As a military spouse, building and maintaining a career can be challenging. You’re facing frequent relocations and unpredictable schedules, making it difficult to focus on reliable work.
Here are some smart tips and resources for finding a job as a military spouse, including the top industries for military spouses to consider.
Military spouses face work challenges that don’t necessarily apply to civilian spouses. Let’s acknowledge what you may be dealing with:
Thankfully, there are ways to address these challenges so you can boost your chances of employment as a military spouse.
Before you get started in your job search, make sure you set yourself up for success with these key tips:
There are many resources out there that you, as a military spouse, can utilize to your advantage when looking for a job.
Getting certified or earning a new degree (or just taking relevant courses) can enhance your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers. These include:
Your job interview is often your first chance to meet face-to-face (either in-person or online) with your potential new employer. Here’s how to make the most of it.
These resources are exclusively designed for military spouses like you.
One of the best ways to find a new job after your PCS is through networking and building your new community.
Some industries offer the flexibility and stability that align well with a military lifestyle. These fields are popular among military spouses, but they’re not the only options available. With the right mindset and resources, you can thrive in any industry.
Remote jobs are increasingly popular among military spouses because they offer the flexibility to work from anywhere. Administrative roles, marketing, and customer service lend themselves well to remote work. Many military spouses find positions in customer support or human resources, where they can work remotely for companies committed to hiring military spouses. These jobs often provide the stability of a regular income while allowing the flexibility needed for frequent moves. In fact, many companies actively recruit military spouses for such positions because they understand the need for portability and flexibility.
Healthcare careers often offer flexible scheduling, which is a major perk for military spouses balancing family life and professional responsibilities. Professions such as nursing, medical assisting, and billing are in high demand and often offer programs that help with licensing transfers during relocation. Most states have reciprocity agreements that allow nurses to practice across state lines without needing to retake exams or renew licenses. Medical assistants and those in billing or coding roles often find employment with minimal disruption after a move.
Mental health counseling is another in-demand field, especially given the stresses military families face. Many states allow counselors to transfer their licenses, which allows military spouses to continue their careers without interruption.
Education and child care are fields that often provide immediate opportunities for military spouses, particularly those stationed near military bases. They’re also a great way to engage with and support other military families.
Positions in teaching, tutoring, early childhood education, and daycare are always in demand. Many military bases offer onsite programs that can lead to opportunities for career development in areas such as early childhood education.
Teaching and tutoring are often well-suited for unpredictable schedules. Tutoring can even be done on a freelance basis. Daycare and childcare roles near military bases offer consistent but flexible employment options so you can balance work with family life.
Entrepreneurship is perfect for military spouses, as it gives you flexibility and control over your schedules and locations. Many spouses choose to start businesses in blogging, virtual assistance, Etsy shops, or photography. This type of work also comes with the opportunity to scale and grow your business at your own pace.
For those with creative talents, starting an online shop on platforms like Etsy or offering freelance photography services requires minimal overhead and can be adjusted based on your location and schedule.
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