So you’ve left the military and gone back to being dad — what now? 

Life after the military is incredibly difficult for everyone who follows this particular path, but being a parent makes it all the more complicated. You’re probably thrilled to be back on the same soil as your children, but how do you go about being the dad you were when you left (if not better)? 

It’s hard to start a new chapter in your life alone. So we’ve put together this guide to help military dads through this difficult transition period and make sure they enjoy being a veteran and a dad.

Pursue alternative career paths

Many veterans find it difficult to find new job opportunities once their time in the forces is up. If you want to be the kind of dad who provides for his family, it’s time to be smart and creative when looking for alternative career paths.  

Some great alternatives to consider that could support your family include: 

• Financial advisor

• Motivational speaker

• Personal trainer/fitness instructor

• Cybersecurity expert

• Logistician  

All of these roles incorporate some element of your military training, whether it’s keeping personal fitness high, developing relationships or managing multiple vehicles/units.  

While not immediately obvious, there are a significant number of crossover skills that make it easier for you to find a new role. Consider re-writing your applications to highlight your abilities in: 

• Technology and software management

• Teamwork and colleague training

• Self-management and discipline  

Employers want to work with veterans. Not just to fill quotas, but to help diversify their teams with professionals used to performing above their rank and doing their best to support their team. Pursuing a new career path won’t just help you provide for your family but give you new stories and a new purpose for your kids.

Start their own business

Starting your own business is a huge responsibility to take on your shoulders, but that additional awareness and focus might be just what you need to be the best dad possible.  

If you’re looking for a boost, you can’t do much better than your own business. Having overheads, paperwork and employee wellbeing hanging over you is a great wake-up call to get you out of your ex-military haze. It gives you responsibility and a goal to work towards, just like your time in the military.  

Acquiring funding for this venture isn’t always easy. You may be entitled to medical benefits from your time in the military from Veteran Affairs (VA), and while the VA is difficult to navigate, organizations such as VA Claim Pros can help you acquire the compensation you deserve. Likewise, the USA.gov site features a long list of benefits veterans may be entitled to. 

Your own business provides autonomy and freedom for your family. It might be a risky venture, but there’s no time like now to set an example to your kids to follow their dreams.

Become full-time parents

Of course, there’s no reason military dads can’t devote their time out of the service to their children.  

If your partner is more career-focused and you want to make up for lost time, becoming a full-time parent is a great way to keep yourself occupied and enjoy quality bonding time such as the school run and preparing meals together.