Author Topic: Employment Opportunities For Spouses- Merged (Read 15787 times)

renleg · « **Reply #50 on:** October 27, 2006, 09:22:51 »

Just a question and if Im in the wrong place please point me in the right direction but, Dont any of the "wives" stay where they are and not follow the "guys" around? Me and my wife were planning on her staying where she is. She is a Biologist for E.C. and it took here 7 years to get where she is. So far I havnt seen anything in the way of support for people staying where they are its all for people following the CF member? Maybe its rare or non existant but she loves here career and I dont want her to give it up because of me. Any advise would be great.

Oh and its not because she wouldnt follow me its just that I dont want her to give up something she has been working for for 17 years (school included).

I just cant seam to find anyone in the same boat and its starting to make me wonder if this might not work?

GAP · « **Reply #51 on:** October 27, 2006, 09:24:59 »

I should think there are a fair number of situations like that. It takes a strong couple to do it....

IN HOC SIGNO · « **Reply #52 on:** October 27, 2006, 21:54:51 »

Quote from: renleg on October 27, 2006, 09:22:51

Just a question and if Im in the wrong place please point me in the right direction but, Dont any of the "wives" stay where they are and not follow the "guys" around? Me and my wife were planning on her staying where she is. She is a Biologist for E.C. and it took here 7 years to get where she is. So far I havnt seen anything in the way of support for people staying where they are its all for people following the CF member? Maybe its rare or non existant but she loves here career and I dont want her to give it up because of me. Any advise would be great.

Oh and its not because she wouldnt follow me its just that I dont want her to give up something she has been working for for 17 years (school included).

I just cant seam to find anyone in the same boat and its starting to make me wonder if this might not work?

It's not a route that lot of us prefer. Later in the career some folks go unaccompanied for a few years just to finish their time and the wives or husbands have secure careers at the old location. Starting your career that way would be way hard I would think. there is a lot of relatiohship failure by those who choose IR (Imposed Restriction or unaccompanied posting)

Lilspark · « **Reply #53 on:** December 30, 2006, 20:26:57 »

I was worried about having to look for employment when we got posted as well. I had been with the same company in New Brunswick for so many years, fortunately I ended up being able to transfer to another position within the same company (however they made me resign so they could rehire me, which caused some problems). We have to do the 2 car thing. If we were posted to a smaller community it would have probably been much harder to find employment for the wage I desired. So it worked out for me as I started my new job the day after we arrived here.

swahili · « **Reply #54 on:** January 25, 2007, 20:33:33 »

Hello, I just thought I would add my 2cents here!

We've been in Petawawa now since September (five months now!) and have yet to find a job. It's been a tough go but, I'm still trying to remain positive. Is having a career harder for a military wife? Uh, I'd like to venture on the far side and say YES... it's a bit more difficult though, I'm sure not impossible. I think this posting, the opportunities I would like to have just aren't here in this job market. I'm not ready to give up (despite how daunting it can be!) and I think getting a job on the base isn't sooooo easy but - again, it could be just a lull in the job market. I did find my "dream" job (one I had already previously, loved, and had to give up!) in Ottawa.

Why oh why couldn't we be posted to Ottawa?

Anyways - I just wanted to say to those out there, to keep your chins up, that you CAN still have a career but - it just may not be what you envisioned.

(er, ask me in a few months to see if I still feel the same way!

)

Colin P · « **Reply #55 on:** January 26, 2007, 12:05:35 »

When I was considering switching from Reserve Artillery to Regular Artillery back in the 80’s, the lack of opportunity for my spouse was a large part of that equation. Any spouse with a professional career would have taken a major hit moving to Shilo back then.

proudnurse · « **Reply #56 on:** January 27, 2007, 13:26:42 »

I noticed this post yesterday, and I finally have had a chance to read a little bit more. I do think it's possible also, for a wife to have a career while her husband is in the forces. When he is in the field, training, or away what better opportunity to take some time for yourself and focus on some goals. I wish you all the best luck! There is alot of inspiring input from everyone here, and it makes you realize that anything is possible, for both of you to have a good career.

Rebecca

novascotiagirl · « **Reply #57 on:** January 28, 2007, 17:52:39 »

Hey. This seems to be a good thread to ask this question in. My partner is in the forces right now. I never really figured out what kind of career I want to do yet. I made a trhead the other day that made me realise that its going to be very hard to keep on getting hired everytime I move with him....Anyways...I want a career, I have no clue in what though. So what are some military accomodating careers? Before I get my hopes up on anything. I am new at this and have not even thought of not having a career until now.

Technoviking · « **Reply #58 on:** January 28, 2007, 21:07:07 »

your partner is in the forces? That term is so generic, it's hard to understand your question. For some, "partner" means "business partner", or "Friend" or "lover" or "spouse".

Could you help us out here? Thanks...

Spectrum · « **Reply #59 on:** January 29, 2007, 00:47:05 »

Hate to be random, but I don't even mention that I signed up for the CF to potential girlfriends at first, the first thing they always seem to say is "doesn't that mean your gonna move away or go to afghanistan and leave me". I'm sure if I go reg force, career oriented women will stay away from me, and not because they think I'm ugly..

novascotiagirl · « **Reply #60 on:** January 29, 2007, 15:26:42 »

Oh sorry, by partner I mean boyfriend

Just looking around. And to the comment above mine, I would tell them. Don`t start of a relationship with lies

Ex-Dragoon · « **Reply #61 on:** January 29, 2007, 16:52:19 »

novascotiagirl....have you considered a career in the military yourself?

novascotiagirl · « **Reply #62 on:** January 29, 2007, 19:45:09 »

yes, but I really don`t know what i would do. And I would want something that goes well with his career so then we could move together. I am trying to find out more about the reserves. The thing is though, if I had a career in the military, would it have to be in the navy like him? I really am new to this all

Ex-Dragoon · « **Reply #63 on:** January 29, 2007, 21:34:35 »

For military couples the career managers do their best to post you together. mind you it does not happen all the time, it will depend a lot on your trade, his trade and if their are posting slots available. you will also find that postings for service couples has been discussed here at length lots of good information that can be found there.

swahili · « **Reply #64 on:** February 02, 2007, 12:41:26 »

Nova Scotia Girl,

For one thing, don't go into Graphic Design

I don't think that is one of the careers that would be posting-friendly. I can just picture myself now on the street-corner in Petawawa/Pembroke selling art cheap on the corner just to survive

My journalism background? Uh - toss that out the window too!!

Seriously though, I'm finishing my BA through correspondence and am hoping to get into teaching. I assume all bases that house families will have kids who need education. The other field that seems to be "hot" is nursing or some kind of health/mental-health care. Most of the jobs in this area seem to be in the area of nursing or health care of some kind, which I don't have a degree/diploma in... by the time I could get it, it would time to be posted again!

Another good field in Administration (like, office admin, medical admin) however -- there is an abundance of admin folk here in Petawawa so you better be a darned-good admin in order to get those jobs that do open

Try to not narrow yourself so much (like, my graphic design or journalism) but - 10 years ago when I started school, I never imagined I'd be a wife in the military!

Good luck!

Anyone else have ideas of "friendly occupations" for those married to the military? (short of joining the military... I joke to my hubby that I would be the world's worst soldier, and that it's better for the canadian forces that I do NOT join!

)

muffin · « **Reply #65 on:** February 02, 2007, 13:20:10 »

I am not sure how it works with positions that have Provincial certifications (ie teachers and nurses) if you are posted out of your certifying province.

I know in Ontario there have been MANY teacher layoffs in the past few years, and I have several friends who finished teachers college here in Kingston and have had a lot of trouble trying to find a position.

As I have stated before - if you can get into the Federal Public Service it is great because they put you on a priority list for a position when your husband/spouse is posted. It doesn't guarantee you a spot - but it does give you a greater chance of finding one, and they leave you on the priority list for 5 years. You are free to work elsewhere while you are waiting for a position to open.

That being said, getting into the public service is anything but easy - if you are coming in "off the street" you have to apply to open competitions. Here is where you will find them by geographic region:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/

Novascotia girl - if you are looking in to the reserves you don't have to worry about being co-posted because Reservists are not posted. You would not have to navy either - there are armouries and communications sqns/units in the Halifax area. (I am not sure where you are exactly). If you are able to work full time you may be able to get a Class B or C contract (full time) depending on your trade. If you wish to hold a"dayjob" a reserve position is nice to have if you are posted and unable to find new employment right away. You can transfer between reserve units relatively easily.

I suggest you go speak with your local recruiters and see what they suggest.

As many spouses can tell you - having a career when married to a military member is not always easy - but it is defiantly not impossible.

Good luck

muffin

swahili · « **Reply #66 on:** February 02, 2007, 15:01:17 »

Hi Muffin --

To transfer from province to province with your teachers cert isn't that difficult. My friend graduated in the spring from Ontario cert and had her Manitoba one almost immediately after. There is a brief examination from what she explained and of course, the customary exchange of absurd amounts of money in order to get your new papers.

Teaching jobs can be found if you are willing to move. Most people want to go back to their home community but - if you're from a small place or a place that has a teacher's college within 200km, good luck! North Bay has one of the lowest hiring levels for teachers since it churns out 700-some teachers a year. I've also been working as supply in one of the local schools already and have been enjoying it. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to find something here -- if not in traditional education, then at the very least, in "untraditional" education!

I had the 'government' job before, for five years but, decided to return to school to prepare myself for future postings.... the posting was just nearer in the future than we envisioned! Perhaps that experience will assist in finding something down here sometime soon

muffin · « **Reply #67 on:** February 02, 2007, 15:24:31 »

Thanks for the info - I had always wondered how that worked.

Good luck!

TAS278 · « **Reply #68 on:** February 13, 2007, 10:03:29 »

Quote from: novascotiagirl on January 29, 2007, 19:45:09

yes, but I really don`t know what i would do. And I would want something that goes well with his career so then we could move together. I am trying to find out more about the reserves. The thing is though, if I had a career in the military, would it have to be in the navy like him? I really am new to this all

The reserves are not as bright and shiny as they sound. You may actually be away more than he is if you join the naval reserves. It is also contract based, but in order to make the money you have to take the contracts...

There is obviously going to be sacrafices from both parties. That is what love is about. Just make sure they are the ones you both want. It will be a tough balance regardless of your career. The only benefit I see from one in the military is you having a better understanding

Good Luck kiddo

Pisces201 · « **Reply #69 on:** February 24, 2007, 11:18:31 »

I have a great job of my own, which I had for 5 years before we met, three years ago. We decided when he joined the CF (just last fall)that I am going to continue with my career. I am a biologist for the Federal Government. I do know that I would be a "priority 1" if I did want to follow my DH around, but in the science field it really isn't a good thing to keep switching jobs every few years. I like where I live and I like my job- a lot. We are going to try to make it work with me staying here and having my career, and he going where he has to and having his career. I have not found much support from anyone about keeping my career. Everyone seems to think that I have to give up the last 8 years of my life and follow my DH around. I know this is just the beginning- but I am really hoping that somehow it can work! A lot of business people (etc) travel while spouses stay put in one city with their jobs- why can't we have that option?

IN HOC SIGNO · « **Reply #70 on:** February 24, 2007, 11:46:07 »

Well of course you can do it, no one said you can't. It's very hard on a relationship though. My boss is currently going through that. He is in Ottawa but his wife stayed here in Halifax. they have a teen still at home and it's very difficult for her while he is up in Ottawa for weeks at a time. He comes home about every 5-6 weeks. Most people I've talked to who choose IR (Imposed Restriction) do not enjoy the time spent apart from their spouse and family. there is a high degree of divorce among those who choose this route.....I'm a Chaplain so get to see the results of this separation quite a bit.
The best bet is always if you can get accomodation to stay put (if his career will allow) or have a job that has highly desired and portable skills . My wife is an OR nurse so she is in demand wherever we go.
Cheers....Padre IHS

Adalcia · « **Reply #71 on:** March 21, 2007, 14:18:39 »

There seems to be a small probelm getting 'jobs' when moving around to the bases, or losing your career.

A career is what you want it to be, so don't think too big. You don't have to work for a big corporation.
Don't get me wrong, I admire those who have their careers and want to stick to them. Do what you need to do. This is merely some suggestions for others who want to start something new or change venues to follow their spouse/partner.

Maybe my definition of 'Career' differs from most, but there are qute a few jobs/careers you can have from your own home.

An example is 'Medical transcription'. My mom is working at this now, and doing great. Everything is done over the internet, so they don't care where she is living (she is in Ontario, she works for a US company and her accounts are from the southern states and Alaska).
This is one that I am seriously looking into.

Other areas seem to be 'normal' everyday services that most take for granted.
Such as:
Childcare - daycare, babysitting, tutoring...
Pet services - grooming, training...
Exercise - Yoga, Pilates, martial arts...
Beauty - Nail tech, Hairstylist...

There are probably a longer list of others, but I can't think of them now.
Most of these can be done out of your own home, so no 'rent' for a separate building. For exercise interests, look into renting a chuch basement/gym.

These are just some areas I've noticed from other threads on this site.

juliet · « **Reply #72 on:** August 28, 2008, 21:31:02 »

Quote from: Pisces201 on February 24, 2007, 11:18:31

I have a great job of my own, which I had for 5 years before we met, three years ago. We decided when he joined the CF (just last fall)that I am going to continue with my career. I am a biologist for the Federal Government. I do know that I would be a "priority 1" if I did want to follow my DH around, but in the science field it really isn't a good thing to keep switching jobs every few years. I like where I live and I like my job- a lot. We are going to try to make it work with me staying here and having my career, and he going where he has to and having his career. I have not found much support from anyone about keeping my career. Everyone seems to think that I have to give up the last 8 years of my life and follow my DH around. I know this is just the beginning- but I am really hoping that somehow it can work! A lot of business people (etc) travel while spouses stay put in one city with their jobs- why can't we have that option?

I was glad to read your post - I'm in the sciences as well although not quite sure what I'll be doing after my degree in a few years. You definitely can't establish a lab if you have to keep moving, and doing post-doc after post-doc does not particularly sound appealing. I'm starting to think becoming an MD will give more hire-a-bility when moving around, but again, that requires another huge investment of time in one place. I'm at the beginning as well, so it's encouraging to see that others are thinking positively about the tough out the long-distance approach for a few years.

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Author Topic: Employment Opportunities For Spouses- Merged (Read 15787 times)