Life can’t be easy if your spouse is in active military service. Taking care of your family, your house, and your dependents can fall entirely on your shoulders. You will have to handle everything on your own, with absolutely no support from your spouse. Plus, there is the constant fear of the worst happening to your spouse while they are on their deployment. below in this article, we will cover the Is Your Spouse in Active Service? Put Your Focus into Furthering Your Career.
With the career of your military spouse taking precedence, you would, at some point in time, have sacrificed your career goals. Unable to find a suitable job, you might even be on the verge of losing your identity. Don’t let this happen to you!
You have a life of your own to focus on. It is time to put on your thinking cap and set goals for yourself. If you can’t pick up from where you stopped, it is fine. You can still find a hundred other things to do.Â
If You Haven’t Already, Decide on What You Want to Do With Your Career
The idea of returning to work after a long gap can seem downright terrifying. But if you can decide on what you want to do, you should be able to handle it.
Start by focusing on your core strengths and skills. What can you do better than others? What are your skills and abilities? Is there any chance to hone or upgrade them?Â
Update your CV and your LinkedIn profile. Find out as much as possible about the industry that you want to get into. Talk to people you know and check if there are any opportunities out there that you can grab.
Since you have been out of the workforce for years now, it would be better to start slow. Look for a freelancing opportunity or a part-time job that will offer you a better work-life balance. Register on job sites and get in touch with a few recruitment agencies. You may not be able to earn big money right away, but you can surely use the opportunity to get back into the groove.
Search for an Online University
Pursuing higher education or taking up a course that will help you improve your knowledge and skills might be a better way to restart your second career.Â
As a spouse of an active military member, you might find it difficult to attend on-campus classes, considering the frequent re-locations that you would be subject to. But you can find many online courses that you can pursue right from the comfort of your home. All that you would need is a computer and a high-speed internet connection.
Online classes can fit into your schedule without hampering your responsibilities towards your family or work. You can learn at your own pace and enjoy full control of your learning process.Â
Most online courses today are very interactive. Peers and instructors are always available for you to connect with and clarify your queries. You get to interact with people of different cultures and opinions. Here are a few more advantages of taking up an online course:
- You get individual attention
- You can save up on your travel and food expenses
- You can choose the class or course that interests you
- You get complete access to course materials whenever you want
- The tuition fees of online courses are lower than that of on-campus classes
Do your homework and choose an online course that will give a boost to your career and help you find a well-paying job.
Tuition Help for Military Spouses
The department of defense is well-aware of the difficulties that you undergo as a spouse of a military member. It has come up with many programs to help you gain education and start a new career. Here are a few that are worth considering:
- Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Program – Provides tools and resources for education, training, and career advancement.Â
- MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) Member – Provides financial assistance up to $4,000 to pursue education for career advancement.
- Post 9/11 GI Bill – Offers 36 months of education assistance for eligible candidates.
- Survivors and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) – Offers monthly payments to eligible spouses of military members to cover tuition fees, training or apprenticeship fees, and career counseling expenses.
You can also find many places where you can get military spouse tuition assistance, Military discounts, and Military Spouse Scholarships & Grants such as the Marine GySgt John D. Fry Scholarship Program.
Start of a New Chapter
You have done your bit to serve the country as a military spouse. You deserve all the help that you can get to pursue your education and career. Find out which programs are available in your area, check if you are eligible to apply, submit the necessary documentation, and get ready to start a new chapter in your life.