TRANSITION: Adjusting to Life After the Uniform

For many, life after the military can be a difficult and challenging time. Most are unprepared and it comes as a complete surprise when they realize retirement is not the end state they thought it was. Making the transition to a new way of life can be difficult challenge they've ever face, and not everyone is successful.

Transition is about more than taking off the uniform and becoming a civilian; it’s about changing your mindset. To be successful you must examine your self-image, set new goals, and decide if you have the will, the energy, or even the motivation to take on a new job, career, or adventure.

Writing with humour, grace, and honesty the author shares his own experiences and that of others who have made the transition from professional to civilian life. Along the way he lays out some hard truths while providing a wealth of positive strategies and resources to not only deal with transition, but to benefit from it.

Though written primarily for the Canadian military, the insights and practical guidance provided will be of benefit to many in the police, fire, and first responder communities who are now attempting to come to terms with the reality of this new phase of their lives.

I.W. MacDonald S/Sgt. RCMP (Ret.)