18 Portable Careers for Military Spouses

A common challenge for employment-seeking military spouses is the ability for their careers to be portable. Often times, the spouse’s career takes a back seat to that of the service member’s. With deployments, PCS moves, separations, and other military life stressors, maintaining a steady career can be quite difficult for military spouses. Fortunately, new technologies have enabled an increase in portable careers.

Consider these portable career options:

1. accounting
2. consulting
3. creative services
4. customer service/ support
5. fundraising
6. grant writing
7. graphic design
8. editorial and content writing
9. fitness/nutrition
10. IT/programming
11. marketing
12. public relations
13. sales
14. social media
15. technical service
16. transcription
17. virtual assistance/admin
18. web design

Keep an open mind

Research careers with high growth or high demand. Figure out a career path that is going to grow with you, not hold you back. Find out the average salary for the career and make sure it is something you are comfortable with. Network with those already in the career field and ask them any questions you may have. Speak with a career or college counselor for more guidance. Speaking of college…

A good career starts with a good education.

If military spouses aren’t set on their career path just yet, a good consideration would to start or continue their education. Colorado Technical University (CTU) is not only one of the top military friendly schools but also has an extensive array of online programs. With industry-current and relevant curriculum, CTU also offers 101 online degrees that would be a solid foundation for most of the aforementioned portable careers.

Use your network

Go through your list and see who you could reach out to for opportunities. Connect with alumni. A strong alumni network like the one CTU offers will help you widen your network for employment. Join groups on social media or a mailing list to help get contact information and make that initial introduction. Growing your network will only improve your chances of employment or at least help you get a little bit farther in your job search.

Research the Rules

If there are any licenses or certificates that are necessary to maintain your career, look into the ease of transfer. Some states will allow either temporary licensure or an expedited process into obtaining a new license. Also, there are certain rules you must abide by when you conduct business if you’re in military housing or on a military installation. Be sure to read up and follow their guidance.

Consider being your own boss

The formal word for this is “independent contractor”. An independent contractor allows military spouses to have the freedom and flexibility to adapt to military life. Being self-employed allows you to set your own hours and work for yourself. This may be a path to consider for military spouses with the entrepreneurial spirit.

Over the next 6 months, Military One Click will feature Colorado Technical University, a post-secondary institution that provides career-oriented education at the Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate levels. CTU offers more than 100 educational programs virtually or in-person at their campuses at Colorado Springs and Denver (Aurora). CTU prides itself in offering flexible programs and being a military-friendly university for active duty, veterans, and military spouses. Will CTU be on your list as you begin your college search? Stay tuned as Military One Click goes in depth and explores what makes Colorado Technical University a great choice for mobile military families.

CTU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.