Lost in Transition? How the Science of Mattering Helps Veterans Find Their Path

Leaving the military isn’t just about changing jobs—it’s about reconstructing your entire identity. One day, you’re part of a unit with a clear mission, a rank, a title, and an entire system that reinforces your purpose. The next, you’re out on your own, staring at a blank slate, wondering where you fit in the civilian world. That’s where the science of mattering comes in.

Scott Schimmel, who has spent years guiding veterans through transition, describes it like this:

“Mattering is when you feel valued, and you feel like you add value to others. When people don’t feel like they matter, they disengage, they lose motivation, and they struggle to find direction. But when you do feel like you matter, you step into a space where you can take risks, explore new opportunities, and build a life that actually fits who you are.”

Why Veteran Transition Feels So Hard

Many veterans walk into transition assuming they just need to land a job. But what happens when that job doesn’t feel like the right fit? Or worse—what if they don’t even know what the right fit looks like? Joe Lara, a longtime transition coach, shared a story from his time working with veterans:

“I remember sitting in a room where a veteran raised his hand and said, ‘All I know how to do is military stuff. I don’t know what value I bring to the civilian world.’ And I watched civilians in the room—executives, business leaders—look at him, baffled, like, ‘Are you kidding? You have so much to offer.’ But he couldn’t see it.”

This is the internal battle many veterans face. The military provides structure, camaraderie, and a deep sense of belonging. When that’s suddenly gone, it can lead to self-doubt, questioning your worth, and struggling to define what success looks like outside the service.

Rebuilding Identity Through Mattering

The transition isn’t just about finding a new job—it’s about rebuilding your sense of identity. And that starts with self-awareness.

“The most important work is getting to know yourself through this process,” Scott explains. “You’re not just asking ‘What’s my next career?’ You’re asking, ‘Who am I now? What do I actually care about? What strengths do I bring to the table?’”

At Vector Accelerator, veterans go through a guided process that helps them reflect on these big questions. It starts with journaling exercises, where you unpack your experiences, values, and skills—not just the ones tied to your military job, but the deeper qualities that make you who you are. Then, you test those insights by talking with people in your network—whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or even a former coach or teacher.

One powerful exercise Joe recommends is simply calling someone who knows you well and asking them: “What is it about me that you love?”

“It’s a weird question,” Joe admits. “But when you get past the awkwardness, you’re going to hear things about yourself that you probably don’t even recognize. And that insight is fuel for figuring out your next step.”

Your Next Step: Clarity & Connection

If you’re feeling lost in transition, the solution isn’t just blasting out job applications—it’s getting clear on who you are and what actually matters to you. That’s exactly what Vector Accelerator is designed to do.

Take the Transition Readiness Quiz at VectorAccelerator.org to see where you stand. If you’re ready to dive in, the self-paced course will walk you through the process of self-discovery, career exploration, and building a meaningful post-military life.

Because transition isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about finding your place in the world again.

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