After retiring from 22+ years in the Army in 1997 (
they told you what to wear, when), I became a stinkin' contractor, basically doing the same job, with the same people, but with better hours and better pay. Never even had to interview for a job...
The
biggest challenge for me was what to wear.
5-6 suits, a gazillion shirts and ties and shoes and I was set. My betrothed was right there to point out what did - and didn't - match and set me up. Daily inspection before I went out the front door. I was working in the Pentagon, in a shop with old government furniture that typically had loose screws, rough formica edges, etc. My civilian/contractor boss was also relatively new to this change and after the first or second $300 suit that got ripped from loose screws, rivets, or nails, settled on a blue blazer, light blue shirt with tie, and khaki slacks: the "contractor uniform".
Worked for me!!!
The only time I wore a suit after that was if I was briefing a General Officer I didn't know. Colonels and below had to suffer with a blazer and khaki trousers.
I still have all those suits. I've worn them a few times - particularly when traveling and briefing a 2-3 Star General I didn't know, or on a high-level video conference. My last several years of employment, I telecommuted 100% and my "uniform" was either my bathrobe or shorts and a T-shirt.
The only time I wear those nice suits and shirts and ties and shoes is for funerals, memorial services, weddings, graduations, Christmas, and Easter. Fortunately, that is rare. I did wear out a set of nice Rockports doing barn chores...
It is very fortunate that my suits fit my nephew, and he will be transitioning from military to civilian life in a few years. Perhaps he can use them...Shoes won't fit, but I get the occasional chuckle scooping poop from horse stalls wearing Wingtips...Scooping poop from horse stalls wasn't much different from working in the Pentagon; but more satisfying.