Navigating Careers, Up-skilling, and Flexibility

Navigating a Career as a Military Spouse: Tips, Advice & A Few Laughs

Welcome back to Pad Wives Assemble! This episode was all about navigating a career as a military spouse—something so many of us struggle with. Between constant relocations, job-hopping, and trying to explain our unique situation to employers, it’s no easy feat. But don’t worry, we’ve got some solid advice, a few relatable stories, and, as always, a bit of chaos.

The Reality of a ‘Choppy’ CV (And Why It’s Not a Bad Thing)

One of the biggest struggles military spouses face is having a CV that looks, well… all over the place. When you move every two to three years, it’s inevitable that your job history will reflect that. And while some employers might see it as a red flag, the workplace is evolving, and so should we!

“Employers are adapting. Contracting and freelancing are more normal now, so don’t be afraid to own your career journey.”

The key is to reframe your experience. Instead of seeing it as inconsistency, highlight adaptability, resilience, and the ability to thrive in new environments. Be transparent—explain that moving is part of your lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you’re not committed to your work.

Also, check out employers that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. These companies understand military life and are often more flexible when it comes to remote work or role transfers.

Interviewing: Remember, You’re Interviewing Them Too!

One of the best pieces of advice from this episode? You are interviewing the employer just as much as they are interviewing you.

“You spend more time at work than at home—make sure it’s a company whose values align with yours.”

When prepping for an interview, don’t just focus on answering their questions—have a few of your own ready:

What are the company’s plans for the next five years, and how does this role fit into them?
What opportunities are there for progression or upskilling?
Does the company support military families (e.g., flexible working, remote options)?

Pro tip: Research the company! Knowing their history, values, and projects makes you stand out and shows genuine interest.

Using Your Life Skills as Your Unique Selling Point

If you’ve had gaps in employment or switched industries, don’t panic. Think about the transferable skills you’ve gained from military life:

Adaptability: Moving frequently and adjusting to new environments
Time Management: Juggling schedules, paperwork, and relocations
Problem-Solving: Handling unexpected situations with ease
Resilience: Managing the emotional and logistical challenges of military life

These are all highly desirable skills in any workplace. Don’t underestimate your experience just because it didn’t come from a traditional career path.

“A military spouse can organise an entire house move in two weeks, transfer medical records, find schools, and set up a new home—all while job hunting. That’s elite project management right there!”

Upskilling & Free Training Opportunities

If you’re in between jobs or want to shift careers, upskilling is a great option. There are tons of free courses available for military spouses, including ones offered by BFBS, which funds courses for both serving personnel and their families.

Other resources include:

Microsoft Office free courses (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Online certifications in HR, marketing, tech, and more
Volunteer roles to gain experience and build a network

Keeping the Motivation (Even When It Feels Impossible)

Let’s be honest: job searching while constantly moving is draining. It’s easy to feel discouraged, especially when sacrifices feel one-sided. A key takeaway from this episode? Celebrate the small wins.

“If you didn’t get the job, don’t just focus on the rejection—celebrate the fact that you got an interview! That means your CV and application worked.”

Also, always ask for feedback after an interview. Employers might not always offer it upfront, but a simple follow-up email asking what you did well and where you can improve will help you prepare for the next one.

Final Thoughts

Finding and maintaining a career as a military spouse is tough, but it’s not impossible. By shifting your mindset, using your unique skills, and staying proactive in your job search, you’ll find something that works for you.

And remember, you’re not alone! If you ever need advice, support, or just someone to rant to, our Pad Wives Assemble community is here for you.

Got more questions? Send us a DM, email, or drop by our Facebook group. We’ve got you! 💙

✨ P.S. Shoutout to everyone who helped us raise £1,000 for Scotties this year—what an achievement! And if you haven’t already, go check out our YouTube vlog of the charity hike (featuring a lot of moaning and questionable decision-making).

Don’t miss any episodes by listening on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch all the action on our YouTube too!