WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy
New Year, New Mission: Transitioning to Civilian Life with PTSD My girlfriend looked into my eyes and said, “I love you.” And all I could think of to say was, “Thank you.” It was then that I realized that I did love her but couldn’t communicate it. I also realized that in many cases I didn’t love myself, let alone have the ability to love someone else,” recalls Rob Palandino. When Staff Sergeant Rob Paladino left the U.S. Army in 2011 after multiple combat tours, he thought transitioning to civilian life would be easy. He was used to going 100 MPH in the Army, so transitioning out and finding a job didn’t seem all that challenging. After all Rob had done in the service, how hard could it be? He was sure of one thing - what lay ahead of him had to be better than what was behind him. But behind his cocksure bravado lurked the shadows of PTSD. He states,“I didn’t think the sustained visuals of combat would affect me. As ridiculous as it seems now in retrospect, I didn’t believe that living with death day after day, whether seeing dead Iraquis or losing a fellow soldier, would affect my ability to acclimate post-military.” He recalls, “I did not think that I'd feel hopeless getting out, nor did I think that losing friends as close as brothers on the battlefield, or neutralizing the enemy would affect my ability to acclimate to the civilian work world. I was wrong.”
were taught in the military and carrying them into civilian work life. We have a saying that, “If you look like crap then you are crap.” Reflect on the key elements you were taught. Civilians don't want to see you wrinkled and ‘out of it’. Use the same elements of honor, integrity, attention to detail in the civilian world and you will find yourself head and shoulders above your peers. 3. Acknowledge and deal with your issues.
Eventually, through veteran mentors and support groups, Rob found a renewed sense of purpose. He said, “It was a challenge and I do have a bit of advice for my brothers and sisters who are transitioning out of the military.”
Don’t be ashamed of challenges you have, seek help. Getting on the other side of PTSD is easier when you first accept that you have a problem. I read a lot of books, talked to other veterans and went to therapy twice a week. I was in a dark cave mentally and it has taken me years to get out. I’d also highly recommend getting a dog and working out! I got a rescue dog which serves great emotional support as they don’t talk back and just listen.
Rob shares his 5 tips for a successful transition:
4. Use your resources.
1. Find a mentor. I was a staff sergeant in the Army and then found myself stocking shelves as a produce clerk. I honestly did not understand my value. My mentor did. He helped me understand what my skills were and pointed me into a career in Project Management, a role I didn't even know existed. I am today a successful project manager, but only because I found veteran mentors that guided me in that direction. Reach out to your network. 2. Find a “New Cause.” I felt helpless when I got out. I began volunteering and found my focus. I recommend taking the ideas we 50
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I have not stopped exercising since I got out. I use exercise to deal with stress and it can help you too. Also, use your GI bill. I see a lot of people transitioning wanting to make money right away. That is good, but I’d encourage you to consider increasing your education through the GI bill. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that degrees are beneficial. Their 2020 study indicated that people with a Bachelor’s degree earneda median income of $1,248/week vs. those with only a high school degree earned $746/week. Everyone’s situation is different but if you are able to, I strongly recommend you get additional education using the GI bill.