What are your observations of why some vets struggle adjusting to private sector employment?

I have recruited military veterans for several years for oil and gas companies. I think the largest disconnect I have seen from my fellow veterans is lack of understanding of the profit motives of the hiring company. Unlike the military, you are not gonna get 30 days off a 96 hour pass after tough training cycles or NCO Call once a month. You are gonna get a career/job, a paycheck and maybe some benefits if you're lucky nowadays. Rest assured they will show you the door if you don't perform or if the company is not profitable even if you are a high performer.

Culture shock is quite prevalent and in my experience it often takes vets a year or two to decompress and get used to the culture of civilian employers. I have not only recruited hundreds of vets but have employed hundreds as well. I would say my experience is pretty consistent with what I've heard from other employers and business owners.

Last thing is to have some realistic expectations. Unless you have an immediately transferrable skill, you are probably going to need some industry specific training or to start in an entry level role. I would never trust my balance sheet to someone who has never seen one before. Additionally, I am often amazed at the lack of situational awareness of some of the vets I have hired. The F bomb and foul language doesn't work in a corporate environment and especially around female employees. It gives us all a bad rep when vets come on the job and think everyone talks like we did in the Grunts.

It can be a tough transition if you have one foot constantly in the past. Be proud of your service and sacrifice and use the skills you acquired to out perform your civilian colleagues. That's how we get the respect we deserve and more vets hired!!!