Why Veterans Leave Their First Jobs — And What We Can Do About It

Nearly half of veterans leave their first civilian job within a year. That’s a stat we can’t ignore.

The move from military to civilian life isn’t just a job change. It’s a shift in identity, community, and purpose. When a role doesn’t line up with a veteran’s values or long-term goals, you get early attrition, shaken confidence, and a sense of not belonging at work.

It doesn’t have to play out that way.

New Research Highlights the Power of Purpose

A recent report from Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino, our lead quantitative researcher at Vector Accelerator, looks at the link between veteran retention and purpose—and the takeaway is clear:

“When veterans define what meaningful work looks like to them before entering the civilian workforce, they are significantly more likely to find the right fit — and stay in it.”
— Dr. Evie Trevino, Veteran Retention Report, 2025

Purpose shows up as a strong predictor of staying power. Programs that build clarity, identity, and alignment improve outcomes for veterans.

The Purpose Problem: Why Veterans Leave

The main reason many veterans leave their first post-military role isn’t skill or effort—it’s misalignment:

• The job doesn’t reflect their values or identity

• The role doesn’t connect to a clear sense of purpose

• The work isn’t aligned to long-term goals

That mismatch drives turnover, lowers morale, and wastes potential—for veterans and employers.

Vector Accelerator: Closing the Misalignment Gap

Vector Accelerator is a free enrichment program that helps veterans define who they are, what they want, and how to align their next mission with their values.

The program draws on frameworks such as:

• Narrative Identity Theory

• The Science of Hope

• The Self-Concordance Model

Through online lessons and a peer community, we focus on:

• Values clarification and goal setting

• Self-reflection and translating strengths

• Community support and accountability

What the Data Shows

Graduates of Vector Accelerator consistently report:

• A stronger sense of purpose

• Healthier relationships

• Deeper community engagement

• Increased hope and resilience

For employers, these gains show up as:

• Better job performance

• Greater leadership potential

• Improved retention and team culture

Purpose-Driven Veterans Stay—and Thrive

When veterans understand what meaningful work looks like for them, they don’t just find a better fit. They become more engaged, more committed, and bigger contributors to the teams they join.

Purpose isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a retention strategy.

To read the full report by Dr. Evie Trevino or learn more about Vector Accelerator, visit: vectoraccelerator.org
Contact: [email protected]