For transitioning Veterans, new and old, summarize your experience from leaving active service throughout the first year of civilian life.

Started school a week after seperating. Put in work on my resume. Landed a GS ladder position within DOD 3 months after I seperated.

I tell people that my experience after getting out is not the norm for many veterans. I know many veterans to this day that work two jobs and still struggle after leaving the service. I try and help them with filing disability claims, resumes and building a USAjobs profile.

When I was looking for a job and I went on my first interview, I was told I was over qualified. On another job, I stayed late to clean out my inbox and I got fussed at for being dedicated. Team work is a BIG FAT JOKE. There are no wingmen, you're pretty much on your own.

I did not receive any exit counseling when I left active duty. I had to do a lot of research work on my own and with many other professionals. In my first year I really didn't experience many problems. A few years later is where I needed our veterans affairs services. I know the exit counseling and screenings are really detailed now.