PenguinGal, great word, well used. I've been around for a while, but had to look that one up!
BzB
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Careers for military spouses?
- Thread starter pdt1530
- Start date
BzB
It's not quite that easy everywhere. As you mentioned, sometimes the paperwork can cause issues, but depending on the location, actual jobs can also be an issue, coupled with recent experience. The more advanced your nursing degree is, the less someone is apt to hire for the more basic (and therefore more available) jobs, depending on where you go. Also, don't count on the military hospital (or clinic) to be the answer, either. There was a huge culling of the herd at Balboa shortly after I moved here. Regardless of RN or RNP, nursing jobs weren't to be found under DoD (and I believe that's still the case now).
My .02:
Be very up front and honest with your girlfriend about what the next 10 years or so would/could entail. At it's worst, you marry your girlfriend and her career and educational opportunities are minimal. I imagine Lemoore, CA isn't quite the hot bed of education we all imagine it to be. Phrog's advice is sound. One of you is going to have to have the priority career. Unfortunately, the Navy has the ability to tell you that you're the priority and she can come along if she likes.
That said, it's not all doom and gloom. My wife managed to get her pharmacy doctorate while I was in the RAG and on sea duty. She to the University of Florida with the expectation that if I got sent to a Jax or Maine squadron we would be finishing my sea tour in Jacksonville. Low and behold, I got sent to Maine so she stayed in Jacksonville and I geo-batched. Living apart for the better part of a year sucked but it wasn't that bad. She happened to finish pharmacy school about the time I rolled to shore duty in Pensacola. Another buddy of mine from my fleet squadron lived apart from his wife for the entire 3 years it took her to get through law school. I don't really know how they managed that but they did.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that getting an advanced/professional degree for your girlfriend isn't impossible but it may take some luck and a willingness to possibly spend some time apart. After that she has to be willing to accept that she probably isn't going to be able to work when/where she likes for as long as she wants.
Be very up front and honest with your girlfriend about what the next 10 years or so would/could entail. At it's worst, you marry your girlfriend and her career and educational opportunities are minimal. I imagine Lemoore, CA isn't quite the hot bed of education we all imagine it to be. Phrog's advice is sound. One of you is going to have to have the priority career. Unfortunately, the Navy has the ability to tell you that you're the priority and she can come along if she likes.
That said, it's not all doom and gloom. My wife managed to get her pharmacy doctorate while I was in the RAG and on sea duty. She to the University of Florida with the expectation that if I got sent to a Jax or Maine squadron we would be finishing my sea tour in Jacksonville. Low and behold, I got sent to Maine so she stayed in Jacksonville and I geo-batched. Living apart for the better part of a year sucked but it wasn't that bad. She happened to finish pharmacy school about the time I rolled to shore duty in Pensacola. Another buddy of mine from my fleet squadron lived apart from his wife for the entire 3 years it took her to get through law school. I don't really know how they managed that but they did.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that getting an advanced/professional degree for your girlfriend isn't impossible but it may take some luck and a willingness to possibly spend some time apart. After that she has to be willing to accept that she probably isn't going to be able to work when/where she likes for as long as she wants.
Spekkio
He bowls overhand.
And this is where we go full circle and go back to E6B's advice...
Getting a graduate degree is hard. Going through flight school is hard. When my mother went through graduate school, there was a high divorce rate. Perhaps it was for the better that you geo-bached just because you wouldn't have that added stress -- geography already separated you two, so you each could focus more on your professional development.
A former XO of mine got sent to SCC in HI. His family is in CT. He was actually grateful for it because it's an intensive course and the pull of wanting to go home (and accompanying domestic disagreements) wouldn't be there.
So as E6B said, perhaps it's better for you to get your feet wet and her to get her graduate degree before getting married and deciding to live together. That way, you won't be distracted by expectations that neither of you can meet.
phrogpilot73
Well-Known Member
FWIW - I had Veteran's 5 point and Spouse PCS preferences when I applied to my current position. Because of the unique qualfications my job required (former FAC/JTAC, former JTACI, NSI or WTI) there were exactly two dudes who applied for it. Me and a guy who was already a GS-13. The guy who was a GS-13 wasn't willing to take the pay cut (I'm a GS-12), so I got the job. The hiring preferences really only come into play if there are multiple applications, and unless you're a disabled vet (10 point), they really don't do anything.
And here's a dirty little secret about the GS world that I found out: A good portion of the jobs listed on USAjobs, etc already have their candidate selected, and are merely going through the legally required wickets to hire them. Not because it's insider trading or shadiness, but because the minute the position gets funded - the hiring manager wants to start interviewing potential candidates. DoD HR moves at such a glacial pace that by the time it hits the website, they've figured out who they want to hire. Case in point - I interviewed in October, the job posting didn't hit the website until February, and I didn't start until May.
mtaylor
Meatgazer
I had started the other thread about my girlfriend being in law school and how military life (aviation in particular) would affect her work.
There were some great responses but even more helpful insights here!
If she were to go to law school while you are in the military, but not actually having a job in law until years later, that poses some problems. She would pass the bar in whichever state she graduated, then through every move she would worry about reciprocity between states. Which you already know about.
Additionally, an often overlooked difficulty are the yearly classes that lawyers/JD-holders have to take to stay up to speed and certified. These classes have a significant cost and would be a complete waste of money if she isn't even working at a job that uses her JD.
It would be a very large expense to go to law school, pass the bar, move with you, work some entry level job somewhere, and all the while trying to pay off student loans from law school AND stay fully qualified to practice law whenever the opportunity arises years later.
Just so more information to think about. My girlfriend will luckily also be getting her MBA at the same time as her JD, so that opens some other doors for her, but the issue still stands of moving often.
I am still waiting to hear back from the board about my Pilot/NFO/SWO selection, but I am considering just taking the SWO spot (if I get it) even if I get Pilot or NFO. While I would love to fly, I want to be an Officer first and foremost, so the shorter time commitment as a SWO still lets me pursue my dream but puts less pressure on our relationship. She is more okay with me being gone for long deployments as a SWO but being done in 4 years than she is with me being a Pilot and in for 10 years.
Additionally, I don't know your girlfriend's personality. But sometimes with girls who are in school for professional programs and jobs aren't always the type to let their career goals and aspirations and dreams take a back seat to yours/mine goals.
Its not that they are uncaring and selfish, but they are driven and aren't necessarily the stereotypical wife who just wants to make their man happy and cook/clean all day at home.
My girlfriend supports me and what I want to do, and we plan on getting married eventually, but I do have to realize that it is not just me who is joining the Navy, we both are, so I have to be aware of how that affects her.
Just some info, for whatever its worth, because we are in a similar situation!
There were some great responses but even more helpful insights here!
If she were to go to law school while you are in the military, but not actually having a job in law until years later, that poses some problems. She would pass the bar in whichever state she graduated, then through every move she would worry about reciprocity between states. Which you already know about.
Additionally, an often overlooked difficulty are the yearly classes that lawyers/JD-holders have to take to stay up to speed and certified. These classes have a significant cost and would be a complete waste of money if she isn't even working at a job that uses her JD.
It would be a very large expense to go to law school, pass the bar, move with you, work some entry level job somewhere, and all the while trying to pay off student loans from law school AND stay fully qualified to practice law whenever the opportunity arises years later.
Just so more information to think about. My girlfriend will luckily also be getting her MBA at the same time as her JD, so that opens some other doors for her, but the issue still stands of moving often.
I am still waiting to hear back from the board about my Pilot/NFO/SWO selection, but I am considering just taking the SWO spot (if I get it) even if I get Pilot or NFO. While I would love to fly, I want to be an Officer first and foremost, so the shorter time commitment as a SWO still lets me pursue my dream but puts less pressure on our relationship. She is more okay with me being gone for long deployments as a SWO but being done in 4 years than she is with me being a Pilot and in for 10 years.
Additionally, I don't know your girlfriend's personality. But sometimes with girls who are in school for professional programs and jobs aren't always the type to let their career goals and aspirations and dreams take a back seat to yours/mine goals.
Its not that they are uncaring and selfish, but they are driven and aren't necessarily the stereotypical wife who just wants to make their man happy and cook/clean all day at home.
My girlfriend supports me and what I want to do, and we plan on getting married eventually, but I do have to realize that it is not just me who is joining the Navy, we both are, so I have to be aware of how that affects her.
Just some info, for whatever its worth, because we are in a similar situation!
There was an issue of Military Spouse laying around the NOSC a couple of drill weekends ago that had their top 10 military spouse friendly careers. I forget most of them but I do remember the number one was Hospitality Management because my fiancé is getting her degree in Hospitality Management. If I can find it next weekend I'll try to post their other 9.
For those asking about law and spouses.......my wife told me today that last week North Carolina now allows military spouses to practice law without having to retake the bar. The active duty individual must be stationed/permanent party in the state. They will waive the requirements and allow for licensing/practice (providing the bar has been taken and passed elsewhere). Once you PCS, your licensing expires (the day you leave the state).
That is good news for those in or going to North Carolina!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
That is good news for those in or going to North Carolina!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
christopher martin
New Member
My wife is working from home. She has done certification in medical transcription. So this can also be a good option.
USSMaximus
Well-Known Member
What about if your girlfriend wants a job in finance? How well could that work if I get picked up for SWO?
It depends on what kind of job and how flexible she is willing to be. I Banker? Probably not too well. Bank teller? Just fine, maybe even overseas.
It's not rocket science though, really. If it is a field where jobs are located everywhere, it is easier. If is is a field where you aren't expected to get a job at one company/firm and work your way up, it is easier. If it is a job that doesn't require state licensure of any kind, it is easier. Dolphin trainer (highly specific and only in a few places) is going o be more difficult than accountant. Something very focused in on geographic area is not going to work as well as Human Resources, which is everywhere.
But truthfully, if she's not prepared to sacrifice her career, big time, it *could* be extremely problematic. It could also not be. We were in San Diego for 9 years straight. That was magical, careerwise. If you did that and got out, her career potential would be no different than anyone else's. Now we will do 8 years overseas. That has been and will continue to be brutal. It's all but impossible to work professionally. (Beyond teaching English, child care on base, or maybe a job at the food court, there is basically nothing). It blows. It's been pretty difficult for me, truthfully. But everyone makes sacrifices in all things. This is one of mine, and it's what I need to do to keep what I want even more than a career, which is my relationship.
Since she's still a girlfriend (and you maybe haven't been selected yet?), however, all this is probably a bit premature.
It's not rocket science though, really. If it is a field where jobs are located everywhere, it is easier. If is is a field where you aren't expected to get a job at one company/firm and work your way up, it is easier. If it is a job that doesn't require state licensure of any kind, it is easier. Dolphin trainer (highly specific and only in a few places) is going o be more difficult than accountant. Something very focused in on geographic area is not going to work as well as Human Resources, which is everywhere.
But truthfully, if she's not prepared to sacrifice her career, big time, it *could* be extremely problematic. It could also not be. We were in San Diego for 9 years straight. That was magical, careerwise. If you did that and got out, her career potential would be no different than anyone else's. Now we will do 8 years overseas. That has been and will continue to be brutal. It's all but impossible to work professionally. (Beyond teaching English, child care on base, or maybe a job at the food court, there is basically nothing). It blows. It's been pretty difficult for me, truthfully. But everyone makes sacrifices in all things. This is one of mine, and it's what I need to do to keep what I want even more than a career, which is my relationship.
Since she's still a girlfriend (and you maybe haven't been selected yet?), however, all this is probably a bit premature.
I'd say that such a personality isn't necessarily a show stopper. My wife (GF at the time) went through grad school when I was in flight school. She is very career oriented and driven, and while she has accepted that my job puts us in strange places that aren't the most ideal for her, her career has actually grown over the years (in Socal, VA, and now in NV). Does she get resentful at having to sacrifice some career potential for mine at times? Absolutely, but with a smart girl who is motivated, this job isn't always the end of the world for their career. Granted if I had ended up doing tours in Meridian/Kingsville/Pcola, I might not have been singing the same song. Some luck of the draw involved. But two careers can happen, and I personally want a woman around who has career goals and aspirations, and keeping her busy was a really important part of surviving deployment and long hours at work back home. If you aren't around, she needs to have things to keep her mind off going bananas over the shirt you left unfolded on the top of the dresser or any other number of household annoyances of our fantastic ladies.
In the fleet concentration areas (Norfolk, San Diego) there are a few small offices of well known banking/finance firms. As far as I can tell, they concentrate on private wealth management. Not so much in the more remote/less urban Navy locations. One banking exec I talked to said that he is wary of new hires coming from the military and also military spouses because he is afraid he will only have them for a year or 2 before they move away or get pregnant if they are female. And this guy went to West Point. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Just a data point, not meant to discourage your significant other.