5 questions LDS returned missionaries find themselves asking

5 questions LDS returned missionaries find themselves asking

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In the [2012 October General Conference](https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/welcome-to-conference?lang=eng) for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, President Thomas S. Monson lowered the age requirements for full-time missionaries. Men could now leave after graduating from high school at the age of 18, and women could now serve at age 19. You likely remember exactly where you were when you heard the news, especially if you were directly affected by the announcement.

The result of that announcement is nothing shy of incredible — with an increased number of young people entering the mission field. Since most of the men were still in high school at the time of the change, they were not able to leave until the following summer.

Now, two years later, we are witnessing the largest group of returning missionaries in history. Some months have as many as four times the normal average of returning missionaries.

As these missionaries return home they tend to ask, “What’s next?” Up until this point in their lives, their time (particularly as missionaries) has been very structured. Now that they are home, there is little to no structure and many questions arise.

Photo credit: LDS Business College

At LDS Business College we’ve found that the questions these recently returned missionaries ask are often the same or similar.

How can I stay spiritual?

Coming off of the best spiritual high they have ever experienced, one of the greatest fears of recently returned missionaries is how they can maintain the level of spirituality they were blessed with as missionaries.

Quickly finding an environment in which they can grow spiritually, focus on gospel-centered living and surround themselves once again with likeminded friends is essential. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ offers several resources including institute and church-owned universities that create an ideal environment for recently returned missionaries, particular those who are worried about losing touch with the Spirit in their lives.

The LDS Business College is just one of four church-owned schools very passionate about helping returned missionaries and offer a half-tuition scholarship to all returned missionaries. For those who get home at a inconvenient time for college courses, there’s also a mid-semester start program.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

What am I going to do for a living?

When you leave on your mission straight out of high school, it can be difficult to differentiate between what you do and whom you are. This can make deciding what to study very difficult for this new generation of missionaries.

One thing that seems to benefit returned missionaries in determining a career direction is knowing that what they decide to “do” now does not lock them down for life. They will most likely have 5-8 career shifts in their lifetime. If they can focus on one or two of their natural strengths and find something they enjoy, it will set them on good starting path but that doesn’t have to be permanent. If you still aren’t sure what you want to do, discovery programs are designed to help people find their strengths and start on a solid career path.

Where should I go to school?

In choosing the best school, missionaries returning this summer will ask themselves several questions. At the top of that list will be, “Where can I get in?” Since they are coming home so close to the fall semester, it is often too late to apply for school. The next question will be “What can I afford?” and “How am I going to save up enough money for school?”

Photo credit: LDS Business College

Where can I find my spouse?

After returning home and downloading Tinder on their cell phones, recently returned missionaries will soon find that they will need to do more than swipe right to find the love of their lives.

If marriage is the goal, an interesting statistic to know is that you are five times more likely to be married when you graduate from a CES church school as opposed to a non-CES school, according to national averages.

What did I miss and what’s the best way to catch up?

Missionaries come home and are reminded of the fact that they missed 18-24 months of music, movies and big events in the lives of their loves ones.

Don’t be surprised if it seems like they’re drinking from a fire hose trying to reconnect with friends, explore new tech, etc.

Social media is often helpful for this catch up but eventually they will find that there are some things they may never catch up on — and that’s not a bad thing.

Here’s to hoping the transition goes well, whether it’s for you, or a missionary you know and love.

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