Being a military spouse sucks

Question

Anyone else out there? Went into so much debt for a Bachelors and Masters and being unable to pay it back? Yup, that's me, the military spouse who agreed to move across the country multiple times to a place without a metropolitan area. I spend my days looking for 'perfect' remote opportunities only to never from them. I work with 'military spouse organizations' that aren't exactly helpful. Or enroll in programs that once again send you into an abyss of wondering. I have visited career coaches (received what I thought was great advice) only to still be in this same situation. What is wrong with me and this job market?

Lady Pele · Answer

What role are you looking for?

BossladyRose · Answer

I am a military spouse and an engineer. I understand completely how hard it is build a career while moving around all the time. Although I can't help you with your question. I loved seeing this post. I haven't met any  women on my base that have careers or use/attempt to use their degree. I'm not sure what your degree is in, but have you considered working FOR the military? Having a DoD job? I'm at Hill AFB and there are plenty of civilians that work on base to support the military (not part time minimum wage grocery store jobs). I'm not sure if that is something you are interested in, but it could be worth a look! Thank you for sharing the struggle.

Anonymous · Answer

People have little to no understanding of how hard it is to be a military spouse who wants to work.  Every time you move, you need a new career. You never grow in your career because you love about the time you’d normally advance and some won’t hire you. Have a certificate in teaching or nursing?  Great!  Every time you move, you need to get a new one for that state.

The jobs the military offers are minimum wage jobs. When you become a military spouse, you give up your career (but don’t you dare ask for a 10% discount because you’re ‘just a dependent’).  Yup, I have plenty of resentments.

I have a graduate degree in chemistry and many times have been a waitress because it’s all I can find. I feel for you more than you know. I liked flexjobs.com for finding remote jobs.

Annetta Moses · Answer

In this day when you can speak and text, do you need to live in the same location as your spouse? For the last four years, my husband and I have lived in different cities because I had a job opportunity in another city. My new company is understanding. I work in the office for six weeks and then travel home and work remotely for a week. I also spend 3 weeks of vacation with my spouse.  While the situation is not ideal, we are making it work. 
I had a friend whose husband got an assignment in Korea for 12 months. She stayed in the US when he went overseas.
The reality is I work 50 to 60 hours a week. Allow time to sleep, get ready for work, me time, and commute, at best I would see my husband 50 hours a week if our work schedules match perfectly. 
While it is more expensive to have an apartment in another city, I am earning more and I enjoy my work more. My husband and I are willing to do this for 20 years. My home is where my heart is even if it is in another city.

Latinx · Answer

It must be really frustrating to have to move constantly. Have you thought about developing an online course that you could teach remotely such as in skillshare? of becoming an insurance agent? I think that now a days it's a little bit easier to become an entrepreneur because of the internet.

Heather Neal · Answer

That does sound rough! Same question as the two above.. What type of roles are you looking for? Also what did you study in school?

ArielCapers · Answer

Uhh, that must be so frustrating. I have the same question as LadyPele!

Being a military spouse sucks

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