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Can you peer into your future after military service?  Whether you think it's possible or not, you will experience retirement atleast once in your life.  Some of you will retire from the military, then work another career and retire from that for a second retirement.  It behooves you to learn the retirement process.  In this case, it's a career change from military to civilian.  You can understand your possible futures and begin to break through your feelings of anxiety and helplessness.  Consider the following Phases of Retirement framework.  

 

Dr. Moynes, in his TEDx talk, describes what he calls the four phases of retirement -  

Phase I (Vacation/Honeymoon)

Phase II (Search for Meaning)

Phase III (Contribution)

Phase IV (Rewire)

 

Phase I (Vaction/Honeymoon): This phase lasts weeks to months.  You'll more than likely fee a sense of freedom or enjoyment in being able to do the things you've wanted to do without restrictions.  This phase won't last and after a period of time you'll be hit with the realization that there is more to civilian life than sitting by the pool or taking naps. 

 

Phase II (Search for Meaning): This phase lasts months to years.  There is a lot of turmoil associated with this phase.  Understandably, some people choose to look at their situation as a stumbling block.  What many people don't understand is that there are a high percentage of civilians that wish they could make a career change.  I've talked to many friends and neighbors that indicate they are too far into their career to make a major change to an occupation that gives them more meaning and fulfillment.  This is often referred to as "golden handcuffs" - when a person is too senior, with a corresponding salary, to start a new career that is more likely to provide less compensation or time off.  Military officers and enlisted should view their retirement or military transition as an opportunity to learn new skills or start a new business that could build confidence and financial independence. 

 

In his TEDx talk, Dr. Moynes lists several negatives that may arise during Phase II (Search for Meaning).  He explains how retirees will lose their routine, identity, some relationships, along with purpose and often their sense of power/control.  While these losses may hit every retiree differently, it's important to have a strong peer group or family dynamic to help you through these difficult times.

 

Dr. Moynes also describes the three negative consequences of Phase II (Search for Meaning) - divorce, depression, and decline.  These are not inevitable. But, atleast one of the three is possible during significant changes in your lifestyle.  Expect that Phase II (Search for Meaning) will be full of trial and error.  I've focused on the negative but there are even more positives that can come from this period.  You'll have opportunities to research alternate career fields and different lifestyle choices.  The sheer amount of choices may cause you to feel overwhelmed.  You must remind yourself that there are thousands of transitioning military members that have conquered this phase and with time and effort you will also.  

 

Phase III (Contribution):  This phase lasts months or years and is not void of turmoil.  Trial and error are still associated with Phase III.  This phase can be fluid.  Retirees may regress back to Phase II (Search for Meaning) and then return to Phase III (Contribution) depending on emotional, familial, financial, and other factors.  Dr. Moynes states that most people will remain in Phase III (Contribution).  Those retirees who make it through this phase, however, find a way to help others or give back to their community in addition to fulfilling their daily lifestyle wants and needs.

 

Phase IV (Rewire):  This phase can last years.  Dr. Moynes states that this phase will not be reached by a large minority of retirees.  I consider this phase as the ultimate goal of retirement.  The difficulties you'll experience in Phase II (Search for Meaning) and Phase III (Contribution) should prepare you to enter and remain in Phase IV (Rewire).

 

Let's answer the question, "Can you peer into your future after military service?"  No, but with Dr. Moynes "Phases of Retirement" framework, you'll get a solid retirement timeline that will indicate periods where you may need additional help from your network of friends, family, and mentors.  If you don't have friends, family, or mentors, take the time while you're still in the service to build your network.  The most important thing to know is that you can work through each of these phases and eventually reach Phase IV (Rewire).  If/when you reach Phase IV (Rewire), you should feel confident that you're prepared for the remainder of your civilian life.

 

*Disclaimer.  For entertainment purposes only.  I am not a financial professional.  Modify your decision making as necessary.