7 Key Things Smart Women Do After the Military to Be Self-Dependent
Whether you are a woman veteran or military spouse, becoming self-dependent after leaving the military community can appear to be a large obstacle, and difficult to adapt to. Although you may have been a part of the force for as little as four years, it can seem like a lifetime. If you’re willing, becoming self-dependent can be done. I’ve put together some ideas to help you get started. With little preparation, lots of research and action you can be on the path of independence in no time. Here are a few tips that can guide you.
1. Have a vision and a plan for your future.
Too often military personnel and military spouses neglect looking further than their present situation or planning for “what’s next” after their term of service is over. Let’s face it, it’s pretty darn comfortable not having to think about what needs to happen tomorrow. Most of the time it’s a no-brainer because it’s the same routine. By investigating your next venture, you actually create a synergy that causes excitement instead of fear. Having awareness is the best way to eliminate stress. So, consider the career and lifestyle you desire to transition into. Set it as a priority. If you’re still not sure, that’s the perfect reason to consider the next option.
2. Get to know yourself.
The best way to know what you want in life is to know yourself. Somewhere, along with our journey, we set our personality aside so that we could follow the mission, live the good-life provided for us, or take care of our family. There’s one thing we forgot to do? Backtrack. Begin using your intuition and trust yourself. Women have the unique ability to be guided by our intuition. When acknowledged, it can guide us to success with ease and grace. Consider incorporating it with the skills you’ve learned, your wildest desires, and design your next venture. The more you become intuitive, the more opportunities will appear. Life is limitless outside of the armed forces. You just have to know what you want.
3. Decide what you want and find examples of others doing it.
You’ve heard it before “There’s nothing new under the sun!” The very thing you’re imagining has been done before (we’ll close to it anyway). All you have to do is add your own twist to it. Do your research and make it personal. Eliminate the excuse “I don’t know” out of your vocabulary. That very saying can hold you back more than you can imagine. With so much information available on the internet, excuses are void. Become creative with your researching by asking others (i.e. friends, mentors, and experts) how were they able to achieve that very thing? After you obtain enough information, you’ll feel comfortable enough to venture into that specialty. Be sure to check out how you can become a candidate for virtual work and tap into your creative ability at SHE Works Digital.
4. Create a spending plan based on your transition.
As soon as you begin considering a transition or move, begin adjusting your income to what may become your new regime. For example, you’ve lived in housing for the past couple of years and all of the utilities were included. This allowed you to have extra funds to spend on a nice car. Your transition will be happening in 18 months, and you have 24 months remaining in car payments. If it’s possible, double your car payments to reduce additional expenses and increase your income automatically once you depart. Less stress, more independence, and reduced obligations. Try Dave Ramsey’s.
5. Develop new skills. Return to school.
Using the VA Education Benefits prior to exiting the military is one of the best plans happening! Find courses being offered within your organization that is a part of the training curriculum, classes held at the community college or university that will give you an extra edge toward your new future. Be a forerunner and avoid being the individual who chases success. Pre-planning always works better than playing catchup. When you take advantage of educational opportunities prior to exiting the service you actually save time and money once you’re a civilian. Always consider what opportunities you may have at your disposal before you transition because it could be the one thing you need to catapult your journey.
6. Plan your work and work your plan.
Gather all of the information you’ve compiled, set up a plan and work it. Completing the other actions makes it easier to have clarity and implement. So, get clear, plan and act.
7. Learn how to create a schedule and kept it.
You’ve gained valuable experience in the military environment and harvested leadership skills which take years to obtain in the civilian sector. Use it to your advantage to create the self- dependency you want. Buy a planner and plan your daily activities. Begin mastering your schedule. Get in the habit of reminding yourself what you need to do. As a civilian, you won’t have anyone telling what to do, when or how. You must become responsible for your personal endeavors. This will decrease forgetting the important things we’re used to being reminded to do by others. You’re creating a new proto-call for your life. Try using a tool like Tallyfy to help you become better organized and efficient.
