As a military spouse, moving can sometimes seem like second nature to you. And the challenge of constantly hunting for a job can get pretty old. Between updating your resume, drafting cover letters and filling out applications, finding a new job can be its own full-time job. It may be time to think about developing career "portability" to make it easier to find a job after relocating.
Careers in teaching, nursing and technical or service-based jobs are highly portable and often in demand. These jobs will improve your chances of working in your chosen field even while moving every few years. Or create your own career as an entrepreneur and put your unique skills to work for you.
Read More »
Education
Teachers are often in high demand, so education can be a great career path for military spouses. Before you stock up on chalk and number two pencils, keep these things in mind:
- Licensing and certification requirements. These can vary from state to state. Do your research to see what carries over and what you may need to update. The Teachers Support Network website is a good place to start for information about your state.
- Department of Defense Dependent School System. Some installations have their own schools, which can be a great option for military spouses — especially if you live overseas.
- Military Spouse Employment Partnership: Conduct a search for education jobs in your area through the Military Spouse Employment Partnership career portal. Or look through the Military Spouse Employment Partnership's list of partners in the education field.
- Substituting. If you're having trouble finding a full-time position in your new community, consider becoming a substitute. Large school systems often have a significant enough need for substitute teachers that it can become a full-time job in its own right. Plus, you can keep your skills sharp and get experience in a variety of different schools.
Health care
The health care field offers several highly portable careers that can make it easier to find a new job when you move. If you feel more like yourself in a pair of scrubs than dressed in your best business casual, you may want to consider one of these professions:
- Nursing (registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, nurse practitioner or certified nursing assistant)
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Dental Hygiene
Keep in mind that health care jobs have state-specific licensing and certification standards, too, so you'll need to do a little research. Try checking out these sites to get started:
Military treatment facilities can also provide great job opportunities for military spouses in the health care profession, but state licensing requirements still apply. The Military Spouse Employment Partnership also has a specific list of health care partners or you can search through the career portal.
Technical/service careers
Special skills can also put you in high demand wherever the military takes you. And a relocation might be the perfect time to start training for something new.
- Good with computers? Study web design or troubleshooting.
- Good with words? Be a technical, creative or marketing writer.
- Good with children? Work in a daycare or be a nanny.
- Good with design? Be an interior designer or decorator.
- Good with your hands? Be a plumber, an architect, an engineer or a carpenter.
- Good with numbers? Be an accountant or financial planner.
- Good with animals? Be a dog walker, pet sitter or vet technician.
- Good with fitness? Be an exercise instructor or personal trainer.
- Good with style? Be a hair stylist or nail technician.
Sometimes asking the right questions can lead you to the perfect career you never knew you wanted. Check out the Military Spouse Employment Partnership for careers in your field and area, as well as partners that might have opportunities specifically available to military spouses.
Entrepreneurship
If your special skills can translate into your own small business, then consider the most portable career of them all — becoming your own boss. Starting from scratch requires a lot of planning and hard work, so check out the Small Business Administration website for information and seminars about becoming an entrepreneur.