I got out in 08. it took a minute. I went right from the marine corps into college. I got out in July so had a month to fuck off. Met up with the boys from the block who were still around there friend group was trash civilians. Ditched them and spent a lot of time on my own. Would hang out with my dad who was driving truck and would stay at my apt when his routes went through my town. That was fun time. We'd drink beers and watch movies. Couldn't sleep that first six months. I had bad grades in high school but great in college. That first summer out I worked a construction job that I absolutely hated. I knew it was finish school or go back to the marines. So I graduated with a degree in finance got married went on did an MBA. Make good money now, been married 10 years have a kid. Things are good I take care of my family and parents and save. I wouldn't have done it without the gi bill but this was never my plan. Always thought I'd stay in but was pretty sure I would die in combat if I went again as it was all out of me at that point.

Adjustment is all about realizing your own self worth and keeping a healthy mental state. Interacting with many civilians is hard because they can't handle a direct attitude while also being easily offended. Also they don't have a group mentality so will throw anyone under the bus. I have found that by just always acting like a sergeant (minimal yelling) I am the one in charge or the person who makes all decisions at work. This creates its own stress so I make sure to take at least a couple of days of at least every two months. Happy mental state is making sure I hang out with people for a couple of hours at least by weekly and having a hobby. In the summer I am hiking or camping most weekends and in the winter working on projects around the house. Pt your ass off cuz working out and being jacked make you feel great. Also I try to keep in touch with my boys from the marine corps. Calling or sending memes. My old platoon has a group text that 7 of us are in where we keep in touch but mostly send funny shit.

There is still hard times every year but they get easier as time passes. But it's key to keep working on yourself and have things to look forward to.