Have you ever been talking with someone, nodding your head listening to them speak, hearing their words…but been thinking to yourself the entire conversation, “How do they do it?” How does this successful person balance the military lifestyle, raise children, keep a household running smoothly and move every few years? How did she make it to the top? How is he climbing the corporate ladder? How does she spend so much time volunteering when she has four children under four? What are their Secrets to Success?
Though reaching a career goal or spending the amount of time volunteering or being more involved with your child’s school may seem impossible at times…the truth is people find a way to do it and they do it well. Now, they’re sharing their secrets to success, motivation, and balance with all of us.
The need for this article is highlighted with the research from the Military Officers Association of American (MOAA) and their partnership with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). Together the two came up with a survey titled The Military Spouse Employment Survey. Through years of research, they found 90% of military spouses are underemployed. Their research collected opinions and facts from male and female spouses, though the majority of spouses in the military community are female. Overall, their research pointed to frequent moves as the biggest challenge for spouses wishing to keep a career on track. “Active military spouses are more likely to have moved within states, across states, and abroad compared to their civilian and veteran counterparts. The increased likelihood of moving from one geographic location to another by active military spouses interacts with economic issues for these families,” the Military Spouse Employment report stated.
FOX News television producer Lauren Stenzel can relate to the frequent moves interfering with employment. Though she is extremely successful in the Washington, D.C., workplace, the Marine Corps Spouse admitted, “Having a career in journalism for a military spouse is tough. The first question I’m always asked is, ‘How long will you be here?’ Which I think is unfair and discriminatory,” she admitted.
Stenzel isn’t alone in her fight to find success professionally outside of the home. This includes men and women who work full time as well as those spouses who choose to volunteer their time opposed to work. She and others have agreed to share their tips to success in an effort to help others find the will to keep their fight strong in the quest to build a strong resume.