Why Working After Service Matters for Veterans

Leaving the ADF can be a major change. Military service provides structure, routine, purpose, teamwork and a clear sense of belonging. When that disappears, finding meaningful employment after service can be about far more than earning a wage.

It can be about rebuilding purpose, confidence and financial independence.

For many veterans, post service employment can provide:

• Purpose and routine - having somewhere to be, something to achieve and people to work alongside can help create structure in civilian life.

• Mental engagement - learning new skills, solving problems and contributing to a team can keep the mind active and provide a sense of achievement.

• Identity and confidence - transitioning from being a serving member to a civilian can involve a significant change in identity. Meaningful work can help establish a new professional identity and sense of capability.

• Social connection - employment can create relationships and a sense of belonging outside the Defence community.

• Financial independence - income creates opportunities to save, reduce debt, invest, contribute to superannuation and potentially purchase property.

• Greater choices later in life - the stronger your financial position becomes, the more options you may have when it comes to housing, family commitments, retirement and eventually choosing whether you need to keep working.

Working isn't just about the next pay packet, but it's a great help to the financial future you want to work towards.  

For veterans transitioning from Defence, understanding how employment, superannuation, property, investments and everyday money management fit together can make a significant difference to their long term financial position.