Anyone ever feel like their civilian job is meaningless compared to their time in service?

Absolutely. It's one of the reasons I created RallyPoint... so I can lead an organization that still makes an impact for a community I care deeply about. I realize not everyone has this option with their job, but that's where I've seen others find fulfillment through other outlets.... either organizations that they get involved in and lead, or something else outside of their day job.

I had to accept that when I left active duty, I would never have the same kind of fulfillment as I had leading troops, but that doesn't mean we can't still have a very positive impact on the world.

The two things I wanted when I was 5 was be a firefighter and an "Army Man". Now I do both because of the guard. I love both my jobs and I am a firm believer that each of them offer experiences that make me excel at the other.

Every day. I work contract work on the same helicopters I flew on but it still seems meaningless. I've been retired for almost 5 years. It's hard to find the higher purpose when you know you will not be called upon anymore. I've gotten much better over the time but sometimes the emptiness is still there.