Time to discharge?

Hi @gellyo, I just wanted to welcome you to the space. It sounds like you're at quite a crossroads, so I'm glad that you're here seeking a bit of guidance.

Not sure if it's relevant but you're welcome to have a read through of our own @RiverSeal's post about Finding purpose after leaving Service - I can imagine they and others in that thread would be open to connecting and chatting on this topic with you.

I hope you find what you're looking for in this community 😊

Hi @gellyo

welcome to shoulder to shoulder

it’s a great question to ask… I understand wanting to prioritise stability for your child - I also switched between full time and part time service to stay in one location.

leaving on your own terms gives some sense of control that others haven’t had, but you will still face an adjustment period. Especially if you have always or mostly worked in ADF. While working in “civvie street” can be just as fulfilling and rewarding, I certainly felt a real difference in culture. And also in stability. You haven’t said what sort of work you would be looking for, but I would definitely consider public service (state or federal) to get that stable bubble you refer to.

I have supported a few mates thru this, as well as my own journey so happy to provide more guidance if you had specific questions.

It’s great that you are starting to think about this now too. If you think you might need more education to get a meaningful role outside, you can also look at defence sponsored study options. Maybe starting to learn something new will help you get thru this time when you feel less fulfilled.

You sound like you’ve really thought this out and have started some of the ground work already.

And yes - I absolutely moved between full time and part time service to suit what was going to work for my family and to remain in one place.

Is there anything stopping you starting your studies now? Even doing one subject per semester can help you get your brain back into study (I went back to uni at 48 years old in the last couple of years of my last full time ADF role and it was a real adjustment). You can then access DASS or whatever it is called now to help pay for your study and reduce your HECS debt.
Griffith Uni have a veteran success officer so it might be worth talking to them now?

You've already done the absolute best thing you could do: you've given yourself plenty of time.

I'd spend a couple of months exploring all your options - you likely have a diverse array of soft and hard skills, so there will be careers open to you that you've likely never considered, don't close anything off at this stage.

Yeah, there's going to be an adjustment period. I was in for 6 years but I didn't join until 26. Even with that life experience before Defence, there were some adjustments to be made. If you joined straight from school, it's going to take longer. That said, you can begin building that transition bridge right now, which will make it substantially easier.

Here's a YouTube video for Defence people transitioning, as I had not such a great one myself but have since worked with a lot of veterans and agencies like Soldier On to help. https://www.youtube.com/@veterantransitionsuccess

For the record, I ended up in the private sector after wanting to be a career spook and I couldn't be happier. I'm certainly happier and more fulfilled now than even at the best points of my service. So yes, there is life after Defence!

Happy to answer any further questions you might have.

Hey @Army_Pete and welcome to the forums 🙂

I love what you said “you can begin building the transition bridge now”. What a great way to think about it. I think if Defence can support people right from the get-go to think about what

their transition bridge could look like it will make things easier - even if you end up on the bridge sooner than you would like - or later! I certainly didn’t think I’d serve as long as I have.