My bf is in the Air Force (still in training) and I'm in college. I'm changing my major to child development and family studies. I plan on getting my masters in Child development or counseling.

Are these good fields for a military spouse? I've seen job listing at several bases, but since I'm new to the military thing I thought I'd better ask!

Thank you!

Overall the answer to your question is really a personal one which will differ greatly from one person to the next. In my experience, there really is no "good" or "bad" military spouse job. The key is simply finding a job; regardless of what it may be. Despite having over 15 years of management and administrative experience, the only job I have been able to get is working PT retail which I unfortunately cannot do any more due to a medical condition. Military spouses have an extremely hard time finding a job, let alone a career. It's becoming more and more about WHO you know, rather than what you know. So it's a gamble in any sense.

On a general note, any position in child development, social services and the like are becoming more and more popular. They are similar to health care in that they are always needed; regardless of how things change, including technology. Personally, I think this would be a very good field for anyone, regardless of their status or military affiliation. I'm sure you'll get more responses on this, but in all actuality the answer you're looking for really lies within you and what your goals are and less about what is "better" for a military spouse. I hope you find the clues you're looking for and wish you luck in your journey.

quote:

Military spouses have an extremely hard time finding a job, let alone a career.

I disagree-i have a great contractor job-i make more than my E-8 spouse-and its portable-i work as a computer systems analyst doing modeling and simulation and teaching army battle command systems-there is a battle simulation center and a need for ABCS training at EVERY major Army installation in the world-including the staging bases in kuwait. Its pretty much finding a field-and a company that understands the need in that area-and then building a solid network in your field. Who you know might matter-but knowing your stuff does too.
child development is a field that will be in demand no matter where you go-its an excellent choice and should give you lots of options

quote:

I disagree-i have a great contractor job-i make more than my E-8 spouse

CONGRATS Orchidj5!!! That's unheard of! Since you've found some luck in this would you mind sending over some of your pixie dust or whatever else it is that you have that so many of us don't? While having the experience and knowledge should account for something, it just isn't always the case; especially when the employer learns of your military affiliation. It's hard to not give away the fact that you're a military spouse when asked questions to explain why you've worked in so many cities or why you've moved so many times. Although it is illegal for employers to ask specifics, they know their way around this. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that someone is a military spouse after reading a resume or hearing answers to those questions; especially when in an area with high concentrations of military families such as near a base. That explains my bad luck and why it's been persistent for so many years. It's nice to hear that there are a few who don't have this problem, but for the most part, most of us run into these problems at least once in their military lives. But I'd be glad to take some pixie dust if you can spare a teeny weeny bit!

When my husband was stationed in Jacksonville, FL he had several crews while at the squadron. On one crew the pilot's wife worked for the District Attorney's office as a lawyer. She made more than he did.

There have been others throughout the years where the wife made more than the husband.

When I was working with Maingate.com I made more than my husband.

It's possible.



Sgt Mom

For me there's a difference between a job and career. A job to me is whatever I can do to get paid. A career on the other hand is what i want to do, regardless if the pay is lower or not. It is something that I would like to maintain. I have a job right now, but I don't consider it as my career. I'm doing it because I'm bored and need to keep myself busy. It was an opportunity that arised while I was. volunteering and I said, why not. And I won't lie, the extra fun money is nice to have.

Depending on your career choice, it may be hard. Example, if your career is in the corporate world and working as a CEO for a Fortune 500 company. Would you be able to maintain that let's say if you move to a place like Ft. Polk. Most likely not.

As far as the income differences, yes there are plenty of wives out their who (have) made more money than their husband. This can also be true in the other world out there. In 2005, I made more money than my husband.

I have a friend who is an RN in the ER (an easily transferrable job) who purposely works night weekend option. She makes way more than her husband if she only works 3 nights a week.

I agree with the above. Transferability of jobs is dependent on skills and what you are willing to do. If you get a job in a part of the market that's flooded with applicants chances are you will have a hard time keeping it moving (ie computer science unless a specialty within the field is held to set you apart-see the Wall street Journal for more information). RNs, Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, and certified childcare providers can usually find work where ever they are (even if its as a DOD contractor), simply because there are a shortage of them natonwide-but even Lawyers are becoming flooded in some areas.

quote:

While having the experience and knowledge should account for something, it just isn't always the case; especially when the employer learns of your military affiliation

Well-what i do REQUIRES a military affiliation-and like catherine said-some skill sets are portable-including IT-and most companies that have military contracts-and the list is quiet long-have them at multiple installations and have no problem with employess moving around-you might have to wait a bit for a slot-but they are generally willing to work with you.

to the original poster - as far as I know, every base has a childcare program. Your chosen career field will be there, and finding a job at your level will depend on timing and demand. Finding any job in childcare probably won't be too difficult. The military also has family programs where a child development MS would help you find a position.

I think its a good career choice for always being able to find a job in your field. For making boatloads of money in a high powered position - not so much. For me, after being married to active duty military for the past 11 years, its starting to come down to the first option mattering a whole lot more. I think your choice is sound. Good luck in finishing your education.

Hi,
I was interested in this discussion because I represent an organization that ONLY hires those with a direct military connection. (Spouse, veteran, retiree or immediate family member.) We are currently seeking applicants at each military installation. These are independent contractor positions selling local advertising for our website. You set your own hours. Pay is commission only, but it is much higher than average, starting at 25 percent, with bonus opportunities up to 35 and 40 percent. Since we need people at each installation, these jobs can travel with you, enabling you to keep a career no matter how many times you relocate. For more information, edited per TOS After visiting our site, if you have further questions or would like to submit a resume, edited per TOS Enthusiastic, outgoing personality and love for the military is valued more than sales experience.

No outside links allowed in here, you can put the information on your profile and be contacted that way or place an ad in Classified Section

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Navywifeinparadise,

When you use the phrase (as seen on your website) "offering soldiers and their families" are you referring only to "Soldiers" as in specifically the Army, or are you referring to ALL military personnel and their families? This is an ongoing "issue" as this term, properly used as a military phrase, technically only pertains to personnel serving in the Army; as opposed to using the term "sailors" which pertains to Naval personnel. The term "soldier" is often used interchangeably but really specifically only pertains to Army personnel. Therefore can you please clarify which type of military personnel your website and your organization are referring to when using the term "soldier"?

This is a P.S. to the above listing. edited per TOS is also looking for writers to inform people about life on your installation. The articles should include a brief history of the installation, average weather conditions, etc. But the primary goal is to write about the things that newcoming families to the installation will be interested in -- such as family-friendly points of interest in the surrounding communities and any other tips that you would pass along to a friend who may be new to the area. Each article should also contain an accurate listing of pertinent phone numbers for newcomers, such as utilities, hospitals, schools, media, etc. Examples of these articles and phone listings are on the "Installations" tab of the website. Articles must be written in your own words. Pay is $25 per assignment. For details, please edited - contact through profile . Previous writing experience is appreciated. Accuracy, good grammar and spelling a must. While the website is still in its infancy, the website does currently provide social networking, allowing users to create profile pages, send messages and upload photos and videos to share with others. During the next 120 days, there will be many more added features. Thanks in advance for your interest.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Navywifeinparadise,

To Munchichic,
Our website is for every branch of service. You are correct in the terminology. But we have used the general term "soldier" to encompass all "armed forces heroes." No matter which term is used, the website serves every military hero and their families. Thanks for your question.

quote:

Originally posted by 18568104:
My bf is in the Air Force (still in training) and I'm in college. I'm changing my major to child development and family studies. I plan on getting my masters in Child development or counseling.

Are these good fields for a military spouse? I've seen job listing at several bases, but since I'm new to the military thing I thought I'd better ask!

Thank you!

I am in the Educational Field myself and have my degree in K-8 Education and am working on my masters in reading and mathematics. With your degree you can work for the Child Development Centers (CDC) on base, with your masters if you decide to get it in counseling (education) you can apply for counselor positions. I'm not sure though if you need a credential to "teach" with a child development major; I know I needed one. Something to look into.

When my husband was active duty in the marines, I was always looking to have a career that was lucrative, mobile, and paid me for my creativity. Years later I am makeup artist for film and tv, and an instructor at a makeup school in virginia. We teach individuals to own and operate their own bridal business, or freelance in film, tv, and fashion editorial. Its the perfect career for a creative individual, like a military spouse who will most likely travel and move often. It allows you to be a business owner, stay mobile, and be rewarded financially. If you are interested in makeup artist training, you can contact me. I would be happy to give you information.

How did you get started in this field? It sounds interesting. Do you have an IT degree or something similar?

quote:

Originally posted by orchidj5:

quote:

Military spouses have an extremely hard time finding a job, let alone a career.

I disagree-i have a great contractor job-i make more than my E-8 spouse-and its portable-i work as a computer systems analyst doing modeling and simulation and teaching army battle command systems-there is a battle simulation center and a need for ABCS training at EVERY major Army installation in the world-including the staging bases in kuwait. Its pretty much finding a field-and a company that understands the need in that area-and then building a solid network in your field. Who you know might matter-but knowing your stuff does too.
child development is a field that will be in demand no matter where you go-its an excellent choice and should give you lots of options

No actually my degree is in liberal arts-however at a previous position i worked my way in to a software quality test job and got a bunch of IT certificates-when i was laid off at that job, after about a year of searching someone suggested i look at defense contractors. I had a friend who worked in this field at another installation and he gave me a heads up about this particular job-but i will tell you-once i started applying with contractors i got 5 interviews and 3 offers in a two week time period-this one just happen to pay the best-but it was a great option-i love it.

My husband is in the Air Force and we are stationed at Buckley AFB in Denver, CO. I have been here with him for 5 years and have had the worst experience with jobs. I have bounced all over the place, the last job was only for a month and I was let go because they said " i had too much personality and was not the right fit" that was in Sep. and I have been jobless ever since, I hate it here, since I had no problems finding or keeping a job in my home state of Arkansas. I'm at my wits end and we are having lots of financing difficulties because of this. Does anyone have any advice?

OP: Hey, a masters in Child Dev!
Fabulous! It's a great degree to have no matter where you are. If it floats your boat, then you'll find the opportunities out there!

20621320 wrote:

"i had too much personality and was not the right fit"
Well, that could mean many things. But maybe you could ask yourself the following:
Have you re-examined your skill set lately? Did you have the right combination of skills and personality for the workplace? Are you choosing the right jobs? Are you comfortable with observing and learning how things work and slowly transitioning in? Are you productive and meeting goals?
Don't give up! If you hate a place it will certainly show in your attitude wherever you go.

I've been trying to find out info on getting a Phys Therapy certification while my air force man and i are stationed... somewhere...

Is this a stable field to go into?
How long might the program be? (typically 4 yrs outside the military)
Will I be taking condensed courses alongside military students?
What about the costs to me - as a military spouse?

Do I get free gummi bears after I graduate?

Any other questions I should think about?
-kae