First Guest Blogger: Post Military Employment

 Hello, all my fellow readers! I realize that I have been slacking in my blogging lately and I do apologize. I had been looking for a way to revamp my blog and get back into writing about my adventures, trials, and memories when it comes to life as a military spouse. A few weeks ago, Emma Banks contacted me and offered to collaborate and write a post for my blog regarding finding work once our service members retire from the military. I was elated! What a perfect time to bring in a guest blogger! I am very excited to share Emma's article and I invite all of you to have a read! Emma's bio and link to her own blog are shown at the bottom. I hope you find this article as interesting and helpful as I did. Thank you, Emma!

And stay tuned for my upcoming blog regarding me and Justin's first deployment experience!

Overcoming Barriers to Finding Post-Military Employment

With overseas conflicts coming to an end, the US military drawdown is expected to release approximately 80,000 service members back into the civilian population through discharge or retirement. While the economy is recovering, jobs are still scarce and competition can be intense for the few open positions. The process can feel challenging, but I believe our servicemen and women deserve the opportunity to pursue their dream careers. To help you from becoming overwhelmed, here are some myths about post-military job searching and why they aren't true:

Myth: My military skills won't translate to civilian employment.

Truth: While combat skills are rarely needed in civilian life, think of the underlying characteristics that enabled you to survive in that environment. Employers are always hungry for candidates that can function under stress, follow detailed instructions, be both a leader and follower, and react quickly to changes. It's not necessarily about finding a direct match for your skills, but finding a way to apply your skills to the task at hand!

Myth: It’s much too difficult and frustrating to apply for jobs.

Truth: One of my first pieces of advice is to remain calm when applying for jobs. The process used to be time-consuming and difficult but nowadays, almost all employers post openings online and use the Internet for at least part of their hiring process. Some companies have even started to partner with mobile recruiting services, like JIBE, that allow you to upload job-related documents right from your smartphone.

Myth: Once I leave the military, I leave my support system behind.

Truth: There are many programs to assist veterans with the transition to civilian life, including post-military careers. Websites such as Hire Heroes are dedicated to connecting veterans with employers who desire the special skills and talents our servicemen and women bring to the table. These programs are often run and guided by fellow veterans who have "been there and done that."

Myth: Older candidates are at a disadvantage

Truth: According to a US News and World Report, this is simply not true. Many companies prefer to hire seasoned candidates who bring with them proven work ethic, reasonable workplace expectations, and a level of maturity often lacking in job-seekers that are fresh from college. So if you’re retiring from the military after a long-term commitment, keep in mind that you have many of the desirable qualities that employers and looking for.

Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network with people from around the world! Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/ ! 

 

The Other Side of an LDR

I feel when it comes to military relationships, all you hear about is the long distance relationship between the couple. Whether it is due to a deployment, or living in separate states due to training/education reasons, I think we can all agree that the Long Distance Relationship (LDR) is the primary focus when people think and talk about military relationships.

But what about the other side of the LDR? The one you don't hear about as often? I'm talking about the long distance relationship between you and friends and family.

This move (my third since I got married less than two years ago) has been different for me. There have been many great and new revelations for me (which I will write about in other posts), but for now the excitement is gone. The newness wears off quicker. And overall I'm more exhausted by it than anything else. The job search, the starting over, meeting new people, making new friends...

Don't get me wrong. I love meeting new people and making new friends. However, I'm also one of those people who likes to keep my friendships. Not cast them away just because distance is a factor. But unfortunately for me, that can be very difficult and I honestly do not think everyone else sees it the same way.

Back in my single days, one of my bigger downfalls was that I did not want to give up on a potential relationship. I would try so hard to make it work, when it clearly was not going to work, and ultimately hurt myself and make a fool of myself in the process. I thought this only applied to potential romantic relationships. However, I've come to find out that this applies to friendships as well.

Any relationship is a two-way street. Whether it is a marriage, friendship, relationship with co-workers, etc. There needs to be balance. There needs to be communication. Both parties need to try. I am all for keeping in touch with my friends and family, but what happens when the said relationship becomes unbalanced? When you feel as if you are the only one who cares and tries in the relationship. Do you try harder? Try less? Ignore it? Give up completely? There is no right or wrong answer, but the conundrum does bother me. And for the record, I don't like giving up.

So what's a girl to do? I let this problem bother me so much it was stressing me out more than it really needed to, in my opinion. My temporary solution is to no longer bother myself with it. If no one else is stressing about it, good grief why should I? It is a weird thing for me to process. Not caring. This is far from a permanent solution, but it's all I've got.

In the meantime, I'll focus on my balanced relationships and put a solid effort into it. Living so far away from everybody else, I've found that cards can do a lot of good. Random texts and yes, even a weekly phone call help me to feel so much closer to those that I love even though the distance is so great. I have been lucky enough to figure out what works for me and other individuals. The others will work it's way out in due course, but I know now that I can't make it.

So, when life gets in the way, what do you do to keep your LDR strong?

My Furry Friend

I had been lacking blogging inspiration lately, so I went to my Twitter followers to bounce ideas off of one another for blog posts. The first overwhelming response was, "Your puppy!" Shout out to Emily (@USAFWifeEmily) and Alyssa (@ThatFabNavyWife) for the idea! Oh, and P.S., if you are on Twitter, follow these ladies!!

So, without further ado, I introduce: India!

Isn't she just the cutest pup you've ever seen?

 

 

 

I adopted India from the ASPCA in August 2007 (adopt, don't shop!). Getting a dog in college was probably not the smartest idea, but I'm glad I made the decision, nonetheless. Along with being a giant pain in my behind, India has also provided me with wonderful companionship. That's the beauty of dogs, they love you no matter what and think you are just the greatest thing since the sandwich.

Oh how I love it when her lips get caught!

 In preparation for this post, I spent some time reflecting on the last 5 years of me and India's relationship. If you think this next part is corny, I really don't care...I've realized how much we have both changed over the years. When I first got India, I was a partying, irresponsible, and selfish college student. She peed wherever she wanted, chewed holes in doors, and dug around in the trash. Now, I'm a married, responsible, and overall a better human being. She is a lazy old dog, pees outside, and no longer chews holes in anything. While we have both grown up, we have always had each other. She is my buddy. She is my constant.

One of her favorite pastimes, sleeping.

 Now here we are, living the military life. And I'll tell you what, I could not be more thankful that I decided to adopt ol' India Dog. There are many a lonely night (and day) that come along with being a military spouse. I can't imagine how much worse it would be if I didn't have my dog. When Justin is gone, just knowing there is another living thing hanging out with me makes me feel not so lonely. Do we have a lot of one sided conversations when I have spent a considerable amount of time by myself? Sure. But her presence makes all the difference for me some days.

India and Justin having one of their many stare downs.

 Sometimes I think India is a dog only a mother can love. She's stubborn to boot, is an overeater, and if she can dig out of a yard to follow a good scent, by goodness she will! On the other hand, she is a sweetheart. She has never even acted like she would bite anybody, doesn't bark, and is nice enough to wait for you to wake up before requesting to go outside. Justin and India do butt heads (apparently she steps on his feet on purpose and she doesn't like it when he gets too close to me), but I like to think they are on their way to sorting out their differences. :)

Their New Years resolution is to get along!

 All in all, India is a blessing. And a wonderful part of our tiny family (can't forget Sir Swimsalot!). Rest assured I will continue to flood all social media sites with her face.

Sweet girl :)