Discussions about military spouses pursuing a higher education career have gained sizable traction in recent years. Many of these individuals are committed to building successful careers in higher education while supporting their military partners. Military spouses’ career journeys bring their own unique challenges and experiences, yet it’s inspiring to see how they skillfully balance their professional goals with military life. Their resilience and determination are truly admirable, and they are making notable progress in their fields.

Military spouses show great resilience and adaptability as they handle challenges like frequent moves and the demands of military life while also pursuing their personal and professional goals. Understanding some of their motivations, goals, and the factors that influence their decisions as the lessons they learn can also help others in similar situations. By sharing their experiences, we can appreciate the vital role military families play in higher education, recognizing both their challenges and the positive impact they can have in this community. I had the pleasure of sitting down with two military spouses currently working in higher education supporting their active-duty spouses.

Alyssa Baldwin: How do you balance professional responsibilities with the demands of being part of a military family?

Stevensa Warner: My professional responsibilities with the demands of being part of a military family requires a strong focus on self-care. It is often taught that military spouses should sacrifice everything they are in order to support their service members, who themselves make significant sacrifices for our great nation. However, I believe this perspective is misguided.

To effectively fulfill our roles as prominent members of a military family, we must prioritize our own well-being. This may mean taking advantage of the resources available to us. When we are at our best, we can better serve our families and communities. This realization has instilled in me a sense of pride in my professional responsibilities, while still allowing me to manage my commitments to my military family. I make sure to take breaks from both my work and family obligations, prioritize self-care, and remember that every small detail contributes to a greater good.

Baldwin: What challenges have you faced in your career due to the military lifestyle? 

Warner: One of the biggest challenges I've faced in my career due to the military lifestyle is the fear of being honest about my husband's service. We are often told that companies are military-friendly and that, as a spouse, we are protected from discrimination in the job market. However, I have witnessed organizations turning me down for positions that I am clearly qualified for simply because they anticipate losing a good candidate in a few years when we receive orders to move. It's a win-lose situation. As a result, I have sometimes felt the need to exaggerate the length of our stay. I would say things like, "Oh, we're stationed here for the next few years," or "We just bought our first house, and this is now home to us," even if that wasn't entirely true. I found myself walking on eggshells at work, apprehensive about discussing upcoming deployments or changes to our PCS date.

Baldwin: What resources or support systems have you found helpful as a military spouse in academia? 

Bess Winters [Pseudonym]: MyCAA funded my Professional PMP course through the Project Management Institute. There are numerous other courses available that can help spouses earn credentials for various careers. 

Baldwin: Have you noticed any unique perspectives or skills that military spouses bring to the academic environment? 

Winters: They possess strong flexibility and adaptability, demonstrating dependability in all situations. Military spouses excel both independently and as a collaborative team members, effectively solving problems, conducting thorough research, and resolving conflicts with confidence due to their experiences.

Baldwin: What challenges have you faced in your career due to the military lifestyle? 

Winters: I have faced limitations in my job search because I may not have the flexibility to relocate to a different location for a new position. This is primarily due to my spouse being unable to move with me at this time. The situation creates a challenging dynamic, as I'm motivated to explore new career opportunities, but I must also consider the impact of any potential moves on our family situation.

Baldwin: How do you engage with the wider military community through your work in higher education? 

Winters: My only interactions with military-affiliated individuals have primarily been with active-duty students or those who have active-duty spouses. I do my best to assist these students by providing resources I know of and offering flexibility with scheduling and adjustments, given the ongoing changes in their lives.

Baldwin: What role do you think higher education plays in supporting military families? 

Winters: Pursuing a career in higher education can help many individuals secure better-paying jobs, both nationally and as contractors overseas. This is beneficial for military families, as it provides them with the opportunity for greater financial stability without depending on a single income. 

Article Topics

Job Search Advice Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd

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