Beyond the checklist: helping veterans build a career, not just get a job.

Many veterans transitioning from the military to civilian life find themselves in unfulfilling careers; the current resettlement process is designed to funnel Service leavers into traditional employment rather than helping them explore what they truly want to do. Those with entrepreneurial ambitions, unsure of what to do after leaving the military are finding themselves guided into employment rather than having the support to explore their potential. With nearly 15,000 people leaving the Armed Forces each year, a significant number end up disillusioned and stuck in jobs that feel secure but don’t inspire them. Drawing on my own experience and work as a career coach for veterans, I help them break out of that cycle and uncover careers that align with their passions and purpose. If you’ve ever felt like there must be something more, there is — and I can help you find it.

 

A large blue lake surrounded by evergreen trees and mountains on the horizon

Why ‘secure’ doesn’t mean fulfilling

Having worked with many veterans who have been through the military to civilian career transition programme, I see a consistent and concerning pattern: far too many veterans transitioning into the workforce feel disillusioned in their civilian careers, just as they did at the end of their military service. I believe the current military career transition programme (CTP) is not fit for purpose, particularly for those with entrepreneurial ambitions or a desire to explore something completely different.

I served for 19 years as a nursing officer in the Royal Air Force, and I’ve been through the armed forces resettlement process myself.

At the time, I was encouraged to compile a CV and apply for NHS roles as a nurse. The problem? I didn’t want to go back to nursing- it no longer gave me a sense of fulfilment. I was launching my coaching business but felt pressured to have something to ‘fall back on’ in case it didn’t work out. This highlights a key flaw: the system is designed to find civilian jobs for veterans, but what if you want to start your own business, and have no idea what to do next or how to do it?

 

At first glance, the statistics seem encouraging: 88% of Service leavers who use the CTP are in employment six months after leaving the military. But what about the other 12%? Some may have retired, but not all. With nearly 15,000 people transitioning from military to civilian workforce each year, that 12% represents around 1,800 individuals. What happens to them? From what I’ve observed, the armed forces resettlement process often misses an entire group of people, those who are unfulfilled, unsure, or stuck. They might not fit neatly into the categories of “transferable skills” or “civilian equivalents.” These individuals aren’t lacking in capability; they’re lacking in clarity and direction. And while they may secure employment, it doesn’t mean they’re doing something that excites or motivates them.

 

 The CTP does offer some entrepreneurial support, but it is minimal; a few workshops on self-employment and business start-up training. The emphasis is overwhelmingly on employment within established organisations. This was echoed in a recent conversation I had with a business owner, who praised ex-Forces personnel for their work ethic but noted a significant lack of business knowledge.

Many of my clients are part of that 88% employed in civilian jobs after military service but they are uninspired. A large proportion go on to start their own businesses, even though to begin with, have little idea of how to make that happen. They are well-versed in job searching and CV writing, but not in business planning, branding, marketing or building something from scratch.

It’s understandable. With only seven weeks of armed forces resettlement leave, making a major career change can feel impossible. So many Service leavers take the safe route, they look for a ‘soft landing’ in civvy street-sticking with the military to civilian job searches and stepping into roles that resemble prior military jobs, even if those roles no longer serve them.

 

Rediscover your purpose: carving out a career that truly fits you

Career coach Anne writing in her planner

But it is possible to do something different, something exciting, meaningful, and aligned with your purpose. It just takes courage, the right support, and a little creative thinking. That’s where I come in.

Service life is inherently disruptive, regular job moves, unpredictable deployments, missed family milestones. While that can be manageable early in your career, priorities often shift over time. I moved house nine times during my 19 years in the RAF, including a posting overseas. I didn’t mind early on, but once I got married and had children, I craved stability for my family. At one point, my husband and I lived 165 miles apart. I vividly remember returning from our honeymoon, only for him to leave the next day to return to his job — I was alone, surrounded by our wedding gifts, feeling lost.

The impact of Service life on family and personal life and a desire for stability is a major reason many Service personnel transition to civilian life. But once settled into a civilian role with a decent salary and more consistency, a new challenge can emerge a quiet, persistent sense that something is missing. That feeling of, “Is this really it?”

Life is short. Many people spend their careers waiting for retirement, but that isn’t guaranteed. Why not find purpose and joy now?

 

People who love going to work are more productive and more creative. they go home happier and have happier families.Simon Sinek

From dream to direction: how I help veterans reclaim their career ambitions

When I work with clients, I take a holistic approach. We explore what truly makes them tick not just what they’re good at, but what energises and excites them. Often, we uncover career paths they’d never considered. One client came to me preparing to become a police officer. It wasn’t clear why they’d booked a discovery call until we talked more. As she shared her passion for fashion, her entire energy shifted. She lit up describing how she helps friends dress for their body type and feel confident. That’s the kind of breakthrough I help clients discover.

 

 

It’s heartbreaking when I learn how often people abandon their dreams due to well-meaning but limiting advice from others. A friend of mine was told by a teacher to “be more realistic” when he said he wanted to be a pilot. Fortunately he ignored that advice and went on to become a fast jet pilot in the RAF. Had he listened, he would have missed out on an extraordinary flying career.

On the flip side, some people do follow their dream career but later fall out of love with it. That’s okay, too. It can be hard to admit especially when the role carries prestige or public respect. There’s often guilt, fear, and uncertainty about stepping away from a career that others admire or want for themselves. I help clients untangle that, and build a new vision that reflects who they are now.

Green shoots - Wellbeing

What next?

So if you’ve ever had a quiet longing to do something completely different this is your sign to take it seriously. You don’t have to settle. You don’t have to stay stuck.

All you need is an open mind and a willingness to explore what’s possible.

Book a free discovery call with me here and let’s talk about what your next step could really look like, not just a job, but a life and career you’re excited to wake up to.