Military Monday

When Ryan first started thinking about joining the Air Force I was reading blogs, researching and talking to other military spouses like a MAD WOMAN! Ashley has a new link up that talks about various topics. The first one is work. As a mil-spouse or significant other how do you contribute, full time/part time, dual mil, student, etc. So hear is our story.

Ryan joined the AF in Nov. 2010 (almost 3 years ago...so crazy!) and we are currently stationed in California (since May 2011). When we left Michigan I was able to collect unemployment thanks to Unemployment Compensation For Military Spouses (check the link to see if your state qualifies) and it really helped during the down time of me trying to find a job.

When we got to CA and realized I would have an hour commute to and from work because base is in the middle of nowhere Ryan didn't particularly want me driving off base to find a job so I began the search on base. I got a job as a staff accountant at a credit union and it was only about 8 minutes from our house. I was lucky and was able to start working only 2 months after we moved. The hours were perfect and Ryan and I were even able to have lunch together every single day. To be honest, we probably could have car pooled, but we both hate feeling like we are stranded. While the job was fine the pay wasn't the greatest and on New Years Eve 2011 we found out we were expecting a baby. I stayed at my current position, but slowly began applying for other jobs...again all on base. I got a few interviews, but none were the hours that I wanted.

While I was on maternity leave I got a call about a position that was a contractor for NASA only working 3 days a week. The pay was more than what I was making full time at the credit union and it would allow me more time with the new baby. Unfortunately, the job was an hour away at the offsite location. I still took the job in hopes that I would be able to get a job on base eventually. In February not only did I get a job on base, but I also started working full time. I miss those two days with Dominick, but I love that we get more time together in the evening, the short commute and I really cherish the weekends. My friend runs an FCC so we are totally happy with his care and he loves the other kids and her so it's not all bad!

I will continue working here as long as we are in California. I'm considering going back to school for a different degree; one that would be easier to move often (which is in the hands of the AF) or the ability to work from home. And lastly, I've come to realize that no matter where we are or what Ryan is doing his career comes first and mine comes second and that's totally not a bad thing.