Heres What Has Helped Me Successfully Change Jobs As a Military Spouse

Heres What Has Helped Me Successfully Change Jobs As a Military Spouse Veterans and those who love them make no shortage of sacrifices on behalf of this country. But one sacrifice thats perhaps not as readily acknowledged is the obstacles both veterans and military spouses can face when building out their careers in the civilian realm. This Veterans Day, Fairygodboss and Getting Hired asked folks in the veteran and military family community to share the ways this identity has aided and at times impeded them professionally, as well as their No. 1 pieces of advice to fellow military community jobseekers.Do you believe veterans and their families should have the right to build civilian careers free of obstacles and biases? Show your support and Pledge4VetFamilies here.--WhoBrianna OHaraWhat Content Creative Manager, BizLibraryWhere St. Louis, Missouri--How long have you been in your current role, and what were you doing previously?Ive been with BizLibrary for alfruchtwein two years now . My previous roles have always been in a absatzwirtschaft function but most recently I was Marketing Director at the Heartland Credit Union Association.As a military spouse, what are some of the more unique challenges youve had to face when it comes to finding and maintaining employment? Are there any obstacles people might not expect?Ive been very fortunate to not be faced with many challenges in this regard. All my employers, current and previous, have been very accommodating to flex-scheduling due to my husband being away. I think the obstacles that people might not expect are the most obvious ones like what a drastic shift it is going from being a married mom of three with support from a counterpart to operating as a solo-parent. Also, lines of communication We take texting, phone calls, and high-speed internet for granted When your spouse is deployed or on orders in the middle-of-nowhere, those luxuries dont exist.How about misconceptions are there any false beliefs or stereo types about what it means to be a military spouse that youve encountered, especially as it relates to you professionally?Hmm, Ive had some weird conversations with co-workers who assume my affiliation to the military automatically makes me pro-guns or a Republican, but nothing specific about the spouse-life.Do you believe your experience as a military spouse has provided you with any unique perspectives or talents that aid you professionally today?Being a military spouse has helped me understand that things that go on at work are not life-or-death its just not that serious. Of course, I still want to maintain my determination and have things go as planned, but when they dont, I can go with the flow.Whats the one career move youve made that youre most proud of?The two times Ive changed jobs it was due to the companies refusal to grow their business. Im a pretty loyal person, so changing employers is not something that I take lightly. Its always been a difficult and carefully thought out decision. Im proud to work for a company now that has big growth plansWhat about outside of work how do you most enjoy spending your time?I love spending time outdoors with my three daughters, family and friends.Whats your 1 piece of advice for women, and especially other military spouses, who are looking for jobs right now?Focus on what is happening now. You cannot predict the future and trying to will drive you nuts Dont let what might be in six months dictate your actions now. Educate yourself on your companys policies and benefits. Be forthcoming with your employer and use FMLA if you need it