find a new community.

Resources

We also discussed a number of resources including Skillbridge, Boots to Business, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Women Veteran Alliance and more.