I joined at 16 was made redundant at 31 and struggled for a very long time. You are right. When you are in, you are part of something special, when you are out you are disconnected from everything, even your social life takes a hammering. I would do it all over again though. Honi Soit
I served from 1985-2009 When you leave you get dropped like a hot brick Simple Where’s this year come from I got 4 week’s resettlement for serving a full colour service Bottom line, the army doesn’t give a shit about you once you’ve left I got NO support after I left. None!!!
My IERO was Terrible. She didn’t respond to emails and when she did it was a snotty email that didn’t really answer the question. I resorted to Skyping her and she started changing her status to busy. I ended up finding out for myself what I needed to do and signing forms on her behalf. The best advice I can give is to ask people that have already been through resettlement what they did and also using those contacts to find a jobs.
I have heard all this from others and I have to say you are looking confident but the eyes don't lie, admitting it isn't easy does help and as one soldier told me, if you've been to hell and survive there is NOTHING in this fluffy world you can't handle. ;) Knew someone that when he left he went straight to university, smart guy he was but he still struggled with employment afterwards and settled with working remotely. Doesn't have to deal with people, hahaha, and he didn't fight a war either... most Canadians don't which is why they join, lol, pension is crazy good etc. I wish I lived there because I see a lot of potential in networking with you in your field and development companies :)
