30-Day Gratitude Challenge – MadSkills
Many a military spouse has set out to find their perfect career.
Maybe it to be a financial advisor, helping people grow their wealth. Or perhaps, a meteorologist for the local news.
All good and well until their active duty spouse gets official orders to move cross country and back to the job board, we go.
It happens all the time.
The military spouse movement.
Unemployment and underemployment is a huge problem within the military spouse community. The unemployment rate is 12.04 percent as compared to 7.74 for civilians. But, in 2016 a mass movement to improve job placement erupted. Businesses like R. Riveter are hiring spouses for remote work. Nonprofits like Milspo Project are mentoring budding entrepreneurs. And companies are looking for talent on the MadSkills Job Board. Today there’s more support, resources, and jobs available to spouses than ever before.
Your next step.
If you haven’t found your perfect job yet, don’t worry. This holiday season, consider viewing your career journey through a new lens. Focus on plenty rather than scarcity. Despite the challenges, stop to recognize your gifts. Take time to reflect on the people who’ve helped you along the way.
A daily gratitude practice can contribute to improving your quality of life. It takes work, though. Our brains store and recall negativity over positivity as a survival mechanism. Researchers call it the “negativity bias”. Thus, it’s easier for us to focus on what’s lacking in life, versus what’s going well. But, if you take the time to appreciate the blessings, you’ll train your brain to hunt for the good. Less time worrying gives you more energy and motivation to succeed.
“Talking about our problems is the greatest addiction. Break the habit, talk about your joys!” Rita Schiano
Take the challenge!
While professional hurdles still exist, military spouses are shattering barriers every day. Make the gradual change in your own life by cultivating a positive attitude. Start by participating in the MadSkills 30-Day Gratitude Challenge.
Here’s how to take part:
1. In your calendar, block out five minutes per day for 30 days to disconnect (Nov. 25 – Dec. 25).
2. Note one to three things you’re grateful for in a daily journal. Focus on your career. Meditation works, too. The key is repetition. Commit to a daily practice for 30-days.
3. After 30-days, reflect on what you experienced and how you feel moving forward. If you enjoy the positive habit you’ve formed, keep going!
This holiday season, take the time to find the beauty in being a military spouse professional. Embrace positivity to help with your job search. Believe that the blessings are abundant and are within your reach. Happy holidays!
What service are you grateful for that is helping military spouse professionals? Tell us below or via our social media handles with the hashtag #MadSkillsGratitudeChallenge
I’ve already shared MadSkills with all the spouses in our FRG and plan to keep spreading the word. It’s been a great tool for finding remote/telecommute opportunities!
Ready to find a job? Create your MadSkills profile.
