Career & Education

So, We did a thing over here at Army Wife Network. We held an essay contest across all branches of the military as well as the Department of Defense civilian population. The contest theme was “Proud to Be” and we asked participants to describe why they are proud to be a spouse or loved one of a service member.

When I graduated college, I thought I had landed my dream job. For a while, it was everything I wanted it to be. After five years in the field, I realized my career was no longer conducive to family life, work life balance, and overall did not make me happy anymore. I considered enduring the dissatisfaction because the position I accepted aligned with my college degree. I also recognized I didn’t want to face the fear of the unknown by starting over.

As a career coach, a great deal of the advice I give to clients pertains to resumes, interviewing, and dressing for success. However, it is also crucial to pay close attention to the small details in a job search. Those can include choosing a professional email provider, writing thank you notes after interviews and cleaning up your social profiles. However, I frequently see clients overlook how they’re using voicemail as a job-seeking professional.

“We need some extra income.” It’s a phrase that has been uttered in most every military home at one time or another. It is usually followed by “how” and “where.” Hope For The Warriors and Milspo Academy powered by CareerDash are attempting to answer both the “how” and the “where” for the military spouse and caregiver community by creating a partnership to help in the search for meaningful education and employment opportunities.

As a military spouse I’ve seen and experienced first-hand how challenging it can be to find a place in a new community, let alone a new country. From establishing friendships to seeking employment, the stress and pressure can be debilitating. Fortunately, the Red Cross provides support and training programs, to make transitions a bit easier. Recently, I sat down with Kaitlynne Miller who found her own community, friends and now a new job, all thanks to an opportunity through the Red Cross.