Getting Yourself Unstuck in Transition

At some point during transition, you’ll feel stuck.
Not maybe. Not possibly. You will.

It happens to everyone—especially during the holidays. Employers slow down. People stop replying. Your energy drops. And that next step you were pushing toward? Suddenly, it feels out of reach.

If you’re in that place right now, you're not alone. This article is here to help.

Why Things Slow Down

Scott Schimmel noticed something this time of year. He’d reach out to schedule a meeting or follow up with someone—and get the same reply:

“Let’s wait until after the holidays.”

For veterans in transition, this can be discouraging. You’re ready to move. But the system around you? It’s hitting pause.

Here’s the truth: It's not personal. It's not about you. It's just how business works. Teams are closing out the year. Budgets are frozen. People are taking time off. Responses slow down—even when they like you.

Two Kinds of “Stuck”

Joe Lara breaks it down:

• "Feeling stuck" is emotional. You’re discouraged, anxious, or unsure.

• "Being stuck" is situational. You’ve applied, followed up, and nothing's happening.

Both feel heavy. But both can be managed.

Let’s Start with the Emotional Side

Scott shared this:

“Sometimes I feel paralyzed. I know I should do something, but my brain just spins. I start doubting myself. It gets overwhelming.”

Sound familiar?

When that happens, try to shift the state you’re in.

Start simple:

• Take a 20-minute walk.

• Go for a run.

• Call a friend.

• Write in a journal.

• Sleep on it.

These are not small things. They’re tools. Tools that reset your brain, calm your nervous system, and give you back a sense of control.

Joe puts it this way:

“I’ll text a friend and say, ‘Dude, I’m stuck.’ Within minutes, I’m already feeling better—just from talking it out.”

The Science of Hope

There’s actual research behind this. Hope is not wishful thinking. It’s a belief:

Tomorrow can be better, and I have a part to play in making it better.

When you feel stuck, that belief disappears. Hopelessness sets in. You think:

• “This will never change.”

• “No one cares.”

• “I have no control.”

The antidote? Start small. Make one move. Call one person. Think of one next step. That single action can break the cycle and restore hope.

Now, Let’s Talk Tactics

What if you’ve applied for jobs? Sent the resume? Followed up—and still heard nothing?

Joe reminds us:

“People are busy. It’s not that you're not important. You’re just one of many priorities on their plate.”

So, how do you stay visible without being annoying?

Try this:

• Share a relevant article about the company’s work.

• Congratulate them on a recent milestone.

• Add value without asking for anything.

This kind of follow-up reminds them who you are and shows that you’re engaged.

Think Like an Intelligence Officer

Scott once talked to a veteran who worked in intel. He explained how targeting an asset worked:

1. Learn what they care about.

2. Find ways to help them solve their problems.

3. Offer value before you ask for anything.

Scott had a lightbulb moment:

“That’s just great networking.”

You’re not a product. You’re a problem-solver. Employers have needs. Your job is to understand those needs and show how you can help—even before you're hired.

Network Now, Not Later

Here’s something no one tells you:
The worst time to network is when you need a job.

The best time?
When you don’t.

Joe calls this “nurturing your network.” It means keeping in touch when you're not in crisis. Sharing wins. Reaching out just to check in. Supporting others.

Scott says:

“There are people who only reach out when they’re in trouble. You start to notice it over time. Don’t be that person.”

Friendship is the best form of networking. Be generous now, and you’ll never feel like a burden later.

If You’re Feeling Stuck Right Now

Here’s what to do:

• Move your body. Get outside. Take a walk.

• Talk it out. Text a friend. Call someone who gets it.

• Do one small thing. Write, reflect, follow up—just move.

• Be patient. Slow responses don’t mean rejection.

• Keep showing up. Stay connected to others. Stay in the game.

And most importantly, remember this:

You’ve made it through harder things. This season will pass too.

Ready to Take Action?

Feeling stuck is a signal—not a stop sign.

Forward this article to a fellow veteran. You never know who might need it today.