Here's how to find your 'tribe' once you leave the military

Boy, does this resonate with me. When I left the military, I was lost. My "tribe mates" had moved on in their civilian lives and jobs. Most had families - people married younger in my generation. Also, I didn't want to return "home". My father lived there and I didn't want to be anywhere near him, so I was bound to end up as a stranger in a strange land. And coming from five and a half years in the military where you are among tribe mates, it was difficult to adjust. I hadn't really thought of this before, but looking back, I am proud that I survived and thrived in spite of the challenges. Thanks for mentioning it.

My wife, kids, cat and...............Lego's

This hits home with me as well. I retired and picked up a fixer-upper hobby Farm in the middle of nowhere surrounded by corn and bean fields. I'm too young to be hanging out at the Senior Center in town and too old for the bar scene. I play cards every now and then at a local Tavern. I shoot billiards in the Winter league. My kids have grown and left the nest. That leaves me here surrounded by my Wife's animals. Mercifully, my Wife works so we aren't stuck looking at each other all day, every day. If and when that happens that we both are home all the time, it'll take about 3 weeks before one of us starts digging a hole in the Grove to dispose of a body. ;) Every other day I'll pedal my bike 3.5 miles to town for a beer (or two) and Socialize with the townspeople. I have absolutely no peer group to hang with. I don't mean that in an arrogant manner. Several of my friends Served a few years. I only know of one retired Military guy in town and he's like 30 years older than me.

My Tribe and salvation is the computer.