Burnout in a Civilian Job:

Why Veterans Face a Tougher Emotional Battle Than Combat

By R. T. Garner

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Leadership in action vs. Leadership in bureaucracy

I Served 14 Years in the Army – And Civilian Burnout Feels Worse

I spent 14 years in the Army, starting as an enliated soldier heading to West Point and ending as a senior captain. I led troops in high-stakes situations, made split-second decisions under pressure, and carried the weight of responsibility. Combat was tough – mentally, physically, and emotionally. PTSD came with the territory.

But I’ll be honest. None of that prepared me for the burnout, frustration, and emotional toll of working a civilian job.

This isn’t about missing the military lifestyle or struggling to adapt. This is about walking into an environment that claims to value leadership but actively punishes anyone who actually shows it. It’s about a workplace culture that smothers initiative, drowns in bureaucracy, and rewards stagnation over progress.

I’ve been called out for being too proactive. Too independent. Too focused on fixing problems instead of waiting for permission. In the Army, that made me a leader. In the civilian world? It makes me a liability. And I know I’m not the only veteran who feels this way.