5 Best Careers for Military Spouses | Education & Tips

Multiple military education programs help active-duty service members attend school or start a career path to transition to civilian life. However, those who married military service members often need to pursue careers to support themselves or their children while their spouses serve.

Their job search might be limited due to the constraints of full-time living near or on military bases; they may also need to care for children as they work, which can further limit their options or may require career change training. Education and career opportunities are available for military spouses to help them find remote work and other job opportunities.

Top Military Spouse Jobs

Many of the best military spouse employment opportunities are remote jobs that can be worked anywhere. Military life is sometimes unpredictable. Remote employment allows military spouses to continue working around deployment schedules, base relocation, and more.

1. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant covers administrative duties to support an executive or a business team. These roles are generally fully remote and allow entry-level workers to work in an office administrative role, but the position sometimes includes additional roles. Some virtual assistants are also responsible for communications work and even social media, like creating posts and responding to comments.

There isn't a single set of responsibilities for all virtual assistants as the role will change from company to company. Most roles won't require special schooling, but by pursuing online certification programs you can improve certain skills that will make you a more qualified candidate.

2. Freelance Writer

Some companies hire writing teams, while others use freelance writers to write content. These companies offer work to freelance workers on a contract basis. This type of scheduling allows them to complete their assignments around things like child care or even another part-time job.

One big advantage of freelance writing work is access to employment opportunities in multiple industries. If you have work experience in a certain field, you probably can find freelance writing opportunities covering that area. There are free certificate programs that can teach the basics of copywriting and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices to help you improve your writing abilities.

3. Graphic Designer

Graphic design is a career path with applications in everything from marketing to web development. Graphic designers work with programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create graphics like logos and infographics. Their skills are also used to design everything from book covers to corporate newsletters.

Multiple online programs can teach you how to use the most common graphic design programs, but you might have to invest in software to practice using them. Graphic designers should also study some of the related skills to design by taking basic programming courses or studying web development.

4. Web Developer

Web developers are responsible for building and maintaining websites. There are two main types of web developers: front-end and back-end. Front-end developers work on the visual aspects of a website, such as graphic design and user experience. Back-end development is more technical since it involves coding and website structural maintenance.

Some of the most prestigious tech companies, like IBM and Meta, have web development certificates that can help you meet eligibility requirements for development jobs. These certificate programs can help you earn some entry-level jobs, but you might need to pursue a web design or online computer science degree to advance your career.

5. Online Teacher

Schooling has evolved beyond classroom walls. Online teachers provide education through virtual classrooms and other online platforms. These systems can enable homeschooling for civilian kids, but they are of particular advantage for military families.

Online teaching has many of the same education requirements as in-person teaching, such as a bachelor's degree. Education degrees are common, with a minor concentration on a desired subject. Some online teachers pursue certificates to specialize in single subjects or diversify their skill set.

Tips for Military Spouses Starting a New Career

Military spouses might not serve in the same way as their spouses, but their lives are impacted greatly by military service. Many of these spouses must change careers or maybe a career path for the first time based on their family's needs. Whether you're a long-time military spouse looking to change or a new military spouse trying to figure things out, there are several tips to help you find direction.

Assess Your Skills and Interests

Starting any career path, even for non-military spouses, should always start with assessing your skills and interests. Figuring out what you're already good at and what interests you can help you narrow down careers.

Do you like telling brand stories that relate to consumers? Freelance copywriting might be the right choice for you. Are you passionate about teaching, but can't work in a single school district? Then you should consider online teaching. Some degree programs allow you to use CLEP testing to test out of certain courses with previous experience and knowledge. Make sure you capitalize on your interests and passions.

Leverage Military Support Resources

There are many programs to support military members, but there are also programs for military spouses. The Department of Defense (DoD) offers programs to help spouses find programs to prepare for new careers.

Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership program is a job search tailored to military spouses. This search highlights companies and opportunities for spouses, including remote and in-person jobs. Spouses can set criteria in their search including location, type of job, and more.

Career Counseling

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) is a DoD program that provides career counseling to military spouses. SECO connects military spouses with counselors who help with resumes, job searches, and other aspects of advancing or changing your career.

Tap Into Military Networks

Military networks often include resources for spouses as well as service members. These networks are full of people who understand what it's like to live the life of a military spouse. Networking might not be a formal part of the job search, but you might find resources and meet people you wouldn't have without these connections.

Look for Remote Jobs

Military life is unpredictable at times, and remote work often gives spouses the best chance to work and take care of their families. Job searching sites have filters that allow you to find exclusively remote jobs. If these civilian searches aren't working, make sure you use MSEP's search to find remote work.

Build a Support System

Military members benefit from an expansive support network, extending beyond their branch. Military family members should build a support network including the civilian and military communities. This can help you find career opportunities and provide resources between careers.

Use Educational Benefits for Military Spouses

The DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offer educational benefits to service members, but some of these benefits can be used by their family members as well. There are resources, such as Military OneSource, that can help you navigate these benefits.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) grants access to scholarships that can be used to attend degree programs and qualifying certification programs. Spouses can receive up to $4,000 yearly to start or change their career path.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational benefits to active duty service members and veterans, but these benefits can be transferred to eligible dependents, such as spouses. If you leave the service after January 1, 2013, there is no time limit on when you can use your spouse's Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Scholarships for Military Spouses

The MyCAA scholarship is just one scholarship program for military spouses. Military spouses can qualify for many scholarships, but there are multiple programs designed specifically for military spouses. Use military resources like MilitaryOneSource to find and apply for these scholarships.