Military life is so comprehensive and exhaustive that it is easy to forget most people exit at a relatively young age. You only (ha, only) need to put in twenty years to collect a pension, which means you can retire at an age when most people are still in the middle stage of their professional lives. There’s plenty of time for a second career.
But what type of career paths will be rewarding for mothers transitioning out of military life? That can be difficult to figure out. In this article, we take a look at what that choice looks like and how you can navigate it effectively.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
One of the first things you should think about when making this choice is how much effort you are willing to put in on the front end to make your career pivot. Do you want to transition into a role that you are already qualified for, or are you willing to put in a little bit of time at school to receive credentials for a newer job?
Some positions (nursing, education) can be pretty easy to transition into from a credential perspective if you already have a degree. In these situations, you may only have a year or so of certifications to complete before you can get started.
You should also think about what sort of schedule you are interested in. Are you ok with working an intense schedule, or would you rather settle into something a little more relaxed so you can spend more time with your kids?
In the headings that follow, we will look at careers that run the gambit.
Educator
Education careers are a natural pivot for parents. Aside from the fact that you most likely have some natural affinity for working with children— your own at least— you’ll also benefit enormously from the schedule. Imagine how nice it will be to work the same schedule as your kids.
If you have a college degree, you should be able to pivot relatively easily into education. While requirements will vary by state, you at minimum won’t need to go back to school in most states. In some, you may be able to satisfy the requirements in a year or less.
Nurse
Nurses are similar in terms of requirements. If you have a degree already you will be able to get certified within 12-18 months. It’s a great career path for those who enjoy helping others. What’s more, many of the work-environment considerations that have made nursing difficult in the past (exhaustive hours, lack of support, inadequate compensation) are currently being addressed by many employers all over the country.
It’s not perfect, but it is safe to say that the world of nursing is slowly improving.
Your hours won’t match those of your kids but you may be able to have some flexibility—hospitals are open 24/7.
Entrepreneurship
Small-business ownership is never easy but it is safe to say that people with a military background are uniquely positioned to do it well. As retired military you work well under pressure, you are good at managing stress and multitasking, and you most likely have natural leadership tendencies.
These are important qualities in a business leader. Naturally, you’ll need a good idea and some startup capital. However, with the right level of motivation and some advanced planning, you can definitely make a successful go of it.
Social Worker
Social workers definitely fight an uphill battle. They deal with a lot of hopeless situations but they are also fighters. They work hard as advocates for people on their caseload and they never give up. While military life is not a perfect metaphor for the responsibilities of a social worker, there certainly is some overlap.
If you want to stay in the trenches, this is a great option to consider. Do keep in mind that the credentials may be a little harder to acquire. Many social workers have graduate degrees. It’s also not the most lucrative career path. It’s a labor of love, but for the right person, it is a great way to enjoy your work and make a lasting impact on someone else’s life.
What is a JD Degree?
A Juris Doctor degree is a graduate degree that prepares students to practice law. If you want to be a lawyer you will almost certainly have to get it. Once you’ve gotten your JD you still need to pass the bar before you are able to practice law.
It generally takes three hours to complete.
There are a few states that will allow you to practice law without a JD. These states (Washington, Vermont, California, and Virginia at the time of writing) will allow you to take the bar with only an undergraduate degree.
Funding Your Future Education
If you are worried about paying for college at this stage in your life, that is very understandable. No one wants to take out a ton of loans. While you will probably have some out-of-pocket costs, you may be surprised by how many resources are available to you.
Everyone is eligible to apply for grants and scholarships— even if they are decades out of school. As a retired military, there may be special grants and loan terms that you qualify for automatically.
Look into what opportunities your veteran status qualifies for you, but also be sure to explore all of your other options as well.
If you have the time, you can also look into campus work opportunities. For example, teacher’s assistants often get free or reduced tuition rates.
Keep in mind that the more you can pay in cash, the less you will spend overall. The sticker price for college is bad, but it’s the interest payments that most people ultimately wind up struggling with the most.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s a question of picking the career that appeals most to you. Not everyone has the opportunity to start fresh in middle age. At this point in your life, you are hopefully well-positioned enough to pick something that truly interests and excites you.
A good tip is to start by thinking about things you enjoy, and then look for careers that correspond with those interests. Joseph Cambell’s recommendation to “follow your bliss,” has become something of a cliché, but that doesn’t mean it’s untrue. Pick a career that makes you happy and go from there.
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