Published by: Ashish Mishra.

The corporate realm is a fierce battleground, where victory requires a tactical approach and sharpened wits. For Ex-servicemen, adjusting to civilian life and the corporate world can be challenging.

The transition from a career in the military to civilian life can be daunting, especially when it comes to achieving financial stability. Many struggle to adapt to the fast-paced, competitive corporate world and often find themselves stuck in a discounted mindset that holds them back from reaching their full potential. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and discuss how ex-servicemen can overcome these hurdles to fulfill their potential and become Financially Independent.

Limited Exposure and Lack of Awareness

One primary reason for the discounted mentality among ex-servicemen is the limited exposure to the corporate world during their military service. The military environment, while nurturing valuable skills, may not offer a comprehensive understanding of the corporate landscape. Therefore, may lack awareness of the full range of opportunities available and the necessary strategies to leverage their skills effectively. Also, many ex-army professionals fear taking risks on taking steps that can help them develop these skills.

Solution: Majority of Ex-servicemen settles for the nearest and easiest job available to them. According to a recent study, 70% of ex-army professionals want to join security field jobs. This phenomenon is called Discounted mentality – When someone settles for something of less value just because it’s the easiest path available. Ex-servicemen are ideal candidates for handling pressurizing decision-making roles, but for being into those positions corporates want someone who has done special goal-oriented certifications.

For transitioning to these positions, it’s important to take risks and seek out new opportunities. This can include attending webinars, participating in training programs, and exploring different industries resources and job roles. By taking calculated risks and exposing themselves to new experiences, ex-servicemen can expand their knowledge and skills, which can lead to greater financial success. It is important to remember that the biggest risk is often not taking any risks at all.

“The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” – Mark Zuckerberg, Co-founder of Facebook.

Underestimating Transferable Skills

Ex-servicemen often undervalue the transferable skills acquired during their military service. They may struggle to recognize how their disciplined routines, administrative expertise, resource management, vigilance qualities, and networking skills can be applied in a corporate setting.

Solution: They possess a wealth of transferable skills that are highly valued in the corporate world, such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and decision-making. By recognizing and showcasing these skills, They can increase their confidence and marketability to potential employers, and ultimately achieve financial success in their new career paths.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what’s neccessary to be done. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Inc.

Mindset and Confidence

Transitioning from the military to the corporate world requires a shift in mindset. They may doubt their abilities, perceive themselves as outsiders, or struggle with Imposter syndrome ( Feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally. Despite being high performing in external, objective ways ), believing they are not qualified for high-paying positions or financial success.

Solution: The mindset and confidence for them to achieve financial success are to focus on their strengths and transferable skills developed in the military. By recognizing and building upon these strengths, they can develop a sense of confidence in their abilities to succeed in a new career or entrepreneurial venture. Additionally, they can adopt a growth mindset, which involves embracing challenges and viewing failures as opportunities for learning and growth. This mindset can help them overcome the discounted mentality and take calculated risks toward achieving financial success.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Laureate.

Networking and Building Connections

The importance of networking cannot be overstated in today’s corporate world. However, ex-servicemen may face challenges in establishing a robust professional network outside their military circles. This limited network can hinder their access to lucrative opportunities.

Solution: Building a strong network and connections is an essential aspect of achieving financial success for ex-servicemen. They can attend networking events, connect with alumni networks, and join professional associations to meet new people and expand their professional circle. By building a strong network, ex-servicemen can learn about new job opportunities, get advice from experienced professionals, and gain access to potential clients or customers.

“Your network is your net worth.” – Porter Gale, Marketing Expert and Author*.

Financial Literacy and Investment Knowledge

Many ex-servicemen may lack sufficient knowledge about financial planning, investments, and wealth creation. This knowledge gap can result in missed opportunities and the inability to grow wealth effectively.

Solution: The discounted mentality and achieving financial success for ex-servicemen is to prioritize financial literacy and investment knowledge. By learning about personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship, ex-servicemen can make informed decisions and take calculated risks to increase their net worth. This can involve attending financial seminars, reading books, and seeking guidance from financial advisors or mentors. With a solid understanding of financial concepts and investment strategies, ex-servicemen can confidently pursue opportunities that align with their goals and achieve financial success.

“The more you learn, the more you earn.” – Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.

Conclusion:


In conclusion, Ex-servicemen have valuable skills, but many struggle to achieve financial success due to a discounted mentality. By focusing on a Course and skill-oriented mindset, networking, financial literacy, and transferable skills, they can overcome these barriers and reach their full potential in the civilian workforce. It’s time for ex-servicemen to capitalize on their strengths and become financially successful.

Must Read: From Battlefeild To Boardrooms : Ex-Servicemen Thriving In The Corporate Battlefeild