EFFECTS OF A CAREER CHANGE Element 1

PURPOSE DEVELOP AWARENESS OF THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CAREER CHANGE LEARN COPING MECHANISMS TO HELP THEM OBTAIN TOOLS (RESOURCES) FOR SUCCESS

CAREER CHANGE IS STRESSFUL LEAVING IDENTITY BEHIND STEPPING INTO UNCHARTED WATERS STABILITY UNCERTAINTIES Stress is a mismatch between the demands in our lives and the resources we have available to deal with those demands. Positive and negative stress. Departing from the military can cause some internal confusion of identity, loss of self-esteem and control. Physical and mental (emotional and behavioral) conditions will be impacted as a result of a job loss. Change and uncertainty always produces stress.

IDENTIFY STRESS INDICATORS CONSTANT FATIGUE/HEADACHES TROUBLE SLEEPING OR SLEEPING TOO MUCH IRRITABLE/ANGRIER THAN USUAL CHANGE IN EATING HABITS INCREASE IN SMOKING OR DRINKING To effectively manage existing stress, you must recognize its sources, signs and symptoms in yourself and your family. Avoid transmitting your stress to family and friends, especially your spouse.

IDENTIFY COPING TECHNIQUES **MAKE A PLAN FOR DEALING WITH STRESS BEFORE IT BECOMES A REALITY GET GOING SELL YOURSELF WORK AT IT LIGHTEN UP KEEP FAMILY INVOVLED Work through the transition process and do not procrastinate. Don’t be modest about accomplishments. Work at transition as if it were a job. Most important advise, TSM need to keep their sense of humor. Do not keep plans a secret. Integrate into the community by volunteering.

CHANGE OF MINDSET APPROACH TRANSITION AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW INSTEAD OF A THREAT VIEW WORK AS ONLY ONE PART OF LIFE To minimize future stress, approach change as a challenge and opportunity for growth. Start by identifying your primary goals and objectives, then break them down into manageable challenges. A lot of emotional support will be needed to maintain a positive attitude and to remain optimistic during your search for the right job.

KNOW WHEN TO GET HELP Sign of strength to recognize when help is needed!

RESOURCES CHAPLAIN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC (MENTAL HEALTH) DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) EDUCATION OFFFICE FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER BASE CLINICS KNOW WHEN TO GET HELP. Professionals are available to speak at any time!

RESOURCES CONT’D MILITARY ONESOURCE VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION (VSO) MILITARY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS VA VET CENTERS NATIONAL CENTER FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

RESOURCES CONT’D MILITARY ONE SOURCE www.militaryonesource.com NATIONAL CENTER FOR PTSD www.ncptsd.va.gov/index.html MILITARY FAMILY NETWORK www.emilitary.org FOCUS: Resilience Training for Military Families https://www.focusproject.org/ CAREER ONE STOP https://www.careeronestop.org/Veterans/BenefitsAndAssitance /deal- with-stress.aspx

REVIEW CAREER CHANGE IS STRESSFUL POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CAREER CHANGE COPING MECHANISMS RESOURCES FOR SUCCESS

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