Challenges that Spouses Face when Their Active Duty Spouse Retires from the Military

Active duty members who retire from the military will face considerable hurdles that need to be overcome in order to make the adjustment to the civilian way of life. But what challenges do military spouses have to face when their spouse retires from the military? This article will look at some of the challenges faced by military spouses.

Employment

Many military families make the decision early on in their marriage to allow the military spouse to stay home and raise the children rather than take up full or part-time secular employment. While this gives one parent the opportunity to spend time with the children during their formative years, it is difficult to then get back on the employment ladder again once the children are older and the other parent has retired from the military. The regular, steady income that was coming in from the military will stop. Used wisely, the military pension can cover most expenses and in some states, it can even sustain a family. But with military retirement comes the pressing need to supplement the family's income. Military spouses who have not worked for 20 years or more will find it very difficult to build on their experience, and incorporate voluntary work, child rearing and other life experiences into work experience that prospective employers will be looking for in job candidates.

Camaraderie

Camaraderie does not just exist between active duty members and their peers. It also exists amongst some military spouses. Some military spouses join spouse's clubs and take part in social events sponsored by the base or post where their spouse has been stationed over the years. For some, this can help offset the loneliness and isolation that can result from having to uproot themselves so many times during their spouse's career and start from scratch. However, once their spouse retires from the military, they will find that the camaraderie that they were so used to before has changed. Friends will move on to different locations and they will also see great changes in their own lives as they work hard to build a new support network close to where they live.

Spouse's Adjustment