5 Job Opportunities Perfect for Military Spouses

The military life is a moving life.

For spouses, it can feel challenging to secure a job you love when you have to move so often. Thankfully, there's something called a portable career that more military spouses are taking advantage of these days.

What is a portable career?

One you can take with you anywhere you go that can easily start and stop due to military transitions. Think hairdressing, massage therapy, medical assisting, medical billing, and similar careers.

When your life and living situation can change in an instant, it's nice to know you have a reliable career that can go anywhere with you.

Here’s a look at 5 portable careers for military spouses:

1. Phlebotomy Technician

Every day, people need their blood drawn. Whether they're a patient in a hospital or donating their blood, it’s a task that requires an expert. If you have a calm demeanor and love working with others, you can find phlebotomy jobs in hospitals, blood banks, or doctors’ offices near your base.

Why it’s a great fit: Over the next 10 years, Phlebotomy is expected to grow by 24.3%. Getting into a popular field that needs your expertise can help you land jobs faster at each new duty station.

2. Pharmacy Technician Specialist

Most people need medicine at some point in their lives. Pharmacy technicians help them get that medicine in a timely manner. If you’re potentially considering going to pharmacy school, this is a great stepping stone into the field.

Why it’s a great fit: Most bases have an onsite pharmacy that needs to be staffed with qualified individuals. Take a quick look at your new town and you're likely to also find retail pharmacies on quite a few street corners, making work easy to find.

3. Virtual Assistant

If you want to work on your own terms and with a variety of clients, virtual assisting may be for you. As a virtual assistant you might do research, update a website, maintain a social media page, and other miscellaneous tasks entrepreneurs need. You can find work on your own or get hired through virtual assisting platforms that hire individuals.

Why it’s a great fit: If you have a computer and an internet connection, you can work from anywhere. Plus, you get to make your own schedule!

4. IT Security Specialist

If you're always up for a good challenge, a job in IT will keep you busy and mentally stimulated. Most businesses have expensive and extensive IT security systems that need to be maintained. Keeping data protected is a big part of this job, especially in healthcare settings. If you want to be a technical superhero, the IT field is where you can use your technical abilities for good.

Why it’s a great fit: Every industry needs a good IT security specialist. All companies have technology that needs to be protected by experts who know how to quickly tackle intrusions on private networks. No matter where you’re stationed, you’ll find a company that needs IT help daily.

5. Professional Photographer

If you love taking pictures, why not consider becoming a photographer for military families? All you need is a reliable digital camera and some basic technical knowledge on how to use it. You can easily take a class at a local community college or even online. Military families always need a good photographer on hand for homecomings, births, weddings, and other big life events.

Why it’s a great fit: You need very little equipment to get started, and it’s all lightweight and easy to PCS with wherever you go!

Find the Support You Need

Portable careers for military spouses are everywhere. You just have to know how to best use your talents in a field that interests you.

For some active-duty spouses, you may be eligible for My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) funding to go back to school. This covers up to $4,000, in $2,000 increments per fiscal year, of financial assistance for spouses to get certain licenses, certifications, or Associate’s degrees in portable career fields.

You can also receive reimbursement for any recertifications you may need to take to find employment in your new location.

Need help looking for the perfect job?

Check out the Military Spouse Employment Partnership job bank. With over 300,000 postings, you’re guaranteed to find a position that fits your skills and preferences at a base near you!

MedCerts is an approved MyCAA school dedicated to developing portable careers for military spouses. Learn more today by reaching out to one of our helpful education consultants!