For military spouses, building a career often feels like trying to assemble a jigsaw puzzle while riding a roller coaster. Frequent relocations, deployments, and the unpredictable nature of military life can make traditional career paths seem out of reach. However, with the right strategies, resources, and mindset, military spouses can forge successful and fulfilling professional lives. This guide will explore the unique challenges faced by military spouses in the workforce and provide practical solutions for overcoming them.
The Military Spouse Employment Landscape
According to recent studies, military spouses face an unemployment rate nearly three times higher than the national average. Those who are employed often find themselves underemployed or working in positions that don’t align with their skills and education. The reasons for this disparity are multifaceted:
- Frequent Relocations: On average, military families move every 2-3 years, disrupting career continuity and networking opportunities.
- Employer Bias: Some employers hesitate to hire military spouses, fearing they’ll leave soon due to a military move.
- Licensing Issues: Many professions require state-specific licenses, which can be time-consuming and expensive to obtain with each relocation.
- Gaps in Employment: Caring for family during deployments or moves can lead to resume gaps that may raise eyebrows among potential employers.
- Limited Job Markets: Some military installations are in remote areas with limited job opportunities.
Despite these challenges, military spouses bring unique strengths to the workforce, including adaptability, resilience, and diverse experiences. The key is leveraging these strengths while navigating the obstacles.
Strategies for Career Success
- Embrace Portable Careers
One of the most effective strategies for military spouses is to focus on careers that can move with them. Some portable career options include:
- Virtual Assistant
- Web Developer
- Writer or Editor
- Online Teacher or Tutor
- Graphic Designer
- Social Media Manager
- Personal Trainer (with online clients)
- Bookkeeper or Accountant
These roles often allow for remote work and flexible schedules, making them ideal for the military lifestyle.
- Leverage Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities
The Department of Defense and various non-profit organizations offer programs specifically designed to support military spouse employment:
- MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts): Provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for eligible spouses pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in portable career fields.
- Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO): Offers career coaching, education and training, and employment connections.
- Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network: Facilitates networking and mentorship opportunities.
- Build a Flexible Skill Set
Developing a diverse skill set can increase employability across various industries. Focus on in-demand skills such as:
- Digital marketing
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Technical writing
- Customer service
- Foreign language proficiency
Online platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses to build these skills.
- Create a Strong Personal Brand
In today’s digital age, a strong personal brand can open doors regardless of location. Military spouses should:
- Maintain an up-to-date LinkedIn profile
- Create a personal website or portfolio
- Engage in industry-specific online communities
- Consider starting a blog or podcast related to their field
- Network Strategically
Networking remains crucial, even with frequent moves. Military spouses can:
- Join professional associations in their field
- Attend virtual conferences and webinars
- Participate in local chambers of commerce events
- Connect with other military spouses in similar professions
- Consider Entrepreneurship
Starting a business can provide the ultimate in career portability. The Small Business Administration offers resources specifically for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. Popular business ideas for military spouses include:
- E-commerce stores
- Consulting services
- Freelance writing or design
- Mobile businesses (e.g., food trucks, pet grooming)
- Address Employment Gaps Creatively
When faced with employment gaps, military spouses can:
- Volunteer in roles that utilize professional skills
- Take on freelance or contract work
- Pursue relevant certifications or courses
- Highlight transferable skills gained during moves or family care
- Advocate for Yourself
When interviewing, don’t shy away from discussing your military lifestyle. Emphasize the unique skills you’ve developed, such as adaptability and cross-cultural communication. Many employers now recognize the value that military spouses bring to the workforce.
- Explore Federal Employment
The federal government offers special hiring paths for military spouses, including non-competitive appointment eligibility. USAJobs.gov provides resources and job listings specifically for military spouses.
- Stay Informed About Licensing and Certification
For careers requiring state-specific licenses, stay informed about interstate compacts and expedited licensing processes for military spouses. Many states have implemented policies to ease the burden of relicensing for relocating military families.
Looking to the Future
As remote work becomes more prevalent and employers increasingly value diversity and adaptability, the outlook for military spouse employment is improving. Initiatives like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) are partnering with companies committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining military spouses.
Moreover, the unique experiences of military spouses are being recognized as valuable assets in the global economy. Skills like cultural adaptability, resilience, and the ability to thrive in changing environments are highly prized in many industries.
Conclusion
While the path to a fulfilling career as a military spouse may not always be straightforward, it is certainly achievable. By embracing flexibility, leveraging available resources, and capitalizing on their unique strengths, military spouses can build rewarding professional lives that complement, rather than conflict with, the military lifestyle.
The key lies in viewing each challenge as an opportunity for growth and each move as a chance to expand one’s professional network and skill set. With persistence, creativity, and the right strategies, military spouses can transform the potential limitations of military life into a launchpad for diverse and fulfilling careers.