What Is Permanent Change of Station (PCS)?
A permanent change of station, or PCS, is a transfer to a new duty station. Unlike temporary duty postings, a PCS is a long-term assignment that usually lasts between two and four years.
Depending on your spouse’s orders, you may be posted inside the continental United States, known as CONUS, or outside the continental United States, called OCONUS. An OCONUS transfer includes Hawaii, Alaska, and other U.S. territories overseas.
How Often Do Military Families Move?
Military families move to a new station about every three years. This means more than 400,000 service members make a permanent change of station each year.
How to Manage Your Career During a PCS
Moving to a new location and a new employer can be stressful, but organization and planning can make the process easier.
Research Your New Station
Sometimes knowing your options can ease the stress of the unknown. A good first step is to research your new base and learn about the local amenities, your housing options, and the types of workplaces available. Get your housing settled and your move scheduled as soon as possible.
Transfer Your Licenses
Next, prepare to work in your new location. If your job requires a license, you’ll need to transfer your credentials and your licenses with the local state authority. You can also apply for reimbursement of up to $1000 toward these relicensing fees under the military spouse license reimbursement benefit.
Access Military Spouse Career Support
Then start looking for a new position. If you have a license, your local governing body may have a members’ section for job openings.
You can also check the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), which connects employers with military spouses. Look for jobs that need to be filled immediately. These can be great temporary work options to gain experience, build your savings, or simply help you earn income.
Get Certified With Portable Career Skills
A portable career is a job you can do from one location to the next. These often require specific in-demand skills, like medical assistant, cloud technology specialist, or pharmacy technician.
Updating your training or taking a certificate course in a portable career can help you gain more job flexibility. MedCerts offers MyCAA Approved programs Check to see if you’re eligible.
Consider Remote Work
Since the pandemic, employers are more open to remote work than ever. If you have a job you can do remotely, talk to your current employer and ask about switching to a remote role.
You can also search for a new remote position. Some jobs, like medical billing, can be done from a home office and are in high demand.
Finding a new position and managing your career can take time. However, alternative work options and training can help you find the right position in your new home.
