Portable Careers for Military Spouses: The Ultimate Guide
Your professional life shouldn't have to take a backseat to the military. This definitive toolkit is designed to help you build a portable, resilient career that grows with every move. Moving soon? Use our Base Guide to research your new location's job market.
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Empowering Military Families
FamilyMedia.com is committed to providing best-in-class resources for the military community. This hub is a free tool designed to empower military spouses in their professional journeys.
Visit FamilyMedia.comCareer Exploration & Portable Fields
Discover in-demand fields that offer the flexibility and remote opportunities perfect for the military lifestyle. We've expanded beyond the top 5 to give you a broader view of what's possible.
Top Portable Career Sectors
Pro-Tip: Next Steps
Found a field you love? See how the MyCAA scholarship in our Education Hub can help you get the credentials you need.
Navigating State License Transfers
For spouses in licensed professions like nursing or teaching, moving is a huge challenge. But you have resources!
Don't Let a Move Derail Your Career
Many states have enacted laws to help military spouses get licensed faster after a move. The DoD can also help with the cost.
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Interstate License Recognition: The Department of Labor has a map to check your new state's rules.
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Licensure Reimbursement: Service branches may reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for eligible relicensing/recertification costs after a PCS. Start with the official MOS guide, then follow your branch's process (e.g., Army spouses through Army Emergency Relief; Air Force/Space Force through the Air Force Aid Society; Navy/Marine Corps through the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society).
The Education Hub: MyCAA & Beyond
Education is power. Use these resources to get the certifications and degrees you need to build a portable career, often with little to no cost.
Deep Dive: MyCAA Scholarship
The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) is a game-changer, offering up to $4,000 for portable career training. Let's break it down.
Eligibility Checklist
- Spouses of active-duty members in pay grades E-1 to E-6, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-3.
- Spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members in the same pay grades.
- You must complete your program while your spouse is on Title 10 orders.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- DEERS Check: Confirm your eligibility in the DEERS system.
- Create a MyCAA Account: Visit the official MyCAA Portal.
- Explore Careers & Schools: Use their tools to find an approved program.
- Develop Your Plan: Work with a SECO career coach to create an Education and Training Plan.
- Request Financial Assistance: Once your plan is approved, MyCAA pays the school directly!
The Job Search & Resume Toolkit
Translate your unique military life experience into a powerful resume and connect with employers who value your skills.
Resume Power-Up: Translate Your Life
Your military life is packed with valuable skills. Here’s how to frame that experience in a way that resonates with hiring managers.
What you might say:
"Managed household during spouse's deployment."
What a recruiter sees:
Independently managed all household operations, including budget planning, complex scheduling, and crisis management for a family of four during a 9-month high-stress period.
What you might say:
"Volunteered for the FRG."
What a recruiter sees:
Community Engagement Lead: Coordinated and executed 5 morale-boosting events for over 100 families, managing a $2,000 budget and leading a team of 10 volunteers.
What you might say:
"Handled a cross-country PCS move."
What a recruiter sees:
Logistics & Relocation Manager: Successfully planned and executed a complex, multi-stage 3,000-mile household relocation, coordinating with multiple vendors and ensuring all deadlines and budgetary goals were met.
Key Takeaway: Value Your Volunteer Work
Don't discount unpaid experience. On your resume, frame volunteer roles just like paid jobs, focusing on quantifiable achievements (e.g., "managed a $2,000 budget," "led a team of 10 volunteers," "increased event attendance by 25%").
From the Trenches: Career Advice from Spouses Who've Been There
Beyond the resume, here's the real-world advice you need to hear as you navigate your career alongside military life.
It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint
"Your career path may have gaps or pivots. That's okay. Focus on collecting skills, not just a linear job history."
Your Network is Your Lifeline
"The military community is your biggest asset. Every person you meet at a new duty station is a potential connection. Don't be afraid to ask for introductions."
Volunteer Strategically
"Volunteer for roles that build resume-worthy, quantifiable achievements. Leading a fundraiser is project management. Managing a unit's social media is digital marketing."
Find Your 'Constant'
"Whether it's a remote job, a federal career, or your own business, find a professional anchor you can take with you from one duty station to the next."
A Proud Supporter of Military Families
What you're made of, we're made for.
For over 100 years, USAA has been committed to serving the financial needs of the military community. From insurance to investments, we proudly support military families on their path to financial security.
Explore USAAThe Spouse-Preneur Toolkit: Be Your Own Boss
Starting your own business is the ultimate portable career. This toolkit provides the foundational steps to turn your idea into a successful, mobile enterprise.
Step 1: Create a Simple Business Plan
You don't need a 50-page document. Start with a one-page plan that answers four key questions: 1) What problem does my business solve? 2) Who is my ideal customer? 3) How will I reach them? 4) What are my basic startup costs? This clarity is your roadmap.
Free Templates Available
U.S. Small Business Administration TemplatesFree templates and guides specifically for military families
Step 2: Choose a Legal Structure
The two most common structures for spouse-owned businesses are a Sole Proprietorship (the simplest, where you and the business are the same legal entity) and a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which provides a layer of legal protection between your personal assets and your business. An LLC is often the preferred choice as your business grows.
Legal Protection Matters
Consider consulting with a business attorney or using online services like LegalZoom for LLC formation
Step 3: Find Your First Customers
Start with your built-in network: the military community. Create a simple, professional social media presence and join local spouse groups (following their rules on business promotion). Offer a military discount and focus on providing exceptional service. Word-of-mouth is your most powerful marketing tool.
🚀 Intensive Training Available
V-WISE Entrepreneurship ProgramPremier training program for female veterans and military spouses
Mastering Federal Employment: Navigate USAJOBS
A federal career offers stability, excellent benefits, and is transferable with each PCS. But the application process is a unique challenge. This guide demystifies the system.
It's Not a Civilian Resume
The biggest mistake applicants make is submitting a 1-2 page civilian resume. A federal resume is a detailed, comprehensive document that can be 3-5+ pages long. It must explicitly detail your experience as it relates to every single required qualification listed in the job announcement. Use the official USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure you include all required information.
📝 Use the Official Builder
Always use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure compliance with federal requirements
How Military Spouse Preference Works
Military Spouse Preference is a program that gives eligible spouses an advantage in the federal hiring process for certain positions. To be eligible, you must be relocating with your active-duty spouse on PCS orders. You must submit a copy of these orders with your application to claim preference.
🎯 Check Your Eligibility
USAJOBS Military Spouses PageOfficial guidelines and eligibility requirements
High-Impact Upskilling: Boost Your Income Fast
You don't always need a full degree. These in-demand certifications can be earned in months (often funded by MyCAA) and lead to immediate, portable career opportunities.
Project Management Professional (PMP)®
The PMP is a globally recognized certification that validates your ability to manage projects, teams, and budgets. It's applicable in virtually every industry, from tech to healthcare, making it an incredibly portable and valuable credential.
🌍 Globally Recognized
Project Management Institute (PMI)Official PMP certification information and requirements
Certified Salesforce Administrator
Salesforce is the world's #1 customer relationship management (CRM) platform. Certified admins are in high demand for remote work, helping companies customize and manage their Salesforce instance. The military community has a strong, supportive network in the Salesforce ecosystem.
☁️ Free Learning Platform
Salesforce TrailheadFree online learning platform for Salesforce certifications
Google Career Certificates
Google offers self-paced, online training programs in high-growth fields like Data Analytics, UX Design, and IT Support. These programs are designed for beginners and can be completed in under six months. Many are approved for MyCAA funding.
Salary & Relocation Calculator
Is that job offer in a new city a good deal? Use this tool to compare your current salary to a new offer, adjusted for the cost of living difference.
Notes: Indices are illustrative for planning only. For rigorous comparisons, consult reputable sources (e.g., BEA Regional Price Parities) or your employer's internal location guidance, and account for differences in taxes/benefits.
Spouse Spotlight
— Sarah B., Military Spouse & Logistics Coordinator"Using the resume tips here, I translated my experience managing three PCS moves into a logistics coordinator role. I highlighted my budget management and vendor coordination skills, and my new employer was incredibly impressed. This hub gave me the confidence to see my life experience as a professional asset."
The Entrepreneurship Zone
Starting your own business is the ultimate portable career. Whether you're a freelancer, Etsy shop owner, or consultant, these resources are for you.
The SBA offers tailored resources, training, and guides for military spouse entrepreneurs.
V-WISE ProgramAn intensive training program for female veterans and spouses.
U.S. Veterans MagazineResources and highlights of successful veteran and spouse-owned businesses.
Hiring Our HeroesProvides resources and workshops for military spouse entrepreneurs.
Networking & Mentorship
Your network is your most valuable career asset, especially when you move often. Tap into the military community and beyond.
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LinkedIn: Beyond getting the free premium subscription, actively use it! Join groups like the "Military Spouse Professional Network" and connect with people at companies that interest you.
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American Corporate Partners (ACP): Connects post-9/11 veterans and active duty spouses with corporate professionals for year-long, customized mentorships. It's a free and invaluable program.
Personal Career Action Plan
Based on your interests, here are the specific next steps tailored just for you.
Key Resources for You
Click on a career sector above to see tailored resources here.
Your Career Journey Starts Now
Remember: every expert was once a beginner. Your military spouse experience is an asset, not a limitation. Take the first step today.
Your Career Questions, Answered
Get expert insights on military spouse careers, education benefits, and professional development opportunities.
Education & MyCAA
Can I use MyCAA for a bachelor's or master's degree?
No. MyCAA is specifically for associate degrees, licenses, or certifications. For higher-level degrees, you should explore using the Post-9/11 GI Bill if your service member transfers it to you.
What if my spouse promotes out of the eligible rank?
If your Education and Training Plan was approved while your spouse was in an eligible rank, you can continue your approved program. You cannot start a new program once they promote out.
Are there other scholarships available?
Absolutely! Check out the National Military Family Association (NMFA) and search platforms like Edvisors. Many local spouse clubs also offer educational grants.
Employment & Hiring
What is Military Spouse Preference?
MSP gives eligible spouses preference in referrals for many DoD civilian jobs when they're among the best-qualified. It's rooted in 10 U.S.C. 1784.
What is the noncompetitive hiring authority for spouses?
Agencies can appoint certain military spouses directly to competitive-service jobs if they meet criteria under 5 CFR 315.612.
What is MSEP and why does it matter?
The Military Spouse Employment Partnership connects spouses to hundreds of committed employers and runs frequent hiring events.
Career Development
How can I build a portable career?
Focus on skills that transfer across locations: digital marketing, project management, healthcare, education, finance, and technology. Consider certifications that are recognized nationwide and industries that offer remote work opportunities.
How do I use MSP correctly when applying?
Use USAJOBS' military spouse path, ensure your documents prove eligibility, and remember MSP applies when you are among the best-qualified for competitive announcements.
Where do I find spouse-friendly remote roles?
Start with MSEP virtual hiring fairs and employer listings inside the MySECO portal.
Benefits & Support
Can I get unemployment after a PCS?
Many states allow unemployment benefits when a spouse leaves a job due to PCS. File in the state where you worked; eligibility and amounts are state-specific.
Will the military reimburse my professional license transfer?
Yes. Services generally reimburse up to about $1,000 per move for spouse relicensing when a PCS requires a new state license. Some branches also reimburse certain small business costs.
Can I work remotely OCONUS?
Possibly, but SOFA and host-nation laws govern taxes, visas, and business registration. Clear it with your employer and legal office before working from overseas.
What if my license lapsed during the move?
You may still be eligible for reimbursement and support if a PCS required re-licensure; check your service's SOP and timelines for claims.
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