Being a Military Spouse

I’m not sure how many of you know this, but I am now a military spouse, and while I was formally in the Air Force, it’s a whole different experience being on this side of things! I used to think military spouses had it easy—we lovingly called them “Dependa-potamuses”—but now that I’m on this side, wow, it’s like I’ve discovered a whole new world! There’s so much work that goes into being part of a military family: taking care of the kids, supporting your spouse, and maintaining a semblance of a job. Building a career feels like chasing a balloon in the wind—just when you think you’ve got it, poof, it’s time to move again!

My husband is set to move soon, and it’s challenging to manage the anxiety about what will happen to my career. After my divorce from my first husband, I really focused on building myself up—chasing my goals, furthering my education, and enhancing my career. Now, as a military spouse, my priorities are shifting. I need to focus on what’s best for my family, my sons, my husband, and—let’s not forget—myself. I know not everyone will agree with my perspective, and that’s fine; we’re all entitled to our own opinions.

Yet, it’s incredibly hard to balance my identity as a professional with my roles as a mother and military spouse. Remote work options seem to be as rare as a unicorn basking in a double rainbow, given the current political climate. It often feels like I’ve got to choose: follow my career dreams or follow my husband wherever his duty calls. Fortunately, I might have a shot at transitioning into a remote role, though it’s as guaranteed as finding a pot of gold.

While I’m excited for our next adventure—wherever that might be—I’m also a bundle of nerves and anxiety. There are moments I wish I were still in the Air Force, but unfortunately, my medical issues had other plans. And you know what? That’s okay. I firmly believe that God is guiding me on the path I’m meant to follow. So long as I keep praying and trusting in His plan, I know my family and I can navigate through any hardships that might come our way.

I remind myself that my words are my sharpest tools, so for now, it’s all about focusing on my degrees, supporting my family, pondering my career when the dust settles, and just rolling with the punches. I’m on God’s path, not mine, and it’s all part of the journey—even the parts that feel like a never-ending game of Whac-A-Mole. Let me know if any of you have thoughts or advice on this wild ride!