In our constantly evolving world, transitioning careers towards Virtual Assistance, and remote work has become a necessity for many individuals. This need is even more pronounced for military wives or spouses of those affiliated with the Navy. This is also true for other branches of the Military.
This particular group faces the challenges of extensive traveling and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, often taking them from one country or even continent to another within a very short period of time. I’ve seen families that moved twice within a year!
As a mother of four and a female entrepreneur, I’ve lived in many different countries and I want to share the challenges I faced that shifted my career path and led me to become a Virtual Assistant.
The Challenges of Self-Reinvention for Military Wives:
- Constant Change:
Military Life (And expat life, with its own set of nuances, can present similar challenges) is synonymous with constant change. PCS orders can uproot your life and career, leaving you with the challenge of adapting to new environments and finding employment in each location. I nearly gave up on finding a job after relocating countries four times in less than seven years! Switching schools for my elementary-aged daughter and finding budget-friendly daycare for my twin daughters proved to be challenging in each new location. And let’s not even start on navigating the various regulations and labor laws for foreigners, which can vary depending on your country of residence.
- Limited Career Consistency:
Frequent moves make it difficult to maintain a consistent career, especially in specialized fields like Law, or even Accounting to name a few. The need to reinvent oneself with each PCS can be emotionally and professionally taxing.
- Balancing Family and Career:
Military wives often bear the responsibility of managing the household and family while the their spouse is deployed or on duty. Finding a career that offers flexibility becomes crucial to maintaining work-family balance.
Why I Chose To Become A Virtual Assistant
- Flexibility and Remote Work
The Virtual assistant field offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. This was a game-changer for me, as it allowed me to continue my career while adapting to the demands of the Military lifestyle
- Adapting to New Environments
The knowledge I acquired as a paralegal and the skills I developed as an Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff for various Companies such as Organization, Attention to detail, Time Management and Communication were transferable to the Virtual Assistant role, making it a viable career in any location.
- Work-Life Balance
As a VA, I could create a schedule that accommodated my family’s needs. This newfound work-life balance was a breath of fresh air after the demands of a traditional office setting.
- Global Opportunities
The virtual assistant field is not bound by geographic limitations. It opened doors to work with clients worldwide, taking full advantage of our unique global lifestyle from the comfort of our home.
- Continuous self-learning and personal growth
Embracing the world of virtual assistance means never ceasing to learn and grow. In this dynamic role, I’ve encountered a diverse range of tasks and challenges that compelled me to expand my skill set, adapt to ever-evolving technologies, and to think creatively to solve problems. Each project is an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and expertise, keeping me intellectually engaged and professionally relevant.
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Virtual Assistance is about enjoying the journey
The journey of self-reinvention as a military wife or spouse, is marked by challenges, but it also presents opportunities for personal growth and career development.
My decision to transition to a Virtual Assistant was a result of careful consideration and the desire for flexibility, work-life balance, and the ability to work from anywhere in the world.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that even though reinventing yourself can seem daunting and overwhelming – from learning new kills to stepping out of your comfort zone – taking the decision to go ahead and try something different will be your first significant victory. It’s the first step on a new path that can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career, uniquely tailored to the circumstances of military life.
