Upskilling & Reskilling

Phase 3: Finding a Rhythm

Finding balance with work and family looks different for every person and can be a struggle for many — even without the added challenges presented by military life. As a military spouse working to gain additional qualifications through professional development, you can take comfort in knowing it is possible to develop a rhythm and to make time for the things that matter most to you, personally and professionally.

Phase 3: Finding a Rhythm

0%

Milestone 1: Find a Work-Life Balance

Finding balance with work and family looks different for every person and can be a struggle for many – even without the added challenges presented by military life. As a military spouse who would like to balance a career or gain additional qualifications through professional development, you can take comfort in knowing it is possible to develop a rhythm and to make time for the things that matter most to you, personally and professionally.

Expand All Steps

Navigate Schedules 

Your schedule, particularly where, when, and how you work or learn, may be more flexible than your service member’s schedule; however, it may also be more independent and complex. Considerations include what type of career you have or what type of training or education you seek, and your current location. The operational tempo of your service member’s role may keep him or her away from home or allow for more family time. Whatever your situation, consistent communication with your partner about work and life schedules and requirements, while managing expectations, is necessary to meet everyone’s needs and to achieve your goals. 

All done with this step?

 Learning to navigate upskilling needs

Skill development and degree attainment are just a few of the positive potential outcomes of furthering your education or training. Use every training or educational contact as an opportunity to broaden your communities of support, academically, in your career, and as a military spouse or partner.

All done with this step?

Developing professionally

When it comes to finding professional development opportunities, the abundance of resources can be overwhelming. To help, use consistent strategies to search for the type of training you want that meets your needs and helps you reach your goals.

All done with this step?

Seeking time for self-care

Taking time for yourself – doing something you enjoy or that provides relaxation – can help ease some of the stresses of managing military life. Finding and dedicating self-care time is often easier said than done, but it is vital that you fit it into your schedule. So, put self-care on your calendar, and read a book, do some yoga, speak with a counseling professional, try a new recipe, or just soak in the great outdoors – do whatever activity helps you feel your best. 

If you could use a little practice with making time for activities you enjoy, review this checklist. It will help you generate ideas on how to include self-care and create balance in your military life.

Weaving Self-Care into your Military Life

  1. Make a list of three enjoyable activities you would do if you had a day away from all of your other responsibilities. Choose at least one significant (e.g., day trip) activity and at least two activities that take less than 3 hours to complete. If you want to connect with a new networking group or gain more knowledge in a particular area, see if there are any activities with that population or related to that topic.
  2. Use Google, the newspaper, and social media sites to search for local opportunities to complete at least one of those activities locally.
  3. Schedule the activity for a few weeks into the future. Then intentionally weave it into your schedule.
  4. Invite a friend, neighbor, or co-worker to complete the activity with you. 
  5. Go do the activity!
  6. If applicable, identify 1 to 2 ways that the experience helped you with your career or education (e.g.., mentoring, networking, skill development, teamwork, a creativity boost). Share your thoughts with your new network connection.
  7. Repeat as needed!

All done with this step?

You haven't marked any steps complete!

Use the checkmark button next to each step's title or the "Mark Step Complete" button at the end of each step to track your progress.

Next Phase

Up Next: Phase 4: Permanent Changes of Station