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Writer's pictureKirk Carlson

Finding the Right Fit: Trusting Your Instincts

Updated: Feb 17


Finding the Right Fit: Trusting Your Instincts





Navigating life after the military often involves deciphering where you 'fit' in the civilian world—a concept that's as nebulous as it is personal. Much like former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart's famous struggle to define pornography, the notion of 'fit' in a career or lifestyle post-service is something you often recognize only once it's in front of you.


The Intangible 'Fit


The 'fit' we seek might have vague criteria or a box to check off. It's not merely about the qualifications you possess or the skills you can offer; it's an intangible sense of belonging, of being in sync with a role, an organization, or a community.


Trusting Your Gut


Veterans are no strangers to intuition. Instincts can be as crucial as the most carefully laid plans in the field. As you transition, trust that same gut feeling. It will guide you toward environments where your values align, your contributions feel meaningful, and the culture resonates with your own.


The Feeling of Fit


When you find the right fit, it feels like a piece of a puzzle sliding into place. It's the job that makes you look forward to Mondays, the community that welcomes you with open arms, the purpose that fuels your passion. It's where your military-honed skills, personal interests, and aspirations for the future come together harmoniously.


Fit is Personal


What feels like a perfect fit for one veteran might feel constrictive or out of sync for another. Recognize that your fit is uniquely yours. It should feel right for you, not just on paper, but deep down in the part of you that made you a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine.


Conclusion


'Fit' is about more than meeting the job requirements or ticking the boxes on a list. It's about finding a place where you can thrive, contribute, and feel a sense of contentment. Trust that you'll know it when you see it; when you do, embrace it wholeheartedly. After all, recognizing when you 'fit' is the first step towards a fulfilling life after service.

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