The First Year: A Time of Transition

Taking the advice of a close mentor, she decided to “leave while there is still applause.” The decision to conclude her military career on a high note also meant she would leave the military when she felt she had significant influence in the career field. However, in the year after getting out, she wondered if she had made the right decision. 

Overcoming shared obstacles creates a distinctive strength of camaraderie in the military, a bond that is often hard to replicate in civilian life. This contrasts with the civilian realm, which often seemed scattered and individual. However, Staci adjusted as she appreciated the different approaches to military skills and translated them into words that her non-military colleagues could understand. In her article “365 Days After Leaving the Military... what I've realized,” Staci emphasizes the importance of finding a work environment that suits your specific needs, from leadership and co-workers to operational tempo and purpose-driven work. 

Isolation and Finding Support

Transitioning to civilian life was not without its challenges for Staci. Despite being surrounded by a military community in San Diego, she felt a profound sense of isolation. The comfort and built-in support system she had grown accustomed to in the Marine Corps were noticeably absent. This change felt akin to going from 85 miles per hour on the freeway to pulling off onto a silent country road. Staci eventually overcame her isolation by joining veteran organizations and mentoring active-duty service members, a search for purpose that yielded significant results.

Keys for Transition

Staci's journey has taught her valuable lessons, which she shares with transitioning service members. She emphasizes the need to start planning early before transitioning to civilian life. Factors such as financial stability, retirement benefits, and career goals are all crucial in deciding the most suitable moment to leave employment. Staci also highlights the value of transitional classes offered by the military, which can be utilized even after separating from the military. Staci’s encourages transitioning service members to ask themselves these questions:

·       What are my personal and professional goals over the next 3-5 years?

·       Who is my support network outside of the military?

·       What mission will fulfill my purpose in life?

Mentorship and Giving Back

Passion for mentorship is a prominent part of Staci’s personal transition. She mentors college students and veterans pursuing subsequent careers, providing advice on networking, career planning, and community engagement. She particularly promotes building and nurturing relationships with industry organizations and community groups to gain relevant experience.

Staci also noted that taking off the uniform doesn’t mean you have to be done serving the community. Staci's step-by-step path granted her leadership positions in non-profit organizations like HomeAid San Diego and Cause San Diego. As such, she had an opportunity to combine her talent, knowledge, and love for care work.

Staci's voyage through life after the military reflects the complexities of the transition and the path to finding the purpose. Through mentorship, non-profit work, and resilience, Staci discovered her way and encouraged others to trust that their military experience was enough to help them be successful in life after the military.