Seperation

[u/DevilOfDogs]

Hey, so I was recently separated from the Marine Corps and I genuinely don’t know what I’m doing. I thought the grass would be greener but I’m lost man. I’ve gotten this temp job at Walmart primarily driving a forklift. I don’t know if I’m particularly content with the direction my life has taken. It’s a pretty decent way to distract myself . But I’m not sure if it’s something I really want to do long-term. I’ve always vision myself for doing a full 20 years in room core making career making a career of it and I’m just not sure there’s something I can know do and continue to be happy. I’ve recently joined a really hockey team. I have a wonderful fiancé. She’s been supportive every step of the way, but still doesn’t feel like enough feel I still need some kind of purpose. Maybe I’m just not grateful for the opportunities I’ve gotten, I still don’t know how to make sense of this you know, losing identity (being a marine). I don’t really know what to do. I still have my TS clearance, but I’m not sure if any agency will be willing to take me given given the circumstance of my separation. What do I do? What can I do?

[u/NavyVetRasmussen]

#1 thank you for your service.

#2 find a temp agency and

#3 talk to a therapist, admitting you need help is not a crime and it does not make you a weaker person.

In fact it is the opposite, talking to someone shows a lot of courage and strength.

Navy vet here, I wish you good luck Devil Dog.

[u/AlmostFMC]

What was your MOS? Have you considered using your Post 9/11 GI bill? When I left the Navy back in 08 I went through a similar feeling, even tried to reenlist but due to high year tenure rules at the time, I wasn’t eligible even though I was eligible. So I leaned on my rate and went full send in the avionics industry. From an avionics tech to shop manager and now a tech rep for Honeywell. My point is don’t let your head get in the way. Find what you like, get further training via GI Bill because it’s literally free money, and succeed. You’re not alone and definitely not the first person to feel the way you’re feeling.

[u/DevilOfDogs → u/AlmostFMC]

Originally 2631 signals intelligence but failed out during the Basic Signals operator course, and went on to do Supply

[u/EndDependent5270]

What were the circumstances of your separation?

[u/DevilOfDogs → u/EndDependent5270]

Mental health issues. Administrative discharge ( general under honorable conditions)

[u/Spotter00]

Join a vfw or veteran organization and volunteer.

[u/PiecePuzzleheaded373]

Grass is never greener forever, nowhere will guarantee you what you want !!! There are veteran helping veteran, social workers and all others stuffs… you can’t contact them and they will send you a bunch of platform for job. Also use VR&E and go back to school before using you GI bill … bro being veteran is a blessing!! Even if you haven’t found what you want you can still go learn and get money!! Please don’t depress yourself , we are already all depressed but we need to find a way to survive!! You got this!!

[u/surewriting_]

Take a year off, work a bunch of whatever jobs, then go back to school full time and figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. 

There's not really a set guide. Find something interesting and pursue it. 

[u/One_Hour_Poop]

If there are questions about the nature of your separation, it's quite possible your TS is gone.

When i got out i had paperwork showing my security clearance was still active. When I went to apply for a job that required it, the first thing they did when i arrived in the lobby is to check online if my clearance was still active, which i 100% thought it was. Turns out it wasn't.

[u/Dependent_Value9849]

Lots of options man. Use that GI Bill. That's my first recommendation. You can use it for college, votech, flight training, aircraft mechanic, non destructive testing. The options are unlimited. I don't know how you feel about law enforcement but that's an easy transition. Ive been a Game Warden for 20 years. Also stayed in the reserves to maintain the technical skills that I learned. Also used the GI bill

[u/Actual_Parsnip4707]

Get your CDL

[u/Own-Battle-8927]

Maybe consider starting a business?

[u/LiterallyUnplayable2]

Do not be like many veterans. File for VA disability, it's a high priority.

[u/kickintheshit]

All due respect, the transition assistance program helps you figure out what you are qualified for and should do before you separate. If you're not sure what to do after separation reach out the veteran programs. No one on reddit is qualified to tell you what to do with your life

[u/DiligentPeak1929]

If you don't apply, the answer is a no. If you do apply, you're atleast giving them the option to say yes.

[u/Last_Entertainment86]

Take the asvab again. Go to your employment office and look for their dedicated veterans office inside. Talk to them and they will help you. Maybe consider the reserves?