Finding a comfortable niche in the corporate arena often requires making significant mental and attitude adjustments. 

How difficult is it to transition from military service to civilian employment?  Someone separating after 4-6 years will probably answer that differently than a person retiring after 20+ years of service. 

Regardless of their length of service, all ex-military personnel face similar challenges in adjusting to civilian life and working in a corporate setting.  This article spotlights some of the main challenges in making the transition and offers some practical tips for coping.

A different lifestyle

Living and working on a military base is much different from dealing with a long commute to work during rush hour traffic and coping with the reality of succeeding in a competitive corporate environment. 

Working regular hours and having all federal holidays off is often a thing of the past.  Especially in industries that are highly profit-oriented, the emphasis is on doing whatever it takes to make the company more profitable, even if means putting in an extra 10-20 hours per week with no additional compensation.

Oftentimes, the result is spending less quality time with family and more time pursuing personal goals that dovetail with the organization's mission.  Clearly, being a "company man" is not the same as swearing allegiance to Uncle Sam out of a sense of patriotic duty.

Little things matter---such as not being able to go to the PX to purchase food and other goods at prices well below what civilian merchants charge.  Similarly, relinquishing free dental, medical and eye care is another trade-off in making the transition. 

A different work environment

Ex-military men and women are highly disciplined.  They are accustomed to conforming to organizational structure, respecting authority, and following rules without question.  Appropriate behavior is clearly spelled out in the Military Code of Conduct.  Deviation from the norm carries appropriate consequences.

Working in corporate America is much different.   Even though most companies have rules and regulations clearly articulated in personnel policy manuals, there is considerable leeway in what is deemed acceptable based on the reporting order and internal politics, which can dramatically shift with changes in middle or upper management. 

The military system is based on seniority and rank, which is clearly understood by everyone upon enlistment.  In corporate America, career advancement is a matter of excelling in areas that propel the success of the organization.  It's not uncommon for younger, highly ambitious employees to leapfrog over older workers who might have less education or exhibit less drive and motivation to succeed.

What often occurs is that ex-military personnel, starting at the bottom of the corporate ladder, find themselves reporting to managers much younger and lacking in organizational experience.   A complicating factor is a reporting structure that makes one accountable to numerous bosses in a "matrix management" system.   Under such an arrangement, it's not always clear where one's primary allegiance is to be directed, especially if there are dramatic differences in personalities and management styles exhibited.

Another differentiating characteristic of corporate America is that outside economic forces have significant impact on the profitability---and longevity---of most organizations.  Companies that are "hot" today may be subject to a friendly merger or hostile acquisition tomorrow.  Similarly, companies that are industry pacesetters at one point in time may be on the downswing in the future.  Unlike with the military, job security has an entirely different meaning in the asphalt-and-concrete jungle. 

Coping strategies

Ex-military men and women need not be intimidated at the thought of entering the civilian work force.  The following recommendations for coping should make the transition more psychologically bearable.

* Blend in with your surroundings.  This is a fundamental rule of survival taught in basic training.  As a practical application, try to fit in with your civilian co-workers as best you can.  Appropriate socializing with different team members is politically smart.  Also, it helps to dispel the myth that military personnel typically have a chip on their shoulder when working hand-in-hand with civilians.

* Accept challenges with a positive mindset.  Anyone who has endured the rigors of a military regimentation---and risked his life on dangerous missions and maneuvers---is well able to face any challenge presented in the corporate work setting.  The key is to "