1. Element #1- Effects of a Career Change
The purpose of this section is to help you (and your spouse) develop an awareness of the possible effects of career changes.

2. Explain the effects of a career change Identify stress indicators
Learning Objectives
Explain the effects of a career change
Identify stress indicators
Identify coping techniques
Resources

3. The effects of a career change
changing careers is stressful on the member and their family
stress or anxiety as a result of changes, problems, and even opportunities
think about the changes that lie ahead and plan for dealing with stress before it becomes a reality
I understand that separating from the military, whether voluntarily or involuntarily can be stressful not only on the service member, but also their spouse and dependents. Spending so much time in the military can make it difficult to transition into the civilian world with others whom, may or may not, respect what you’ve accomplished while serving your country. Realizing that this process can be traumatic and stressful, take the time now to recognize different stress factors and how to properly manage or cope with the anxieties.

4. Identifying stress indicators
Constant fatigue/ headaches
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
More frequent illnesses
Being irritable or angrier than usual
Desire to be alone, away from other people
Here are a list of a couple of stress indicators. Please remember that everyone handles stress differently. Recognizing your stress indicators and how you cope with stress is the best way to get a handle on it.

5. Identifying coping techniques
Work through the transition process and do not procrastinate
Work at the transition as if it were a job
Keep your family involved
Volunteer
Consider taking a class in dealing with change before the first signs of stress appears
REMAIN POSITIVE
What are some coping techniques that you all utilize to deal with stress? What can you do to help your family cope with the stress of your separation? Some things you can do to assist you along with the separation process is to continue pushing through the process. Don’t put off anything until the last minute. Work on figuring out what the next step of your life will be. All of you should have had a separating CDB already. You can request another at anytime if you feel like you still have concerns you’d like to discuss with your COC. Also, your spouse can attend that CDB as well, if there are some concerns they may have. If your plan is to move out of state, you can request to attend TGPS at any military installation that is closer to the town you are moving to. It doesn’t matter if it’s Air Force, Army, or Marine Corps, you can attend their version of TGPS also. This is beneficial to you because most of the courses have a career fair during that week of TGPS and you could meet a potential employer then. Keep your family informed! Your spouse can attend TGPS, CAPSTONE, and any other tracks with you also. Volunteer from time to time, this not only allows you to give back to your community but also assist in networking and getting to know others outside of the military. We’ll discuss PACS a little later on in this brief. There are several courses that FFSC offer to help you and your family members cope with all of the changes you all will endure. They also have counselors that can offer you private sessions. Your children can visit a MFLC (military family life counselor) and that counselor can assist you all by providing group sessions. Some bases also offer family sessions called FOCUS. This can help your children get out how they may be feeling about this huge change. OF course, through this entire process, the best course of action is to always remain positive and bright about your future.

6. resources Chaplain Behavioral Health Clinic (Mental Health)
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Education Office
Command Career Counselor
Here are some of the resources you can utilize to when you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress and anxieties.

7. resources (cont.) Fleet and Family Service Center Military OneSource
Veteran Service Organization (VSO)
Military Service Organizations
VA Vet Centers

8. resources (cont.) Ameriforce Deployment Guide
National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Courage to Care
Local support groups
Military Family Network

9. websites www.militaryonesource.com www.ameriforce.net/deployment/
Here are some websites for a couple of the resources that I’ve given you today.

10. Summary
Changing what you’ve known for the last four to twenty plus years can be stressful
Figure out the best coping technique before your anxieties arise
Never be afraid to reach out to your resources even after separation
ALWAYS KEEP POSITIVE!!!

11. Any questions???