Military Spouses Can Have an Edge in the Marketplace

The following are highlights of the changes in the employment forecast that may benefit military spouses:

Lowest unemployment in 26 years – Currently employers are challenged to meet staffing needs in a high technology, service-oriented economy. The demand for motivated, qualified personnel has outstripped supply. Without new sources of talent – like that offered by military spouses - growth, productivity and profits can be threatened.

Lifelong employees need not apply – Many employees today take advantage of the strong economy and change jobs in response to greater compensation, better quality of life, more flexibility, or professional advancement. Tenure is almost a thing of the past. Outside recruiting by companies is the norm. This is an open door for military spouses.

Flexible staffing is key – Employers need to attract dedicated, highly skilled people, but the company’s survival often depends on quick and decisive productivity. Maintaining that kind of labor force requires flexibility and that flexibility comes at a price – commissions on top of salaries, and an unstable workforce. Military spouses can fit well into this scheme and make good money as temporary or project-oriented employees.

Today's military spouses are a viable solution to the shortage of dedicated, high-quality employees necessary in a volatile economy. While often overlooked in the past military spouses are proving their advantage as they combine talent, training, and unique skills honed by the rigors of military family life. This might be the best time to press the advantage of being "married to the military" and secure quality work.

Here are a few benefits that military spouses bring to the employment arena:

• Educated, highly-skilled, and trained in a variety of disciplines
• Change agents because of their diversity and applicable experience
• Full of a fresh perspective and new energy
• Goal-oriented and strive for immediate results
• Loyal.  Will act in the best interests of the organization
• Tend to be more stable than their counterparts
• Able to take advantage of free and low-cost career and training resources on base

• The Military Spouse Career Center
• The Military Family Institute.
• Lifelines For Quality of Life
• DoD Military Assistance Program.

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