Debunking 3 Military Spouse Employment Myths

BY MARLA BAUTISTA

Myths about military spouse employment are unfortunately too common and need to be debunked to ensure military spouses have the same employment opportunities as their civilian peers. Whether it’s thinking obtaining tenure as a military spouse is impossible; volunteering will not lead to employment; or getting a federal job is easy, there are myths about military spouse employment that just won’t go away and must be addressed. Let’s debunk the three most common myths about military spouse employment, shall we?

Myth #1: Obtaining Tenure as a Military Spouse Is Impossible

Military spouses face unique career challenges due to the frequent relocations required by their partner's job. One way to help mitigate these challenges is to pursue tenure. Tenure is a permanent position that provides employees with lasting job security, typically after a probationary period and protects them from arbitrary dismissal. Tenure can provide employment and economic stability during times of transition and can help military spouses advance in their careers.

Here are some ways military spouses can work toward gaining tenure with their employer:

1. Understand the tenure policies: Tenure policies may vary depending on the industry and the organization. It is important to know the tenure requirements and the probationary period. Employers may also have specific policies related to military spouses, such as granting additional leave or flexible work options.

2. Demonstrate exceptional performance: Military spouses need to show their commitment to the job and make a positive impact on the organization. You can do this by exceeding expectations, taking on additional responsibilities and demonstrating your skills and expertise.

3. Seek out opportunities for professional development: Take advantage of any training, education or certification opportunities offered by your employer. This will help to demonstrate your commitment to the organization and improve your skills and knowledge.

4. Advocate for themselves: Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself and your needs. Communicate with your employer about your unique challenges, such as frequent relocations and work together to find solutions. Employers may be willing to offer flexible work arrangements or other accommodations to support military spouses.

5. Build strong relationships: Building strong relationships with colleagues and supervisors can be beneficial in gaining tenure. Strong relationships can also provide a support system during times of transition, such as relocation to a new duty station. While tenure is not a possibility for every career path it is not off-limits for military spouses. Creative ways around the traditional hurdles include living geographically separated for a time and requesting a duty station that keeps you in one spot for longer. Understand what compromises you may need to make and create a family plan to see them through.

Myth #2: Volunteering Isn't Legitimate Work Experience

Many military spouses struggle to find stable employment due to frequent moves, lack of employment opportunities in certain areas and other challenges unique to the lifestyle. As a result, many may volunteer to gain experience, network and even find a paid position. Volunteer work is indeed legitimate work experience and can lead to employment opportunities. Many military spouses have succeeded by pursuing this career avenue.

“I’ve volunteered on nonprofit boards and local nonmilitary organizations, and honestly, I think to transfer a volunteer experience into a paid opportunity successfully, you’ve got to be strategic,” said Kimberly Gold, a housing insecurity advocate, Army spouse and avid volunteer.

“Don’t just jump at every opportunity. Find something that aligns with your professional or personal goals. If you don’t know what your professional goals are yet, visit a career counselor at your family support center, USO, or employment readiness center. They can help you discover your passion, navigate toward your dream career and find opportunities that will help you be successful.” Gold currently serves as the 2nd Vice president for the Mountain Spouses Club at Fort Carson. Previously she volunteered as a generalist volunteer with the Army Community Service and later obtained a paid position with the company. Gold has successfully turned volunteer opportunities into paid employment on more than one occasion.

Volunteering can be a great way to gain relevant experience in a particular field while building connections with potential employers. Many employers are more likely to consider those who have already done some work in the field and have demonstrated commitment to the cause. Additionally, volunteering can open the door to other professional development opportunities, such as internships. Even if a volunteer position doesn’t immediately turn into a paid position, the connections you make will be beneficial.

Volunteering provides an excellent way to keep skills sharp during unemployment and gives you something positive to add to your resume when applying for paid positions. However, it is important to have a volunteering game plan. How long do you want to take an unpaid position? How will you transition to a paid opportunity? Deciding how to step away is just as important as stepping into a role, even if it is unpaid.

Myth #3: Getting a Federal Job Is Easy

The myth that getting a federal job is easy for military spouses is simply not true. The process can be daunting and tedious for military spouses looking to find employment within the federal government. The first step in applying for a federal job is to create an account on the USAJobs website and upload your resume.

“When completing your resume for a federal employment opportunity, ensure your objective and skills align with the employer's needs,” said Andrea Unzueta, a previous federal employee and current Navy Spouse. Unzueta is no stranger to the federal application process. She worked in a police department where she was required to complete an extensive background, polygraph test, credit check and more to obtain employment. Most recently, Unzueta attended a career fair where she was interviewed and offered tentative employment. This federal employment process began in May of 2022. After months of background screenings, physical examinations and other additional testing she was not able to obtain a medical clearance needed for the position and was notified of nonemployment in October of 2022.

While many of the qualifications and experiences you list may seem relevant to the position you’re applying for, it’s important to note that some positions may require specialized training or knowledge. Generally, only those with a high level of familiarity with these skills will be considered. After submitting your application, you will receive a notification regarding whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the position.

It is important to note that military spouse preference does not mean that you will get a chance to explain your resume or make it past this point. If you don’t have the experience you will likely not be considered.

If your application has been accepted, you will likely have to take part in an interview or be asked to take an assessment. Depending on the position, additional requirements may need to be fulfilled, such as completing a general background check, obtaining a security clearance and providing references. These steps combined can make getting a federal job much more difficult than most military spouses anticipate. Unzueta said the federal employment process could take three months to a year. While the rewards of a federal job can be significant, military spouse employment in the federal sector requires hard work and dedication.

The myths surrounding military spouse employment can deter military spouses from seeking gainful employment. Despite being debunked time and time again, these myths just won’t go away until military spouses equip themselves with knowledge.

Working and gaining tenure as a military spouse is possible, your volunteer experience may in fact lead to a paid employment opportunity and getting a federal job may take longer than you’re willing to wait. As the military community continues to advocate for better employment prospects for military spouses, these myths should be dispelled and replaced with facts about the value that military spouses bring to the workplace. With the right knowledge and resources, military spouses can find flexible employment opportunities, reduce the rate of military spouse unemployment and increase financial security among military families.

Marla Bautista is the author of My

Thoughts

Abandoned and co-author of Brave Women, Strong Faith . She is also a freelance writer, blogger, and speaker. Her passion is giving to people in need. She does so as the co-founder of the Bautista Project Inc, a nonprofit organization providing homeless community members in Tampa, FL.