Why Voiceover Work Could Be a Game-Changer for Veterans

Introduction: A Veteran’s New Voice

I’m Jeff, a disabled veteran, former educator, and dad in Arizona. After serving in the military and teaching high school social studies for 10 years, plus 2 years as an instructional coach, I left education when toxic leadership triggered my PTSD. Now, running JK Prints & Gifts with my wife, Kari, I’m exploring voiceover work as a new career path.

My teaching background gave me confidence in speaking, and voiceover offers flexibility that aligns with my mental health needs. For veterans, especially those with disabilities, voiceover work can be a game-changer: low startup costs, work-from-home freedom, and a creative outlet. Here’s why it’s perfect for us, how I’m starting, and how you can too.

The Problem: Limited Career Options for Veterans

Transitioning from military to civilian life is tough. As a teacher, I saw schools fail to prepare students for diverse careers, and as a veteran, I faced similar gaps. Toxic leadership in education worsened my PTSD, making traditional jobs unsustainable.

Many veterans, especially those with physical or mental health challenges, struggle to find flexible, meaningful work. A 2023 VA report noted that 20% of veterans face employment barriers due to disabilities. Voiceover work offers a solution, letting veterans use their voices—honed by leadership and training—in a career that fits their needs.

Why Voiceover Work Suits Veterans

My military service and teaching experience showed me that veterans have unique strengths for voiceover work. Here are four reasons it’s a game-changer, plus tips to get started.

1. Flexibility for Mental and Physical Health

Voiceover work lets you set your own schedule, crucial for veterans managing PTSD or disabilities. On tough days, I can’t face the mic, but good days let me record from home.

Pro tip: Start with free software like Audacity to practice without pressure. Veterans can work at their own pace, reducing stress compared to rigid jobs like teaching—where I personally burned out.

2. Low Startup Costs and Accessibility

Military life taught me to work with minimal resources, and voiceover is similar. You need a decent microphone, Audacity, and a quiet space to start.

My gear: I use the HyperX SoloCast USB microphone—only $39.99 at the time of writing. It's high quality, plug-and-play, and budget-friendly.

Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork connect you to clients with no upfront investment needed. I’m building my demo on a tight budget, proving you don’t need to break the bank to get started—unlike the underfunded schools I worked in.

3. Leveraging Veteran Communication Skills

In the military and classroom, I honed clear, confident communication, perfect for voiceover. Whether narrating educational content or inspirational ads, veterans’ discipline and vocal presence shine.

Try this: Practice with scripts for podcasts, audiobooks, or e-learning—areas I’m exploring myself. Communication is a skill veterans often already have; voiceover gives us a place to use it professionally.

4. Creative Outlet for Healing

My PTSD makes creative outlets vital, and voiceover has been surprisingly therapeutic. Recording lets me express myself without the pressure of being on camera, unlike my YouTube channels, JeffinAZ81 and Scars and Steel.

Veterans can use voiceover to heal, tell stories, or teach, just like I did as an educator. Try reading scripts into Audacity as a warm-up. You’ll build confidence without pressure.

Beyond Voiceover: YouTube, TikTok, and Telling Stories Your Way

Here’s the thing: “voiceover” doesn’t have to mean just doing commercials or audiobooks. It can mean starting a YouTube or TikTok channel, and your content can be with your face, or completely faceless.

I’ve created two history-focused channels where I use voiceover and narration to teach and tell stories:

• Chronicles Across Continents on YouTube

• Chronicles Across History on TikTok

Sometimes I’m on camera, but often I’m not. The beauty of content creation is that you get to control how you show up. You can narrate history, gaming, science, your own military experience, anything you’re passionate about. The skills you’ve already built, discipline, storytelling, and clarity, translate beautifully into digital storytelling.

Plus, the barrier to entry is lower than ever. With basic tools and some consistency, you can grow a channel and even turn it into a source of income. TikTok and YouTube Shorts especially favor short, snappy content, perfect if you want to ease into things.

Getting Started: Tips for Veterans

I’m still early in my voiceover journey, but here’s how to begin:

• Gear: Grab a USB mic like the HyperX SoloCast for under $100. It’s solid for beginners.

• Software: Download Audacity for free audio recording and editing.

• Practice: Record scripts for commercials, audiobooks, or e-learning. Read aloud daily to find your tone.

• Demo: Create a 1-minute demo showcasing your vocal range. Use Audacity to clean it up.

• 🌐 Market: List your services on Fiverr, Upwork, or Voices.com to get freelance gigs.

• 🎓 Learn: Watch YouTube tutorials or take low-cost courses on platforms like Udemy to level up your skills.

• Bonus: Start a YouTube or TikTok channel if you want a low-pressure way to build your confidence and audience at the same time.

As a dad, I want my kids to see me chasing dreams despite challenges. Voiceover work—and content creation—lets me model that persistence and creativity.

Why It Matters: A Veteran Dad’s Call to Action

Voiceover work isn’t just a job: it’s a lifeline for veterans. My years teaching and dealing with PTSD showed me the need for flexible, meaningful careers. This path lets us use our strengths, heal through creativity, and build a future for our families.

I’m not fully there yet, but every step feels like progress, and I believe others can walk this path too.

Join the Conversation

Are you a veteran exploring voiceover or other creative, flexible careers? Drop a comment and share your story.

Subscribe to Veteran Perspectives on Beehiiv or Substack for more ideas and real stories.

Check out our PTSD awareness products at JK Prints & Gifts to support mental health advocacy.

Whether you speak with your voice or through the stories you tell, your voice matters. Let’s find it together.