Juggling Military Spouse Employment & Family Life: 5 Tips

Finding a steady equilibrium between work and home life isn’t always easy for military spouses. Plans tend to change quickly, and when you add kids and a full-time job to the equation, it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed.

Luckily, there are several simple ways to make juggling a job and family responsibilities a little less challenging. Here are five tips that can help you strike a balance between your career and everything else going on in your life as a military spouse.

1. Create a Schedule

Try sticking to a predictable daily routine to maximize your productivity and efficiency. Life as a military spouse involves a lot of moving parts that have to fit together harmoniously – being prepared is the best way to stay on top of all the details. It may help to plan your week out in advance, hour by hour, until you have a solid schedule.

2. Reach Out for Help

Doing everything on your own isn’t just tiring, it can be next to impossible. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for support when you need it. Other military spouses, extended family and close friends may have some helpful advice about balancing work and family that can make your life a little easier.

3. Consider a More Flexible Career

Think about branching out into a new high-demand career path that better accommodates military spouse employment. With MedCerts, you can take online courses in your spare time to earn certifications in a wide range of occupations – you could work toward becoming an Apprentice Medical Scribe Professional, Certified EKG Technician, or Registered Dental Assistant, just to name a few examples.

Best of all, our programs qualify for grant funding from the My Career Advancement Account ( MyCAA). MyCAA can help you with the financial resources you need to jumpstart your career and offers $4000, in increments up to $2,000 each fiscal year, toward your training – covering the entire cost of some MedCerts programs.

4. Put Aside Time for Yourself

It may often be the last thing on your mind, but make a point to put a few hours aside each week to relax and regroup. Taking periodic breaks throughout the week will help you stay centered and free of stress as you navigate your work and family obligations. When things get a little hectic, take a walk around the neighborhood or visit a local gym for a quick workout.

5. Stay Positive

For military spouses, maintaining a positive outlook is critical for balancing work with kids and marriage. Cultivating a hopeful and confident attitude is the single best way to keep all of your responsibilities in perspective.

If you start feeling uneasy about trying to juggle your career ambitions with family matters, take a few moments to consider how your job will contribute to a better future for yourself and your family. If you catch yourself feeling discouraged or uncertain, take a deep breath and remind yourself of your long-term objectives.

By following these simple tips, you can build a successful career without sacrificing your role as a loving parent and devoted military spouse. Remember to take things day by day until you find the right balance of work and family that works for your busy lifestyle. Given time, you’ll discover new ways to create harmony between your job, the kids and everything in between.