Reconceptualising identities: Veterans’ perspectives on career transition challenges

Those who serve in military organisations typically develop a strong sense of identification with the defence force and those with whom they serve. However, when these individuals leave military service, they can experience a sense of displacement or culture shock, making transition into a civilian career a difficult prospect. This paper sought to explore veterans’ experiences during the transition into civilian work and, in particular, the impact of this transition on their identity as they are socialised in a civilian organisation. The stories of 31 Australian Defence Force veterans were gathered via semi-structured interviews to provide insight into the experiences during transition and the changing nature of their identity as they began working outside a military environment. The findings identify three stages of identity adjustment through which veterans pass during their transition: realising, relinquishing and reconceptualising. Whilst some encountered more struggles than others depending on their individual circumstances, the findings provide unique insights for HRD theory and practice to enhance the transition of serving military to a civilian workforce