6. Check Your Six
We are competing with people who do not have the same types of challenges as milspouses. We have to be aware of our competition and the changing employment environment so we can adapt and remain competitive. Always be aware of hard questions that employers and naysayers will throw your way. Develop a thick skin, keep your head high, look to your support system, and keep moving forward. We are all responsible for educating employers on our unique value. Don’t expect them to automatically recognize it. If you can anticipate some of the common dreaded questions like, “What does your spouse do?” or “When will you move again?”, then you can start formulating responses and changing the way you approach employers so these perceived issues become non-issues. Focus on the value you bring to the employer. Always work to stay ahead of the problems.
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Navigating the job market is tricky, even for the experienced professional with a consistent and progressive work history. Military spouses deal with challenges that make the search and job progression even trickier. Many changes need to take place within the companies hiring and on the political fronts before the career situation changes for military spouses. I dream of the day that companies adopt appropriate hiring practices that accommodate for the complexities of today’s workforce and recognize the unique value that military spouses bring to the workforce.
In the meantime, we need to rise to the challenges. Milspouses can compete in the open market when armed with the right tools, a great support system, the right know-how, and a tenacious drive to succeed.
Your career podium is waiting for you. We are here cheering you on. It may be a hard road but you can do it!
Need some inspiration, check out Successful Military Wife or email me and I will share some of the amazing stories of spouses I have worked with over the years.
