For those that have been here before welcome back. We are your hosts, BJ 'n Cindy. We own and operate this site as well as the sister sites. by Kelli Brewer
If your spouse is in the military, you may have moved several times because of their job, making it harder for you to build a career of your own. But as many women who have connected through the community at Army Wives can attest, it is entirely possible to pursue a career you love while supporting your spouse. Perhaps your heart just isn’t in your current job and you’re getting ready to embark on a major career change. If so, these tips will help you navigate your next steps.
Reflect on Your Interests
The first step to figuring out your next big career move? Reflecting on your interests and thinking about what motivates you to get out of bed in the morning. Top Resume recommends thinking all the way back to your childhood and asking yourself what you wanted to be when you grew up. Then, consider how you can use your existing skillset to land a similar job.
Conduct Informational Interviews
What if you’re interested in landing a job in a field that you do not have much experience with? Or what if you’re intrigued by a few different industries but you’re not quite sure how to break into these fields? Think about contacting people you know who work in these industries for informational interviews. The Muse recommends asking them for information that you can’t easily find online to make sure that the interview is worth your while. You can also inquire about their personal experiences.
Create a Five-Year Plan
You’ve already thought about your past and how your childhood passions could influence your career trajectory. Now, it’s time to think seriously about your future. Where would you like to be in the next five years with respect to both your personal and professional life? And which career path can help you get there? Taking time to envision where you want to be can help you structure your life in a way that will allow you to turn this vision into your reality.
Consider Starting a Business
If you have an entrepreneurial streak, you might be interested in launching a home-based business. You won’t have to worry about securing retail space if you move in the future—you can just pack up and take your business with you!
You’ll need to think about business formation if you’re planning to start your own company. Your business formation status will determine how you pay your taxes, your personal liability, and other crucial details. You can tackle the business formation process on your own, but to make things easier, you could use an affordable online service instead. A service like this will file all of the required paperwork in your state and then give you the documents you need, sans expensive legal fees.
Pursue a Remote Career
Another great option for military wives who know they’ll be on the move again in the future? Applying for remote jobs! You’ll be able to stick with the same company, no matter where you settle down, which provides a sense of stability. Before applying for remote jobs, you’ll want to revise your resume to include skills that will come in handy in these positions, from group collaboration to technical programs that you’ve mastered.
When you are relocating and structuring your life around your spouse’s career, it can be difficult to pin down what you want for your own future. But you do not have to put your own passions on the backburner. With the right approach, both you and your spouse can achieve your dreams.
As a military wife, you might be craving a sense of community. Look no further than the network at Army Wives!