Prime PCS season is upon us. If you haven’t found a job at your current station, you may be excited about a new location and new possibilities. If you've found your dream job, you may be dreading the move and what it will bring. If you telecommute, you may be debating whether you can actually take time off, or if you need to keep working through the move.
Isn’t military life fun?
No matter where you are in the military spouse employment cycle, the PCS has important implications for your next career move.
Isn’t military life fun?
No matter where you are in the military spouse employment cycle, the PCS has important implications for your next career move.
“I love my job. I don’t want to move.” Many of us have been there. We’ve built a community and created a professional life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and, if we are lucky, beneficial to our bank accounts. Then, the spouse gets orders, and poof, life as we know it begins to vanish, even as we try to hold on to it.
Beyond commiserating with you, I do wonder, can the job move? Have you asked? I know there’s a good chance they’ll say no, but do your homework. Find out if there are offices located at your next duty station, if the company has a remote work policy, and if not, whether they’ll consider letting you try it out. Be prepared to persuade them and know how to address the following: how you’ll organize your work, the best methods to communicate progress, and any other circumstances you may need to overcome to perform job duties to everyone’s satisfaction.
Although you may love your job, make sure to think about whether telecommuting will be a good fit for you. Telecommuting will almost certainly change your work dynamics, so it's necessary to weigh all of the pros and cons before committing to this option. Make a list of everything you truly love about your job and see how many of those factors are tied to being on the job at that location.
While it may not be a popular choice for some, you may also want to consider geobatching to stay in the right position. Depending on your family’s needs and priorities, you and your spouse may find that this is the best option. Whatever your choice, it’s important to remember that PCSing does not always require that you give up your job.
Beyond commiserating with you, I do wonder, can the job move? Have you asked? I know there’s a good chance they’ll say no, but do your homework. Find out if there are offices located at your next duty station, if the company has a remote work policy, and if not, whether they’ll consider letting you try it out. Be prepared to persuade them and know how to address the following: how you’ll organize your work, the best methods to communicate progress, and any other circumstances you may need to overcome to perform job duties to everyone’s satisfaction.
Although you may love your job, make sure to think about whether telecommuting will be a good fit for you. Telecommuting will almost certainly change your work dynamics, so it's necessary to weigh all of the pros and cons before committing to this option. Make a list of everything you truly love about your job and see how many of those factors are tied to being on the job at that location.
While it may not be a popular choice for some, you may also want to consider geobatching to stay in the right position. Depending on your family’s needs and priorities, you and your spouse may find that this is the best option. Whatever your choice, it’s important to remember that PCSing does not always require that you give up your job.
If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of service members, spouses, or dependents PCSing this summer, good luck! Remember to breathe.
“I don’t have a job. Bring on the next duty station!” If you don’t have a job, want to leave your current job behind, or can’t take your job with you, then it’s time to start looking forward to new opportunities.
Get your marketing materials in order, including your resume and references.
Do your research to identify potential job openings and companies for which you would like to work. Start applying to positions and connecting with recruiters if possible.
Update LinkedIn and reach out to your network to let them know you are moving and looking for new employment opportunities.
Get your job search in order and get ready for the rollercoaster ride that is PCSing while moving your career. If all else fails, know you are not alone.
Get your marketing materials in order, including your resume and references.
Do your research to identify potential job openings and companies for which you would like to work. Start applying to positions and connecting with recruiters if possible.
Update LinkedIn and reach out to your network to let them know you are moving and looking for new employment opportunities.
Get your job search in order and get ready for the rollercoaster ride that is PCSing while moving your career. If all else fails, know you are not alone.
“We’re moving, my job’s moving; how am I going to get everything done?” Admittedly, to those in the prior categories, having a job that can move with you seems like an enviable position. However, should you be so fortunate, you still have PCS planning to do.
If you are PCSing, make sure you're communicating honestly with your boss. If you need to take time off, say so. If you will be without internet, say so. If you plan to get as much work done as possible pre-PCS and will then be MIA for a few weeks, say so. Communicate, set clear expectations in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises, and make sure your work supplies don't end up packed with the rest of your household goods.
No matter which PCS scenario you find yourself in this PCS season, good luck, and remember to breathe!
Story by Jamie Boyle
If you are PCSing, make sure you're communicating honestly with your boss. If you need to take time off, say so. If you will be without internet, say so. If you plan to get as much work done as possible pre-PCS and will then be MIA for a few weeks, say so. Communicate, set clear expectations in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises, and make sure your work supplies don't end up packed with the rest of your household goods.
No matter which PCS scenario you find yourself in this PCS season, good luck, and remember to breathe!
Story by Jamie Boyle
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