Chris's journey from the Royal Navy to civilian life is one shaped by adaptability, resilience, and the realities many service leavers face when transitioning without a clear roadmap.
Chris served five years in the Royal Navy as an Operator Mechanic, specialising in Air Weapons and working closely with helicopter crews while deployed at sea. He later spent an additional year as a full-time reservist, recruiting for the Navy and Royal Marines. For Chris, the most exciting and fulfilling part of service was operational life at sea, working in high-tempo environments alongside close-knit teams where trust and camaraderie were part of everyday life.
Why Chris Chose to Transition
Chris's decision to leave the Navy was driven by family. While deployed overseas, his first child arrived unexpectedly, and the strain of being thousands of miles from home quickly became clear. From Rio de Janeiro, Chris made the decision to hand in his notice, putting family first and preparing for a future outside the forces.
Navigating the Move from Military to Civilian Life
Unlike many longer-serving personnel, Chris didn't have the benefit of a formal resettlement package or a structured transition plan. His move into civilian life was immediate and largely unplanned, requiring him to adapt quickly and learn as he went.
That lack of preparation made the adjustment harder, particularly the sudden absence of military structure, routine, and the sense of belonging that comes from serving within a close team.
Finding a First Role Outside the Forces
Chris's first civilian role couldn't have been more different from life in uniform. He applied for an administrative position in Occupational Health with British Gas through a standard job site, quickly learning that skills involving torpedoes, depth charges, and air weapons didn't translate directly to civilian job descriptions in Leicestershire.
That role marked the start of a varied civilian career, built through persistence rather than a linear plan.
Transferring Military Ethos into Civilian Work
While Chris's technical military skills weren't directly transferable, the military ethos absolutely was. Discipline, reliability, timekeeping, and a strong work ethic helped him succeed across multiple industries.
Over the years, Chris worked in driving, surveying, and sales roles gaining broad experience and learning how different sectors operate. Despite the variety, the adjustment to civilian life wasn't easy. One of the biggest challenges was losing the camaraderie of military service and no longer having each day clearly mapped out.
Building a Career Through Experience
Professionally, Chris found success in renewable energy sales, where he performed strongly and achieved significant financial rewards. Personally, however, the greatest reward of civilian life has been being present raising a family and being there full time, something that simply wasn’t possible during deployments.
Today, Chris works as a Technical Advisor at Elmhurst Energy, part of the Phenna Group. His journey may not have followed a straight line, but each role contributed to the experience and perspective he brings to his work today.
Advice for Veterans Preparing to Leave the Forces
Chris is candid in his advice to service leavers. "If possible, stay in long enough to access resettlement support and take every course or training opportunity offered. Choosing a trade or specialism with clear civilian transferability can make the transition significantly easier."
He also encourages service personnel to take opportunities while they can deployments, experiences, and challenges, because once they're gone, they're gone. Civilian life can be rewarding, but it often takes time to find your feet.
Above all, Chris emphasises perseverance. Rejection is part of the process, but keeping going makes the difference.
Chris's story is a powerful reminder that while transition can be challenging, especially without formal support, resilience, work ethic, and determination can still lead to a fulfilling civilian career.
Interested in building your career at Phenna Group?
Explore our Careers for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families page to learn how we support your transition.