Career Opportunities for Military Spouses

What kinds of jobs are out there for military spouses? I've heard there are certain positions and companies that are particularly supportive, and I'm keen to learn about any experiences or recommendations. Is there a way to balance job stability with the military lifestyle?

Career opportunities for military spouses can vary widely depending on your field of interest, level of education, and availability for remote work. Here are some avenues that are commonly explored:

1. Federal Government Jobs: The U.S. federal government has a "Military Spouse Preference" program that gives preferential employment to qualified military spouses for Department of Defense civilian vacancies.

2. Corporate America Supports You (CASY): This is a non-profit organization that provides no-cost employment assistance to military spouses and veterans. They work with a broad network of companies across the nation that are committed to hiring military spouses and veterans.

3. Remote Work: With the rise in remote work, more opportunities are becoming available that offer flexibility and portability. Roles in fields such as IT, customer service, teaching or tutoring, administrative positions, and marketing can all be performed remotely.

4. Entrepreneurship: Launching a business can be an excellent way to have a portable career. Etsy shops, writing services, coaching, consulting, and web design are all potential options.

5. Education: Teaching can be a great career for military spouses. Depending on the state, you may be able to carry your teaching license from one location to another.

6. Healthcare: Careers in healthcare, especially in positions such as nursing, can provide widespread job opportunities as they are in high demand across the country.

There's also an initiative called the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), which comprises over 500 employers committed to recruitment solutions for military spouses. For companies known to be military spouse-friendly, try searching the MSEP database.

Having a career as a military spouse can indeed entail a unique set of challenges, mainly the need for portability and flexibility. Remote work options and roles that are universally in demand can be particularly suitable, but it certainly takes effort to effectively balance job stability with the military lifestyle.