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JackieSwoon

430d

I'm gonna be a veteran soon and I'm scared because I've never be without the military. In about 6 months I'll be moving to Virginia to start a civilian lifestyle. Any tips?

Top reply
    • sillyashell

      430d

      Not a veteran myself but have family members & know people that are - definitely consider looking around on Facebook or in newspapers/libraries about local groups you could join pertaining to your interests. Some of these groups may even cater to veterans, like my mom who joined a Navy chorus. The anxiety about joining a new group is the next hurdle, so definitely walk through techniques on trying to help that. I don't know how it is in Virginia, but I've definitely met a lot of veterans where I live through groups that I'm in & my mom is in. They seem to be the most interested in connection and building friendships. Best of luck

    • 4byfour

      430d

      I’ve never been in the military, but once I left high school, I had no concept of making my own routine! There were seasons where I worked hard and played hard, and others where I didn’t work at all and had no social life. The idea of finding a middle ground and holding strong to it without the structure of school was really hard and challenging for me. I just didn’t see it at the time. I couldn’t find a reason from the inside to function back then, but I’ve been finding a reason recently and there’s nothing else like it. My advice: you’re gonna need time to figure it out! Expect yourself to make mistakes :) it’s part of the adventure! A lot of survival has more to do with the person you want to become, than the person that you have to be. And that’s the difference between being in a structured system and being on your own. Tbh idk what I’m saying, I just want to sound smart tonight before I do more research on the sugar baby lifestyle and low-cost living 😭😂

      • serendi

        429d

        @4byfour Actually, I think you’re right on point with this comparison! Going from something strictly structured to not having that structure already made for you and externally enforced is reaaal rough. OP, I think that creating your own routine is a great start, then find a middle ground so you don’t end up driving yourself into burnout, or anxiety because of days where you can’t stick to it, whether for personal *or* external reasons. Civilian life doesn’t allow you a promise of your routine working every day, which might be difficult to deal with. I definitely suggest finding groups aimed at veterans that do activities together. I live in VA, and I’ve seen ads and heard about people involved in groups like that. But VA is very different depending on the area you move to—NoVA, western, southern, eastern… They’re all very, very different culturally, nature-wise, and with what’s available in your area.

        • 4byfour

          429d

          @serendi (thank you!)

    • sillyashell

      430d

      Not a veteran myself but have family members & know people that are - definitely consider looking around on Facebook or in newspapers/libraries about local groups you could join pertaining to your interests. Some of these groups may even cater to veterans, like my mom who joined a Navy chorus. The anxiety about joining a new group is the next hurdle, so definitely walk through techniques on trying to help that. I don't know how it is in Virginia, but I've definitely met a lot of veterans where I live through groups that I'm in & my mom is in. They seem to be the most interested in connection and building friendships. Best of luck

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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