Let’s be honest: transitioning from military to civilian life isn’t just about you.
Career advisors love to talk about transferable skills and CV tweaks, but let’s be real—this decision affects your entire family. It’s not just about where you’ll work next, but how your whole household will adjust to a new way of living.
The Real Talk No One's Having
Here’s what traditional service leaver support gets wrong: they act like choosing a civilian career is just about matching military skills to a job description. ("Have you considered security?" No, Brenda, I was in the military for years and never once thought of that.)
In reality, it’s about what works for your entire family—school runs, mortgage payments, your partner’s job, and a dozen other factors that never make it into a service leaver’s guide. Your family’s been in this with you since day one. They’ve handled the deployments, the missed birthdays, the “I might be home for Christmas” maybes. Now they need to be part of deciding what comes next.
Planning the Transition Together
Before you jump into job hunting, sit down with your family and plan this move like the mission it is. Here’s what to cover:
- Timeline: When is the right time to sign off? Does it align with school terms, your partner’s career moves, or financial stability? Leaving too soon can create unnecessary stress while staying longer than needed might hold you back from opportunities.
- Housing: Will you stay where you are, relocate, or buy a home? If you’ve been in military accommodation, what’s the exit plan? What are the schooling and job opportunities in the new area if moving?
- Budgeting: Civilian pay structures are different. Factor in tax, pensions, and healthcare. Can you afford a transition period without work, or do you need a role lined up before you leave?
- Healthcare: Leaving the military means new healthcare arrangements. Do you need private insurance? Does your family have medical needs that influence where you settle?
Starting the Conversation
This isn’t a five-minute chat while you’re both distracted. Book in a real, focused conversation where you cover:
- Location priorities: Do you need to stay put for school or family reasons, or is a fresh start appealing?
- Financial needs: Be honest—what does your family need to maintain quality of life?
- Work-life balance: Military life is unique. Civilian 9-to-5 schedules hit differently when you’re used to deployments and shift patterns.
- Career goals for both of you: Your partner’s ambitions matter just as much as yours.
- Kids’ perspectives: What do they need? What worries them? What excites them about this change?
"But How Do I Know I'm Ready?"
If anyone says they were 100% ready to leave the military, they’re either lying or trying to sell you a career transition course.
Here’s how to know if it’s time:
- You’re questioning whether military progression fits your long-term goals.
- The lifestyle is feeling less sustainable for you or your family.
- You’ve mapped out practical steps, not just a vague hope.
- You’re prepared to translate your military experience into civilian opportunities—even if it’s daunting.
Whether you’re exploring ex-forces jobs, translating military skills, or figuring out veterans’ benefits, this isn’t a small step—but it’s a doable one. With the right planning, your next move will be a smart one.
What Lies Ahead (The Actual Truth)
Transition isn’t just a job change—it’s a full-life shift. Some days you’ll question everything (normal), your partner might stress over finances (also normal), and the kids might take time to adjust (very normal).
What makes the difference? Facing it as a team.
Making It Work Together
- Set regular family check-ins (not the military kind, no PowerPoints necessary)
- Be honest about concerns—even the uncomfortable ones
- Involve the kids in a way that makes sense for their age
- Keep a sense of humour (you’ll need it)
- Stay flexible—your first plan might need adjusting (or scrapping altogether)
- Evaluate job opportunities together
The Bottom Line
Your military career has always been a family affair—your transition to civilian life should be too. Take the time to plan together, factor in everyone’s needs, and remember: this isn’t just about getting a new job, it’s about building a future that works for all of you.
Stepping into civvy street is a big deal, but it’s also an exciting opportunity. It’s about growth, new experiences, and finding a career that aligns with who you are now. Your military experience has given you more than a skillset—it’s shaped you. Now it’s time to apply that to a life that works for you and your family.
Ready to explore what’s next? Our AI career matching tool takes your whole life into account—not just your rank and regiment. Because your future isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about building something better for you and the people who matter most. Try it by clicking here (it's free).
