Twisted Panties, Oh My!

The other day I post a vent that was sent into my inbox on my fan page, *Army WIves Do It With Hooah*. This vent caused somewhat of an uproar. I said I agreed with some of it and disagreed with some of it, but I didn't really comment on it at the time because I was on my phone and didn't feel like typing it all out that way. So, I'll address it now. I'll also say now that when I say "you", I'm not addressing the person specifically who wrote this vent. I'm addressing everyone who feels that way lol it's generally speaking.

Here was the vent:

"I really just have a vent.

Okay. I realize that when you marry somebody in the military, or your husband joins, you get a dependent ID card, but that DOES NOT make you military. YOU didn't sign the paperwork, YOUR kids didn't sign the paperwork, he did(or wife in some cases). I am SO tired of hearing, "Civilians just don't understand what its like to be military". Last I checked, My husband just joined the army, not me, I AM a civilian, and so is our daughter. I didn't sign ANYTHING, my husband did.

Volunteering =)

I'm going to be looking into volunteering around post to help with my skills and such since I'm having a hard time finding a job. ((The only thing I regret about being a stay at home mom for so long.))

My first stop is registering with Army OneSource. (I already have an account but can't for the life of me remember it so I'm setting up a new one lol) Registration takes less then five minutes.

On the top right you will see "volunteer tool", I clicked on that on and now I see a map of the USA. There is a spot to click if you're already a volunteer, which I'm not, so I'll continue on and see what I need to do lol =) Okay, I guess I click on my state. ((Hang in there with me, we're doing a step by step to see what I find lol)) I'm going to click on Georgia! Hope I don't blow anything up!

I know see a list of "communities" for Georgia. Strolling to look for my area....
I see the volunteer coordinator and number and I click on that as well. It takes me to a page of "volunteer opportunities".

Now if I move my scroll bar down some I will see a list of opportunities to volunteer for!!! This was easy!!

If you're looking for a way to help and build your skills in your free time, this is a great way to do it!! Now, I'm going to look at the details of each one I see listed and see how I go about signing up!! Wish me luck!

And good luck to you to those who choose this as well!

Also check out my "Job Search" posts for helpful info:

Job Search ~ Part 1: Your skills
Job Search ~ Part 2: Opportunities
Job Search ~ Part 3: Your Resume/Job search letters

Job Search ~ Part 3: Your Resume/Job search letters

Having a resume will increase your chances of landing an interview for the job you want. Your resume should effectively communicate your skills, abilities and experiences so that an employer will want to meet you and interview you.

Here is a link to the types of resumes there are and examples of each:
Resume Types

You should always send a Cover Letter with your resume. The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce your reader to your resume. The basic contents of a cover letter are:
*heading
*introduction
*supporting body
*conclusion

Here is a link for more info and samples of cover letters:
Cover Letters

After you've had your interview you should follow up with a Thank You Letter. This will help your name stand out more among the other applicants and show professionalism. Your thank you letter should be short and show sincerity but not overkill.
Here is a link for more info and samples of thank you letters:
Thank You Letters

Don't forget to read Job Search ~ Part 1: Your skills & Job Search ~ Part 2: Opportunities.

More to come... =)

Job Search ~ Part 2: Opportunities

Finding a job will be a lot easier if you know where to look. Your options are not as limited as you may think they are. Consider the following options:

Federal Employment - Appropriated Funds ~ USAJOBS -find something in your area

Federal Employment - Non-appropriated Funds ~ these are government jobs, but these are paid for by locally generated MWR activities... Army Civil Service

Defense Contracting ~ examples: Bank and credit union employees, transition center employees, education center employees, computer techs at the telecommunications center, network planners and their support staff, payroll specialists, & aircraft and weapons technicians

Military Exchange System ~ Check out AAFES Careers

Self-Employment ~ If this is something you consider make sure you choose a business that can travel with you. Also make sure you no the rules and regulations on your post if you live in housing where it concerns home businesses.

Private Industry ~ Make it a point to visit the Department of Labor, Chamber of Commerce, and employment agencies in your area to find out about the opportunities there.

Opportunities Abroad ~ Going Global - International Careers

Volunteering ~ This can be a very beneficial choice if you absolutely can't find any work. Volunteering will help you keep your job skills current or help you learn new job skills. Volunteering can be put on your resume. It may also open the door to a new employment opportunity. Find out about volunteering by going to your ACS office.

**thank you Jenn for your input!! - Jenn P. - One very good thing that you forgot to add is temp services! Register for temp services. Some of their positions are temp to perm but even if they just lasts a few weeks, it allows you to network while bringing in some money. Also lets you start getting local references. You can be placed in a wide array of companies and that can help you figure out WHERE you want to work. Some temp services are worldwide (like Kelly Services) which is great for military spouses.

Don't forget to read Job Search ~ Part 1: Your skills

Job Search ~ Part 1: Your skills

Being a military spouse can have its downfalls when it comes to the career/job department. Many times we, as spouses, put our careers/jobs on hold for our servicemember. Than there are those who really didn't put anything on hold, but have trouble finding a job simply because they are a military spouse, lol. Jobs are limited and we constantly move, so it makes it kind of hard for us to find something. So I will be sharing tips and such out of several books that may help myself, or you, the reader. =)

(Personal note** It is really hard for me right now!! I have been a stay at home mom for the past 8 1/2yrs, since my husband joined. I have tons of skills, but no work experience...talk about bummer! But I'm determined to find something, which is why I have all these books for tips on finding and getting a job.)

Let's get started!!

Identify your skills - your skills represent your unique abilities to accomplish tasks...they are developed through a variety of experiences and there are 3 basic types of skills:

1. Self-management skills - these represent your personal traits...

accurate, active, adaptable, adventurous, aggressive, alert, ambitious, analytical, artistic, assertive, calm, candid, capable, careful, cautious, charismatic, clear-headed, clever, competitive, concerned, concise, confident, conscientious, conservative, considerate, consistent, cooperative, courageous, creative, decisive, dedicated, dependable, detail-oriented, diligent, direct, disciplined, eager, efficient, energetic, enthusiastic, factual, fair-minded, flexible, forceful, friendly, frugal, genuine, goal-oriented, hardworking, honest, imaginative, independent, industrious, innovative, intelligent, intuitive, inventive, logical, loyal, methodical, non-judgmental, open-minded, opportunistic, organized, perfectionist, precise, reliable, responsible, risk-taker, secure, self-motivated, sensitive, stable, talented, trustworthy, wise

2. Transferable or Functional skills - these are your mobile skills...they can easily travel between different types of jobs...

adjust, advice, alter, analyze, arrange, assess, assist, blend, budget, calculate, care for, classify, compare, compile, compose, compute, conceptualize, construct, consult, cook, coordinate, copy, create, decorate, demonstrate, diagnose, direct, drive, edit, entertain, evaluate, examine, follow up, formulate, guide, handle, improvise, include, influence, inform, insert, install, instruct, interview, investigate, learn, listen, manage, manipulate, measure, mix, motivate, negotiate, network, operate, paint, persuade, plan, post data, problem solve, publicize, read, record, refill, regulate, repair, report, sell, serve, service, sew, sort, supervise, synthesize, teach, test, type, theorize, transcribe, write

3. Work Content skills - also known as technical skills...these skills are task specific... skills you must have in order to accomplish a given task... for example, if you are a computer programmer, you must know how to program computers, or if you are a cashier, you must know how to operate a cash register...

Updating your skills or adding to them - there are several ways to do this...

1. enroll in a class at a local university or online
2. contact the family services support or community service center on the military installation where you are stationed, they may offer free skills-based training
3. volunteer your time to an organization in order to learn those skills
4. teach yourself new skills
5. if you are employed already, find out if your company will sponsor the training you want

You must know what employers want too... the three characteristics most employers seek are:

1. Ability to do the job that has to be done.
2. Willingness to do the job that has to be done.
3. Ability to fit in their company.

Specifically they want employees who:

1. Have knowledge and the ability to learn.
2. Possess solid decision making skills.
3. Can be flexible, adaptable, persistent and can take the initiative necessary to see a task through to completion.
4. Can effectively communicate and work in teams.
5. Can be assertive when necessary.
6. Have professional networking skills and a familiarity with the company's history and goals.

Army Wife/Gf IS NOT the toughest job in the Army!

So, I'm sure we've all seen the sticker or shirt that says "Army Wife, Toughest Job in the Army". This is only my opinion, but I think that is one of the most stupid things I have ever read! The fact that women actually believe this makes it even worse!!

Now in no way am I saying that being an army wife/gf isn't hard, but come on people!! Oh, and when I say girlfriend, I mean the women who have been there for a significant amount of time. I'm not referring to the women who have been involved with an army man for a month or 2 before they deploy and I'm certainly not referring to "tag chasers".

Yes, it is hard on me raising the kids by myself....it hard on me during the holidays and it's hard on me when the kids are missing him, but it is far easier on me than him. I have the comforts of home in a familiar place. He has none of that. Every second he is there, he is at risk for being killed. Yes, I know I could get killed in an accident home, but the chances of that are slim. He constantly has a target on his back. At holidays, he sees his kids through a webcam, while I can hold and kiss them in person. He eats meals at the DFAC or out of the microwave, I eat home cooked meals. At night while I sleep soundly, he probably hears bombs and guns going off.

It really pisses me off when women say and think they have it harder than their husband who is serving in the army. They don't know hard until they have stepped foot on foreign land in a country where you're a target (unless she is a soldier herself or prior soldier).

Please take notice that I have never said "my soldier" or "their soldier". I always refer to them as "husband/s". My husband is just that, MY HUSBAND. The contract he signed with me was as husband and wife, not as soldier and wife.

I suppose this is the end of my little rant. LOL.