How Smoking Affects Job Prospects for Veterans and How to Quit
Returning to civilian life and adjusting to a new system can be challenging for veterans. Finding a job can help you get used to a new routine as you slowly reintegrate into becoming a regular citizen, but there are many things to consider. Our previous article on job hunting for former Armed Forces members highlighted some tips, such as having a good resume, reaching out to a transition coach, and applying to companies that likely hire veterans. However, aside from these tips, quitting smoking is also something that you should consider.
The dangerous effects of smoking are well known. According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking increases the risk of chronic diseases like lung cancer and heart issues. Apart from these risks, smoking can also affect your chances of landing a job. Below, we look at how smoking can affect job prospects for veterans and how you can quit.
Smoking prevalence
More than 16 million American adults have experienced illnesses linked to smoking each year, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Research by The Lancet also found that the total economic loss attributable to smoking amounted to $436.7 billion in 2020. Despite these numbers, many people – including veterans – continue to smoke. A JMVFH study revealed that three out of 10 US veterans smoke, a rate much higher compared with non-veteran smokers. This can lead to unwanted health issues and could even compromise your job prospects.
According to the National Institutes of Health, individuals who smoke face greater difficulty in securing employment. The health risks associated with cigarettes, including secondhand smoking that affects non-smoking employees, can be a reason why employers may not hire you. Research published in the journal Tobacco Control shows that smokers cost employers a total of $6,000 annually compared with nonsmokers, with at least $3,000 lost on smoking breaks and $1,000 lost on absenteeism and lowered productivity combined. Furthermore, smoking may also go against company policies on grooming, especially since cigarettes leave an unpleasant odor that may be off-putting to your fellow employees and clients. All these can affect the hiring decisions of your preferred company, which is why quitting can help.
If you’re looking to boost your employment chances, here are some tips for quitting:
Smoking cessation tips
Quitting smoking can lead to withdrawal symptoms like intense cigarette cravings, which can be expected if you’re a heavy-smoking veteran. To manage these cravings, you can try smokeless alternatives like nicotine pouches that are placed between your gum and lip. There are several brands available in the market, including VELO, ZYN, and LUCY, that offer diverse flavors and nicotine strengths that can be gradually lowered until you’re able to quit for good. ZYN pouches provide various flavors like wintergreen, spearmint, and citrus that come in 3mg and 6mg of nicotine. They are also manufactured through high-tech distillation processes to ensure the highest quality.
Similarly, you can also try transdermal nicotine patches applied to the skin. Nicoderm CQ patches can manage withdrawal symptoms by providing your body with 21mg, 14mg, or 7mg nicotine strength, depending on your needs. These patches are also extra adhesive, ensuring they won’t fall off the whole day, even when you shower. These smokeless alternatives can also be used simultaneously with other cessation methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); which lets you talk to a medical expert who can help you pinpoint smoking triggers. In CBT, you'll be instructed to do healthier coping activities such as yoga to distract you from smoking, thus boosting quitting success.
Job hunting for veterans may require you to weigh in a couple of things, including quitting smoking to increase job prospects. If you’re a veteran smoker seeking a job, follow these tips to boost employment success and achieve a healthier lifestyle.