Difficulties: Skill Adaptation, Business Hurdles…

Career changes for military men upon retirement is not al­ ways an easy ride, for many reasons. Financial needs, a desire for new purpose, and the challenge of translating ri­ gid military skills into the civi­ lian sector are some of the as­ pects that drive this frequent career shift. Above all, the zeal of remaining useful to the community and contributing to national growth is first and fo­ remost a guiding mentality of the men in uniform who ser­ ved their nation in honour and loyalty during their service. However, there are challenges faced by ex-servicemen when changing careers as they at­ tain retirement. Amongst others, they include transla­ ting unique skills into civilian terms, adapting to a less struc­ tured workplace culture, ac­ cepting potential drops in in­ come, and coping with the sudden loss of their military identity and close-knit commu­ nity, and navigating a difficult job market. In most cases, these changes cause stress, money worries and trouble fit­ ting into civilian work culture. Skill adaptation which is the ability to change, update, or apply your current knowledge and abilities to fit new tools, changing rules, or unexpected situations is major challenge for career change for ex-servi­ cemen. For those who opt for entrepreneurship, setting up and maintaining a business is not as easy as it seems. They face major hurdles like secu­ ring adequate startup capital, managing early cash flow, na­ vigating compl...