Solving America's Military Spouse Employment Crisis | Laura Briggs | TEDxNormal

Laura’s Talk “The Service Behind the Service: America’s Military Spouse Employment Crisis” explores the flip side of a career military families: spouses. Many military spouses face high unemployment and underemployment rates, are not taken. Laura’s Talk “The Service Behind the Service: America’s Military Spouse Employment Crisis” explores the flip side of a career military families: spouses. Many military spouses face high unemployment and underemployment rates, are not taken. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@JWandoe]

From my experience as a male military spouse, I have seen that many do not want to work or can not afford to due to child care or lack of resources in that area. Some work and are very successful, sometimes making more than the active duty member.
I have definitely experienced the gaps in employment and taking positions that I’m overqualified for.
This was a great talk! Should be highlighted

[@SamiNoSosaa]

Thank you for highlighting this!! Many people don’t understand the highs and lows of being a spouse

[@PreCodeCamp]

Totally agree I feel that the frequent relocations required by military service make it difficult for many spouses to maintain a stable career. When stationed at Ft Rucker we had to create an online store selling digital stuff. That way it could go with us when we PCS'd

[@margueritemckinney1176]

I agree wholeheartedly! I was in Berlin as a military wife in 67-70. The WWII agreement forbade Americans from holding civilian jobs on base and for the State Dept. I had thought I could continue teaching, but learned that teachers were hired in the States. I was at the elementary school so often that I did get a job as an aide making $2 an hour on the days school was in session. The next year I got a job as a substitute and got a teaching job when a teacher unexpectedly left before the end of the year and finally got to teach the last year there. Teachers hired by the DOD in the States were given pensions, free apartments, commissary and medical services. I was only allowed to participate in Social Security. I was fortunate compared to other military wives, but deeply resented the lack of opportunity and hit to my retirement which hit harder than I expected due to having to retire at 53 due to a genetic condition and the WEP and GPO laws passed in 1983.