I tried the search function, so I hope this hasn't been asked.

How do all you ex squadies find returning to civvy life?
Do you find it hard to adjust back to the life style, and is it hard to find a job?

It seems as though if you have a trade (eg Mechanic, Engineer, Pilot) it shouldn't be to hard to find a job.
But what about the likes of Infantry or Artillery, how hard is it for you to find a decent job, as you don't exactly gain any qualifications?

Would you recommend journalism as a career path for "ex squadies" returning to civvy life? What qualifications did you need? How long have you been working as a journalist and how did you get started? Do you enjoy it? What's the pay like?

Originally Posted by beetroot4000

I tried the search function, so I hope this hasn't been asked.

How do all you ex squadies find returning to civvy life?
Do you find it hard to adjust back to the life style, and is it hard to find a job?

It seems as though if you have a trade (eg Mechanic, Engineer, Pilot) it shouldn't be to hard to find a job.
But what about the likes of Infantry or Artillery, how hard is it for you to find a decent job, as you don't exactly gain any qualifications?

It's imperative that you set your stall up early. In essence you get a year post sign off to start making waves towards your civilian employment, the funds are there and the support is available.

I never buy it when some ex squaddies pipe up about how difficult it is settling into civvy street, bollocks, it's a piece of piss, the problem is the individuals attitude and inability, or not having the desire to adjust accordingly.

Originally Posted by Hector_Chavez_V

.... it's a piece of piss....

Spot on.

Refraining from using forces terminology takes some getting used to at first. It produces a lot of blank civvie faces.

And speaking of applying Military skills to the civvie field doesn't matter too much. A lot of what the services do doesn't relate to civilian life, and I bet if you did a poll of what people did when in, even with an artisan trade, they don't do it now anyway.

I found the integration back to civvy life not too bad, but I was only in for about 8 years. I also went into the CP industry, so found myself working with a lot of ex forces, so the comraderie was still there etc...

I think Hector Chavez has hit the nail on the head when he says it's all about the attitude of the individual. I know plenty of blokes who have got out of the forces and made a good life for themelves. The trick is to prepare and get as much out of the forces as you can prior to getting out. Once you've walked out of the gates for the last time, there's not really any way of going back for help.

I had no difficulty in becoming a civvy after 18 years in the army. i am now a successful tattoo artist.
I am even a single father with one teenage daughter......... thats a different story though.

Transition was easy. Skills out my arse. More money than I know what to do with.

Originally Posted by beetroot4000

I tried the search function, so I hope this hasn't been asked.

How do all you ex squadies find returning to civvy life?
Do you find it hard to adjust back to the life style, and is it hard to find a job?

It seems as though if you have a trade (eg Mechanic, Engineer, Pilot) it shouldn't be to hard to find a job.
But what about the likes of Infantry or Artillery, how hard is it for you to find a decent job, as you don't exactly gain any qualifications?

If I was you, I'd wait until you actually get into the UK, then actually pass the documentation, fitness and medical, then actually get through basic training, then actually commit yourself whole heartedly to your chosen cap badge.

Then perhaps you'll get a better response from me.

So far, you (two posts) show a total lack of conviction towards serving in HM Forces, let alone leaving them.

Originally Posted by beetroot4000

I tried the search function, so I hope this hasn't been asked.

How do all you ex squadies find returning to civvy life?
Do you find it hard to adjust back to the life style, and is it hard to find a job?

It seems as though if you have a trade (eg Mechanic, Engineer, Pilot) it shouldn't be to hard to find a job.
But what about the likes of Infantry or Artillery, how hard is it for you to find a decent job, as you don't exactly gain any qualifications?

You are aware that even for the likes of the Infantry they can gain proper qualifications like Degree's whilst serving,

Along with driving, IT, and other qualifications in preparation for returning to civvy life, it's all down to the individual 'Not' the area/branch of the Army.