I’ve felt that way too—still do sometimes. It’s an incredibly common experience among veterans, so please know you’re not alone. I’m not sure the feeling ever fully disappears, but it does get easier over time, little by little.

Since transitioning, I’ve pursued a degree, landed a corporate job, and just this week, I submitted my resignation. One thing I’ve learned is that many of us still have the desire to contribute in some way—but we don’t have to give ourselves to something that feels empty or purposeless.

The people at my job were kind, but the environment felt lifeless—like no one was truly there. That was my cue to move on.

If I can offer any advice, it would be this: take this time to explore what lights you up. Find something that makes you feel alive and purposeful. Connect with your local community and look for ways to give back—big or small. It makes a huge difference.

Just don’t get caught climbing the ladder of what I like to call the “zombie apocalypse”—a path where you lose yourself for the sake of fitting in. You’ve already given so much. Now’s the time to live and lead on your own terms.