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Insight into the Military Wife Role
A relationship with a partner serving their country through the U.S. military is arguably one of the most difficult ones to be in. You frequently deal with extended time apart from your loved one due to deployments or training. There is constant uprooting to another duty station. Additionally, you experience physical distance from your support system, and must sometimes be the sole caretaker in your household.
A permanent change of station (PCS) move involve relocation for active-duty military personnel’s career development. While these moves allow for the military personnel to pursue or progress their career it often places their partners at a halt.
This is often a difficult barrier for spouses to overcome and can lead to long stints of unemployment or sacrificing their career potential entirely.
The Way Forward
Having a partner in the military may force you into some hardships when it comes to your career progression. But there is hope and a way forward for those ambitious enough to find the balance required to pursue their career and maintain support for their soldier.
There is no way around the amount of frustration you may encounter. However, countless resources are available to help military spouses with their careers, and there are many paths for you to take.
The following are helpful tips and incredible resources for the military spouse.
- MYCAA – My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program: This program is available to eligible military spouses pursuing a select license, certificate, or associate degree program. The tuition awarded to spouses is upwards of $4,000. Details on eligibility and tuition coverage can be seen here.
- Transfer of Post-9/11 GI Bill: Your spouse may not utilize their Post-9/11 GI Bill. In this instance, they may transfer their benefits to a dependent. Eligibility, transfer rates, and coverage may be found here.
- Amplify – Hiring Our Heroes Career Development Program: A 2-day workshop centered around networking and career development for military spouses.
- MySECO – Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot: An innovative 12-month fellowship available to spouses of active-duty U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force. You can find the details of their various fellowships here.
- Childcare Aware of America partnered with the U.S. Military and DoD to provide financial assistance for child and respite care.
- LinkedIn is a great social media platform focusing on networking and career growth. Create a professional profile search for jobs that are available at your location.
- Find Remote work. Remote job opportunities provide a great way to have the flexibility of working from home. It can reduce employment gaps in your work history as you can maintain the job as you PCS.
- Join supportive Facebook groups that cater to the career-focused military spouse. Build your tribe and gain a supportive environment.
Summary
A marriage or relationship with someone in the military can influence the direction of career pursuits. But there are pathways around these problematic barriers. Seek out the resources provided for you and continue to pursue your career goals.
A military spouse is a resilient one who is self-sacrificing and can overcome many obstacles.