The adjustment period

In all my years, I never thought that the transition from civilian to military back to civilian would be so challenging. I enlisted to serve my country, travel, add power to my resume, and for adult independence. Part of my reasoning also could have been escapism, upon further scrutiny. I had wished that I could have gone in as an officer instead of enlisted due to my college experience.

But, I discovered, whether someone was on either end of the spectrum, most still acted like they were in high school with the childish behavior and cliques. I felt that I might have made the wrong decision, but I pushed through, hoping for a change of circumstances. When I got injured, my hopes of a jump from enlisted to officer were shattered. I started to become downtrodden and fell into a bit of an identity crisis. As time went on and I went on my first, and only deployment, I lost grip on who I was and let my anxiety get the best of me. Not only was I in a new chapter of my life with new rules and regulations, but I had long questioned the spiritual aspect as well. I also had been torn away from everything and everyone that I had known for years... my support system and comfortable surroundings.

I traded it in for mental tribulations and a uniform to wear with honor and integrity.  For those who disgrace the uniform and see it as a joke or a way to slide by, I shame you. I grew up around this culture and few people these days will actually stand up to defend our country and the ideals and freedoms that we hold dear.

Once I had begun my military career, there was no turning back. I had to fulfill my contract.  As my mental outlook became grim, I withdrew from those that I had made the acquaintance of and became even more lonely. I felt that no one could understand me.  It didn't help that a family member died and that another was battling cancer while I was away. I felt helpless because I couldn't be home with my family during those trying times. I mourned from afar, but no one knew what was truly going on with me because I always put on a strong front and focused on my work.  Finally I came to a realization that something wasn't right and that I should seek help. Everyone was understanding and didn't see me as weak (as much as I thought they would).

Later in my career, things got tougher as I not only battled mental, but physical anguish as well. They both played hand-in-hand. One made the other worse. I still battle my demons, and am adjusting to civilian life once more.

I am thankful for my support system of family and friends, as well as my dog, and fellow service members. I'm ready to continue my journey full speed ahead.

Personality test outcome

I have taken the Myers-Briggs online before, but there is a new one that seems to be a bit more accurate and it's called Memoranda Personality Type.

ISTJ- The Duty Fulfiller- Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging

ISTJ - DESCRIPTION-

ISTJs main interest is to live in a secure and peaceful environment. Calm and reserved, they highly value loyalty, honesty and integrity. They respect laws and traditions: they will always try to do the right thing for their family and communities. ISTJs look generally serious but they can be a lot of fun - especially at family gatherings.

Extremely well-organized and methodical, they generally succeed at everything they undertake. They will work for long periods of time and use a lot of energy to accomplish any task as long as these tasks make sense to them or have a concrete application they understand. ISTJs have little use for theory and abstract thinking.

ISTJs are very hard workers who generally prefer to work alone but can also work well in the team if the situation demands it. They do not usually give themselves enough credit for their achievement because they just focus on fulfilling their obligations, which they consider as a duty. Because of their strong sense of duty, ISTJs can have a difficult time saying "no" when they are given more work than they can actually handle.

ISTJs are perfectionists and have a tendency to take other people's effort for granted, just like they consider their own effort. As they are also likely to be uncomfortable expressing affection and emotion, they should remind themselves to compliment other people's work from time to time.

This does not mean ISTJs are ungrateful. ISTJs are usually generous and care deeply about their family and friends. They are responsible parents and very good friends that will always act for the better good of others.

Famous ISTJs:  George Washington, Warren Buffet, Sigmund Freud, Richard Nixon, Angela Merkel, Robert De Niro, Matt Damon, Natalie Portman, Sean Connery

PERCENTAGE OF ISTJs AMONG POPULATION 11.6%