5 Military Spouse Secrets to Landing a Great Job When You’re On the Move

It worked for her: Even pre-pandemic and before the popularity of remote work, her employer responded with significant support when she told him she’d have to move, making a remote work option for her where there hadn’t been one. He didn’t want to lose her, and that’s the type of company you want to prioritize searching for.

Corie Weathers, a counselor and author of the book Military Culture Shift, advises to make it an asset. She did this once and was brought on as the company’s military liaison in addition to getting the job.

3. Take a job ‘close’ to your career goals

It might not be perfect, but the strategy helps you get or keep your foot in the door. “Especially if you are at the beginning of your career, be willing to take a job that is ‘close’ to your career goals,” Weathers says.

“All of our experience weaves into a tapestry that can lead to a creative career,” she says. She took a job at the front desk of a counseling clinic when she couldn’t get a job counseling clients yet. “I was able to learn what it takes to run a practice and add a job to my résumé that would show my commitment to the profession.”

4. Choose a field that captures your true passion

Unfortunately, Fullerton isn’t Oprah. But her original reason for wanting to be Oprah was about the power of communication, she says. She got to harness that when she built Spouse-ly and points to getting to the heart of what you are trying to do rather than being stuck on a certain path or industry. In turn, this allows you more flexibility to pivot with your military spouse’s job demands.

5. Focus on the benefits of a mobile life

There are perks to being on the go and on the move. For one, your employer can benefit from your broader scope and perspective, in that you might be able to speak to how different regions view a topic or business where others couldn’t. 

​“Although moving around frequently makes certain opportunities feel impossible at times, it's actually a great way to grow both personally and professionally,” Fullerton says. “All of the new things you learn along the way, and the new people who become a part of your journey, can continue to help you get to where you want to go.”