Spouses: Moving with the Military

If you're a military spouse, chances are you've moved around several times already. Or maybe you're facing your first PCS. Whether you're an experienced spouse or brand new to moving with the military, every move brings about unique challenges. At the forefront for most working spouses, is the question "what happens to my job/career now?" There are several resources to assist spouses in transitioning from one job to another during a PCS.

First things first: it's hard to lose your job under any circumstances, and the loss of a second income can affect your entire family's well-being. Unfortunately this is a way of life for military spouses. The good news, according to an article in The Army Times, is that 21 states now allow spouses to collect unemployment benefits if they have to quit their jobs due to PCS.You can also check the Military Spouses Career Network website for a state-by-state guide to unemployment laws and benefits due to PCS-related job loss.

One of your first stops should be http://www.military.com/spouse. The Spouse Career Center offers a wealth of comprehensive information about available jobs, job hunting and interview tips, plus career, employment, and education resources. You can also connect with other spouses for advice and support in the discussion forum.

MILspouse.org is another invaluable resource. MILspouse has helpful information to help you prepare for your job search, including information about market trends, resources for job training, resume and cover letter samples, job search strategies, and interview tips.

If you're looking for a job on base, you may be able to take advantage of Military Spouse Preference. You must be qualified for the job you're applying for, of course, but you may receive hiring preference over some other applicants. If you prefer to work in the private sector, you'll find a list of hundreds of military spouse friendly employers on Military.com

If you've ever considered going back to school, the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account is a pilot program offered in eight states. The purpose of the program is to assist eligible spouses in getting training and education for "portable" careers in high-growth and in demand fields such as education, health care, financial services, information technology, human resources, hospitality, and homeland security. To qualify, you must be married to an active duty service member permanently stationed at one of the eligible installations, with a minimum of one year retainability. Under current program rules, you may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 for career training in a portable field. Portable careers should make it easier for spouses to find jobs as they move from one duty location to another.

Finding a new job requires determination and patience. Use these resources to assist you with your next job search.