Bent, NOT Broken: Veterans and First Responders Navigating Civilian Life
After leaving the military, many veterans, including myself (Josh, Founder of Bloc Life), find it challenging to adjust to civilian life. This is also true for first responders. The reasons for this difficulty are common. While in uniform, there are clear guidelines for everything we do. There is little room for ambiguity, and the structured environment suits us well.
Additionally, we always have comrades with similar beliefs and values by our side, providing a sense of camaraderie. Lastly, we receive direct and unbiased feedback on our performance, which reassures us that our efforts are contributing to the success of our unit or department.
The Loss of Structure and Purpose
After we take off our uniform and "punch out" for the day or forever, most things that led to our success are no longer part of our lives. We lose a clear direction on the day's most important tasks, and everything is influenced by individual biases, regardless of the actual impact and outcome. We enter a "working" world where people seem more focused on doing the bare minimum while expecting the highest praise and compensation. Also, "we're in this together" means working from home or coming to the office and sitting in a cubicle. The loneliness goes unnoticed until we realize we spend most of our days alone, without interacting or connecting with anyone in our "tribe." Politics often comes into play when evaluating our performance daily, quarterly, or yearly. It's not only about our job performance but also about gaining the approval and recognition of our boss or supervisor.
The Dangers of Isolation and Disconnection
For many veterans and first responders, the shift from constant teamwork to independence can feel disorienting. Isolation may go unnoticed at first, but the lack of human connection to those who understand your experience becomes more evident over time. Instead of meaningful tasks and collaborative efforts, you face a working world where effort is often overshadowed by politics or personal bias. This isolation can lead to unhealthy habits—overeating, becoming sedentary, and mentally spiraling into deeper feelings of disconnection.
When you bend under this pressure, it's easy to lose sight of your purpose and give in to the unhealthy outlets that seem to offer short-term relief. But there is a way to break through this struggle.
Action Steps for Veterans and First Responders: Finding a New Path
#1 Structure
One of the greatest losses post-service is the clear structure that once defined your day-to-day life. However, regaining structure is essential. You don't need to focus on the destination just yet—what matters most is the journey and the small steps you take to reach it. Each of these steps can be broken down into a series of thoughts, words, and actions. Writing down these actions in a tangible way (like a calendar or planner) can give you the daily direction you need. Most importantly, never shift or ignore these actions. Stay committed to the schedule you've set for yourself.
#2 Support
Returning to civilian life doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Surround yourself with a support system that encourages you, understands you, and shares your vision. Just like in uniform, the people you choose to surround yourself with can determine the outcome of your journey. You need a team of cheerleaders who will push you to keep going. Equally important, identify the naysayers—the people who project their own fears and limitations onto you—and either move them to the back of your bus or let them off at the next stop. Your journey forward requires the right company.
#3 Accountability
Every day presents an opportunity for growth. You don't have to achieve everything overnight—your only job is to be 1% better than you were the day before. This consistent, gradual progress may go unnoticed at first, but over time, the accumulation of small victories will lead to a larger transformation. Stay accountable to yourself and your growth. Over time, your life will start to bloom in ways you never thought possible.
Move Forward With Hope
The journey from service to civilian life is not without its challenges. Veterans and first responders face unique struggles that can bend them to their breaking point. But with structure, support, and accountability, it's possible to bend without breaking. You have the power to create a new path, one step at a time. By surrounding yourself with the right people and staying committed to the process, you can find your purpose again—and thrive.
Ready to take action?
Bloc Life is committed to empowering all individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals through education and support. Join our adaptive and inclusive community to unlock your full potential.
