Let's face it... being a military spouse does not makes it easy to have a career.  The whole moving from duty station to duty station business is not ideal for a long term career solution.  As much as we would love to stick it out with that absolutely amazing job that popped up at duty station A... we find ourselves preparing for a move to duty station B because we go where our heart goes and they unfortunately have to listen to their boss, the United States Government.

It is a fact that when the military is a part of your marriage, you have to plan accordingly.  When it comes to your career, it must be portable.  It must work at duty station A, B, C, D and Z too.

Whatever it is you decide to do with your career... choose a school that will back you every step of the way.  Martinsburg College is one online college that keeps military spouses and our lifestyle in mind every step of the way.  Whether it is a certificate or a degree you are looking for, they offer a wide range of schooling solutions including Financial Management and Accounting, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Office Administration and so many more.

When Rob and I got married, basically forever ago now, I was still working towards finishing up my schooling.  I had a quarter life crisis and went through three degree programs.  Teaching... probably would not have survived dealing with other parent's kids. Interior Design... unless you live in NYC, the midwest probably will not provide too many career opportunities. Before I eventually settled on graphic design. The absolute best part of graphic design is that I can work for a design company or I can work for myself and do freelance design. Freelance = portable.  I can work with clients from a distance.  I can have clients from duty station A, B, C, D and Z too.  I don't have to be local to make it work.

I was sold.

Have I done much with my degree since getting it?  No.  Nothing major, but I do little projects here and there.  Knowing that I can eventually do something with it, no matter where we are, makes it valuable to me as a military spouse.  I don't have to worry about where we may pop up on orders to (except for when life is put on hold waiting to know if your orders may or may not change at the very last possible minute... making your current move stressful!  I digress...) because I know that my career can easily go with me.

Choosing a portable career is definitely the way to go when it comes to being a military spouse.  I've got friends that went to cosmetology school and take their hands, their talent, from duty station to duty station.  I've got friends that got business degrees and can rock out a front desk or run an office like a champ.  I've got friends that I'd trust with my accounting and taxes any day of the week, because they are that good with numbers.

Keep in mind that if your spouse is an E-5 or lower, you qualify for MyCAA funding.  Take advantage of this and get a portable career... and this crazy stressful life, will be a little less crazy and a little less stressful.

For more information about MyCAA and Martinsburg College, please visit this special Facebook group full of helpful resources and information for military spouses.

Disclosure - I received compensation for this post, but all opinions and stories are my own.



always,
amanda