U.S. Army photo by Jason Kelly/Released

Reintegration can be an exciting time for veterans as they can take on new challenges, such as a new job in the workforce. However, the civilian working environment and its requirements after deployment are significantly different than those experienced during deployment. As a result, the skills that make warriors successful during a deployment may not work as well — or may actually be counterproductive — when beginning or returning to a civilian career. Review the tips and resources below to learn helpful strategies for being successful on the job after your deployment.

Four Common Stressors at Work

1. Feeling Like You Are Not Connecting

You may feel like you are not connecting with your colleagues or that you miss the strong bond you had with your unit. You might think that no one can understand your experiences except for those who have been deployed. Some veterans feel that they left their work unfinished.

TIP: Many Service members find it rewarding to be involved in initiatives that support Service members in the wars abroad. Volunteering to support men and women in uniform will help you remain connected to those serving overseas, while allowing you the opportunity to build relationships with the people who live in your own community. Whether serving in a military support organization, a civic association, or church group, volunteering is a good way to meet other people who have the same values and interests as you, in an environment that takes the pressure off of making friends. If you would like to find out more information about how you can get involved, try visiting the Real Warriors Campaign partnership page for national and local organizations you may be able to join.

2. Adjusting to New Rules

The rules in your new work setting may make your transition challenging. Some work environments may have rules that seem obscure and unnecessary to you, while others may have too few rules and can make you feel disorganized or uncomfortable.

TIP:  Making the adjustment from an operational environment to the civilian workplace will take time; you can check out the Real Warriors resources on reintegrating into civilian life and into the civilian workplace for some in-depth information. Also, keep in mind that your employer may offer confidential services like an employee assistance program (EAP) for people just like you, who want to make their transition back to work a healthy one. As always, you can also call the DCoE Outreach Center for any questions about reintegration and transition by dialing toll-free (866) 966-1020.

3. Boredom

Some Service members find it difficult to find meaning in their work after returning from a deployment. Assignments in the post-deployment workplace may seem trivial or pointless compared to the urgency in combat. Frustration may set in when dealing with seemingly not important tasks.

TIP: Learn more about the organization: what it does, who it serves, and where it is active. Although your company may not be directly engaged in our nation’s military affairs, chances are it does something that it meets the needs of a group of people somewhere in the world. Once you find out the story behind what your new company does, it will be easier to understand and accept how you contribute to the overall mission, ultimately lending value to your work.

4. Over-Use of Survival Tactics

Being controlled, methodical, distrustful, systematic and constantly watchful were necessary tactics that helped you survive in theater. You learned these strategies in training, and they kept you safe while deployed, but they may not immediately desist when you return home. They also may not work in the work place. For instance, you may find yourself being distracted by harmless noises or movements, or feeling on-edge in generally safe environments.

TIP: Be open to letting your guard down and to the fact that you are in a safe place,¹ but understand that adjusting to new environments will take time. If you consistently feel on edge and are experiencing difficulties transitioning back to civilian life you can talk to other men and women with similar experiences via the Real Warriors message boards, visit afterdeployment.org to take an anonymous self-assessment, or speak to a trained health resource consultant at the DCoE Outreach Center by calling (866) 966-1020.

Overcoming Challenges in the Workplace

Managing stress is the ability to maintain control when situations, people and events make excessive demands. There are many strategies you can try that can help you reduce the effects of stress and minimize its impact on your daily activities at work. These strategies include:

• Set realistic goals: Reduce the number of events, tasks or duties you are responsible for. If you cannot reduce your workload, try delegating some of your tasks to someone else.
• Work off stress: Physical activity like jogging, walking or outdoor work can help relieve stress. Meditation [PDF 50kb] and breathing exercises have also been proven to be effective in controlling stress. Whatever activity works best for you, physical activity can enhance your psychological well-being.
• Remove yourself from stressful situations: At times, you may need to remove yourself from the situation to clear your head. If appropriate, give yourself a short break for a few moments a day.
• Do something for others: Helping others can distract you from stressful situations. While it is not wise to completely avoid the root cause of the stress, being a team player among your colleagues can ease your stress and help you return to the situation with a renewed perspective.
• Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can only aggravate your nervous system and make you more prone to stress.
• Be positive: Give yourself messages as to how well you can cope rather than how negative everything can or will be. It can also be helpful to channel your stress as positive source of energy.
• Don't overwhelm yourself: Avoid worrying about your entire workload. Instead, take on one task at a time. Also, creating a schedule that will allow you to focus on tasks in a timely manner can also be helpful.²
• Relaxation: 5-10 minutes of slow deep breathing, or relaxation, can be a powerful stress management tool that can help you cope more successfully with many areas of your life.

To learn additional tactics for reducing stress in the workplace — or in other parts of civilian life — don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. Contact your civilian health care provider for professional guidance, or use one of the helpful resources listed below.

Resources for Getting Help

The DCoE Outreach Center
Log on to Real Warriors Live Chat or call 866-966-1020 to speak with a trained health resource consultant at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE). This confidential service is free and available 24/7 to veterans from every armed service, as well as family members, health care providers, caregivers, employers and others with questions about psychological health issues and traumatic brain injury concerns.

Recovery and Employment Assistance Lifelines (REALifelines)
Developed by the Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, REALifelines advisors provide valuable information and access to contact information for one-on-one employment assistance. You can also use REALifelines to find online resources that assist veterans in their reintegration into the civilian workforce. The program targets wounded and injured Service members in transition, and offers extensive information that can benefit all veterans.

Vet Centers Readjustment Counseling Service
Vet Centers are part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and offer a wide range of services to help warriors make successful transitions from military to civilian life. Services include America's Heroes at Work, which is a Department of Labor project that addresses the employment challenges of returning Service members living with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress concerns. Vet Center staff can be reached toll free during normal business hours at 800-905-4675 (Eastern) and 866-496-8838 (Pacific).

afterdeployment.org Workshops
A service of the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, afterdeployment.org offers a free assessment and confidential online workshop for tips and exercises relating to managing stress at work.

Additional Resources

• More information about veteran employment services from the Department of Labor.
• Find employment opportunities with the Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Success website.

Sources

¹afterdeployment.org, Work Adjustment Workshops and Succeeding at Work, last accessed Oct. 13, 2010.
²Military.com, “Keys to Success for Stress Management,” last accessed Oct. 13, 2010.