From Taking Fire to Fighting Fire: Managing the Stress of a Career Change

Changing careers can be stressful for anyone. Learning and applying new skills, navigating a different set of politics and procedures and figuring out your new place in the world is difficult for anyone, but when you are transitioning from life as a combat soldier to a civilian role, you face additional challenges that others may not understand.

One popular option for many soldiers returning home from military service is a career in firefighting. Many of the skills developed in the military are applicable to the study of the fire science, not to mention similarities in the work environment and structure.

Still, despite the similarities, many former soldiers find the transition to a civilian role to be stressful and may need extra support in dealing with their new roles and duties.

More Than PTSD

One of the most well-publicized challenges that soldiers face is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Research indicates that as many as 20 percent of returning soldiers have some degree of PTSD, a condition marked by anxiety, fear, shock, anger or even guilt over events that they have experienced or witnessed. Veterans with PTSD experience a wide range of symptoms — some relive the events through nightmares or hallucinations, while others feel unable to relax or have unexpected outbursts of anger or sadness. Many soldiers are able to manage PTSD symptoms through therapy and/or medication, some even to the point where the symptoms subside and they can live a “normal” life without the effects of trauma.

However, veterans who lived through traumatic events and have even mild symptoms of PTSD often have the greatest difficulty managing the transition to civilian life and a new career. Given that firefighting is also an inherently stressful career and firefighters are also prone to PTSD, those who wish to enter fire service after leaving the military must have a handle on their own mental health and as well as effective stress management skills. In fact, research from the University of Michigan indicates that firefighters who are better prepared to manage the pressures of their roles and the traumatic scenes they will face have better overall well-being and job performance than those who aren’t prepared for their roles through a rigorous fire science education program.

Managing the emotional challenges of their roles as firefighters is just one potential stressor for those transitioning from military service to firefighting. Other common issues include:

• Changes in rank. Regardless of your rank in the military, when you first join the fire department, you are a rookie — and you have to work your way up. Some vets have difficulty getting used to the new structure and taking orders from someone new.
• Time management. In the military, days are structured down to the minute. Soldiers moving into a college environment to earn a degree before joining the fire service may have difficulty managing their time without a strict schedule. Even after landing a job as a firefighter, there is a certain amount of “down time” that might cause stress or anxiety for a former soldier accustomed to a long checklist of tasks each day.

Managing the Stress of Career Change

With so many people returning home from combat roles overseas, the issue of easing the transition back to civilian life is beginning to get more attention. The issue of stress and adjustment difficulties is especially prevalent on college campuses, as many veterans are taking advantage of generous post-9/11 GI Bill and returning to school to earn a degree after serving in the military. Many colleges are responding by providing additional services and interventions for soldiers who may be having difficulty successfully transitioning from the military to academic and civilian life.

Some of the ways that soldiers can more successfully adjust include:

• Taking courses in change and stress management. Training in how to successfully manage emotions and the challenges that come with a major life change can make a significant difference in how successfully soldiers transition to new careers. Those facing difficulties should look for resources, whether a formal class or workshop, or help from a counselor or transition specialist, as soon as they begin to feel stressed.
• Keeping family involved. Your family can be your best support system, so keep them involved and seek their input and help in reaching your goals.
• Understanding that you’ll face challenges. Transitioning to a new career is difficult for everyone, and the challenges you’re facing are normal. Take one day at a time and seek advice and guidance from others who have made the transition or are going through the same experiences.

Everyone moves from their role in the military to firefighting positions differently. For some, it’s seamless, for others it’s a bumpy road. Understanding that you may face difficulties and have to slow down or seek support will help you better prepare for the major changes in your life — and ensure your success.