Let’s be candid: Job searching can be hectic for everyone. You must consistently search, apply, and then patiently wait for a response without guaranteeing success. All this can be time-consuming and exhaustive, even for the brilliant guy in the room.
However, military spouses face a unique set of challenges. Their partners are always subject to transfers and deployments requiring them to uproot and re-establish a new location. As a result, finding stable and portable jobs is of utmost importance.
Thankfully, with creativity and the right resources, this crucial demographic of our society can find occupations that fit their lifestyle.
In this post, we’ll explain the best jobs for military spouses and provide tips to find and sustain them. Let’s dive right in!
Military spouses have many unique skills and experiences that can make them excellent candidates for a variety of jobs. Here are some of the best jobs for military spouses:
There is no doubt that COVID-19 caused a seismic shift in how people work. Today, many businesses allow employees to work from home for jobs that don’t require physical presence. According to Pew Research Center, 71% of U.S. workers with such careers now work remotely, up from 20% pre-pandemic.
If you’re a military spouse, this presents an excellent opportunity, as you can take advantage of this field’s portability and flexibility. It’ll also positively impact your overall well-being by helping you create a more balanced lifestyle. You can say goodbye to long commutes, unpredictable work hours, and stressful office environments.
The good news is that job sites like Flexjob have committed to hiring military spouses for 5% of their open vacancies. Also, check out Survey Junkie and Swagbucks for more similar opportunities. Here you can earn cash rewards by participating in surveys and focus groups.
Some examples of remote jobs and skills/qualifications required include:
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Local, state, and federal governments employ slightly more than 15% (over 24 million people) of the workforce in the United States. That’s more than any other industry. And if you ask any of these employees why they work for the government, they’ll all agree on one thing: job stability.
With economic distress and layoffs on the rise, these jobs are a great fit for military communities. Additionally, they come with other perks, such as decent salaries, generous leave policies, and flexible schedules. Some roles, like analyst, even permit frequent telecommuting through the permanent change of station (P.C.S.) process.
If you have the right credentials and experience, ZipRecruiter has thousands of job openings in this field. Here are some top and easy-to-clinch government roles and the skills/qualifications needed.
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A career in business support and human resources is full of growth opportunities. By playing a role in areas such as operations, talent management, and employee relations, you make an organization or your employer more efficient and productive. Furthermore, you get a chance to work with people, build relationships and contribute to creating a positive work environment.
While the field has challenges, there has never been a better time for veterans and military spouses to explore it and take advantage of available careers. Many businesses recognize the benefits of having a diverse and supportive workplace and trying to accommodate military families’ unique needs.
Fortunately, you can find a vast array of these jobs on platforms such as ZipRecruiter and Flexjobs. Here’s a quick rundown of a few of them and the skills you’ll need to succeed.
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Technology has disrupted almost every industry, from healthcare and entertainment to finance and education. It has become a core part of any successful company. 22 of the 50 highest-paying jobs advertised on Glassdoor last year were tech-related.
If you’re a tech-savvy military spouse, taking advantage of this shift can be a great way to earn a living. This field is highly paid and offers an opportunity to learn and grow. And the best part is that most of these jobs allow you to work remotely, so you can keep your career moving with every P.C.S.
SolidGig is one of the leaders in this space and offers military spouses access to hundreds of tech jobs. Sign up and take advantage of their free trial. Below are some roles and the qualifications/skills you need to secure them.
It’s one of the oldest and most rewarding industries in human history. Financial services play a crucial role in a country’s economic development, and many professionals have benefited. It accounts for 7.4% of G.D.P. in the United States and employs more than 1.3 million people.
This industry presents an exciting opportunity for a military spouse community to build a lucrative career. It has one of the most stable jobs thanks to its diversified nature. You don’t even have to work on-site; some roles can be done from the comfort of your home.
Here are some of the most sought-after positions advertised on ZipRecruiter and their qualifications/skills.
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As a spouse of a soldier, you’ve probably heard this phrase not once or twice but several times. Defense contracting is a lucrative career path that provides an array of opportunities. It involves offering products, services, and support to the U.S. Department of Defense (D.O.D.) or other military agencies.
While serving in this field is not all sunshine and roses, it’s one of the most rewarding, with great pay, job security, and the chance to give back to your country. Many employers offer competitive benefits packages, such as flexible hours and tuition assistance.
And if you lack the necessary skills, you can enroll in one of the U.S.C. Viterbi School of Engineering’s online programs and become a viable defense contractor candidate.
Below are some jobs in this field and their skills/qualifications. Start your search at ZipRecruiter, and you’re sure to find plenty of these jobs.
Manufacturing is an often-overlooked job market with numerous opportunities for military spouses. With over 15 million employees hired in this sector in the United States, it’s a fantastic option to consider. The compensation is reasonably good, exposure to new technology is plentiful, and growth potential is huge.
Additionally, many of these positions are permanent or contract-based, meaning you can enjoy job security and a more balanced life. Make sure also to check out the P.C.S. opportunities in this sector; you may find a significant position near the military installation.
While many job sites feature manufacturing jobs, ZipRecruiter is the best place to look, with over 50,000 active postings targeting military spouses. Here are a few of them and the qualifications needed.
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Do you have a knack for sales? Or, just want to help others while directly impacting your company’s bottom line? If so, consider looking into customer service or retail jobs. It’s one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. economy, and its diversity gives you plenty of options.
As a military spouse, you also want flexibility, and that’s exactly what this sector offers. For instance, the customer service representative role allows you to work from home part-time or full-time. While the entry pay in this industry might not be the best, the opportunities for career advancement are plentiful.
In fact, job sites such as ZipRecruiter and FlexJobs offer thousands of these jobs. Below are some of the roles you can explore and their skills/ qualifications.
Starting a business as a military spouse can be a fantastic way to put your skills to use. It offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to work when and where you want.
You’ll also be able to build something long-lasting. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, this might be the best option.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t panic! There are numerous resources available to help get your business off the ground. The US Small Business Administration offers a range of resources, including loan programs and business plan assistance. You can also search for workshops and seminars from SCORE, a team of volunteer industry experts.
Remember to leverage sites such as Etsy to help you set up an online store and start selling your products. Join relevant Facebook groups and forums, and connect with other entrepreneurs. With the right approach and mindset, you can be successful.
Here are a few ideas and the skills/qualifications needed.
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Working in community-based services is an excellent way to help those in distress while also making a positive impact. Whether you work in healthcare or even disaster relief, you can guide people who need it most.
The best part is that these jobs are flexible and well-paying, allowing you to contribute while still providing for your family. They also don’t require specific educational qualifications, making them ideal for military spouses over 55.
If you’re interested in working in this field and believe you’re a good match, FlexJob and ZipRecruiter list some of the best remote community-based jobs available. Here are a few roles and their respective skills/qualifications.
Looking for a career that fits in with military life can be a challenge. It requires creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to think outside the box. Here are a few tips that can help you get started.
As a military spouse, you can access a wide range of resources compared to your civilian counterparts. The frequent moves and changing environments can be a great way to build your network and make contacts.
Take advantage of such opportunities by attending job fairs and workshops in your location. Use online platforms such as LinkedIn and military-specific job boards to engage with potential employers.
The Department of Defense has dedicated programs to assist veterans and military spouses with employment challenges. These include the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) and Military Spouse Education & Career Opportunities (SECO). They offer tools and guidance that can be incredibly valuable when searching for a career.
Don’t limit yourself to just traditional jobs. With the rise in remote job opportunities, as military spouses, you’re well-positioned to take advantage of this trend.
Utilize websites like Upwork, Flexjobs, and Fiverr to find short-term or freelance gigs that offer flexibility and mobility. You may also consider starting a business or launching an online course.
After tirelessly networking, preparing your resume, and getting shortlisted, the last thing you want is to stumble during your interviews. Prepare in advance by researching the company and reviewing commonly asked questions. Also, practice answers to behavioral questions so that you’re ready with examples that highlight your best qualities.
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With technological advancements, many businesses now offer part-time and remote work options. Some even have special programs specifically for veterans and their spouses.
Below we list a few of them and the jobs they offer.
Amazon is the world leader in e-commerce, with over 200 million Prime members. And with the large customer base comes a wide range of job opportunities.
The company has gone a step further by creating a Military Spouse Fellow Program specifically for transitioning service members’ spouses. Here you can find flexible jobs in customer service, marketing, software engineering, and more. Plus, you get the benefit of Amazon’s generous benefits package.
Alorica is a global company specializing in customer care solutions and experience management in financial services, healthcare, communications, and other industries.
Since 2012, they’ve partnered with Military Spouses Employment Partnership (MSEP) to provide career opportunities for veterans and military spouses. You can find roles such as customer care representative, sales agent, and technical support.
Kelly is another excellent option if you’re looking for a flexible career with competitive pay. They provide on-site and remote job opportunities across various industries, with options such as accounting, engineering, Information Technology, and marketing. Also, they’ve been recognized as a Military Friendly Employer for years.
Adecco Group, founded in 1996, considers itself a pioneer in reducing military unemployment. They have a robust military career transition program, Adecco Military Alliance for Veterans and Military Spouses, that helps spouses of transitioning service members find meaningful work.
And if you don’t have experience in the field, they provide specialized courses and resources to help you hone your skills.
Besides providing humanitarian aid, the American Red Cross offers job opportunities in many fields, including health care, social work, and I.T. The company has committed itself to hire veterans and military spouses, offering flexible schedules and job security. Make sure to check their website regularly for new postings.
CVS Health, a world leader in the health and pharmacy space, has committed to providing 25% of its open roles to veterans and military spouses, particularly in logistics. They offer positions in delivery driving and retail management. Also, you get access to their benefits, such as health insurance, flexible schedules, and competitive pay.
As a military spouse, you have many career options available. From telecommuting to federal positions, there’s something out there for you.
However, the best jobs should allow for frequent moves that come with military life. Additionally, they should offer competitive wages, flexible hours, advancement opportunities, and stability.
See Related: How to Get a Remote Job: Expert Tips for Success
Before hopping into any job that comes your way, consider if it fits the following:
Make sure your job fits in with a military spouse’s nomadic life. As a result, search for a job that lets you work remotely, offers flexible hours, or is self-paced. That way, you can comfortably juggle home and job demands, no matter where you’re.
Finding a career with opportunities for advancement is vital to keeping your prospects open. You want to avoid being stuck in the same position forever.
When perusing job postings, pay close attention to ones that offer avenues to learn new skills or further your career. Do this, and you’ll always be motivated and satisfied no matter how often you relocate.
With the rising cost of living, a job that offers good benefits like health insurance, education reimbursement, and housing allowances is a must. Don’t underestimate the value of the income, either.
Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. And if you have specialized skills, negotiate for a higher salary and better terms.
When searching for a job, always consider the possibility of having to relocate or find new work if your spouse is transferred. Go for industries with solid reputations and long-term prospects, such as government, healthcare, or education.
That way, you don’t have to start from scratch every time you switch cities or towns. This will help you maintain your finances and quality of life.
Here are some FAQs about jobs for military spouses.
Military spouses often face challenges with relocation, leading many to opt out of the workforce. Others may feel uncertain about their job prospects due to their unique lifestyle circumstances. Furthermore, the cost of living and childcare versus income may make it difficult to sustain employment.
The Army provides resources and assistance to help veterans and military spouses find employment opportunities. Visit the Army Community Services (A.C.S.) office at your post for more information on their programs and services. They can help you create customized resumes, give career-search counseling, and refer you to local employers and job boards.
Military spouses are eligible for a variety of benefits, including:
– Education and relocation assistance
– Free access to recreational facilities, like gyms and swimming pools
– Military discounts on health care, mortgage loans, and car insurance
– Eligibility for tax breaks
– Support from veteran organizations
While the company doesn’t offer more or special pay rates or benefits specifically for veterans, they provide the same support level. The entry wage rate for Amazon’s military spouse employees is $15/hour, and they’re eligible for comprehensive benefits.
Amazon warriors were female warriors of ancient Greek mythology, known for their bravery and battle skills. In modern times, they’ve become an important symbol of female empowerment.
They’re an example of how women can succeed in non-traditional fields. The perfect metaphor for veterans and military spouses seeking employment opportunities.
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Last updated: October 3, 2023
