Hi, I’m Rebecca. I’ve been an army wife for ten years this month! Over those ten years, we’ve lived in Germany, Maryland, and Arizona (twice.) I’m mom to three kids, ages six months, six, and eight and love the military lifestyle. A few years ago, while working with transitioning service members, I was given an opportunity to write for a military spouse publication. The rest, as they say, is history.

I studied geography in college and completed my master’s in emergency management before my second child was born. I am a half-hearted runner, and much prefer to lift weights. I love reading, puzzles, and sewing. I dislike laundry, mopping, and the carpool line.

What was your first move towards working in a remote capacity and/or becoming a military spouse entrepreneur?

In 2015 I left a full-time office job for a few reasons, one of which was the impending cost of childcare for two kids over the summer. I decided to take some time, try the freelance writing thing and see what happened. It wasn’t until April of 2016 that I was able to see progress. Freelance writing is a great job for me as it allows me the flexibility I wanted in life. I can volunteer in the classroom, attend unit functions with my husband, and work from anywhere.

What is your definition of military spouses as an ‘untapped resource’?

Military spouses are just like other employees in their differing skill sets. There are so many ways that spouses can be utilized in a job, even if it’s for a short period. We have college degrees. We have skills. We have dedication, and we are fiercely loyal. We are ‘untapped’ because people quickly look at the stereotypes and their perceived timeline and move on.

What would you tell other military spouses looking to start a professional career?

My biggest piece of advice is to find something you love. We all know that money isn’t everything, but we also know it does matter. A career is different from a job because you want the career to last. Don’t let anyone put you in a category. I constantly hear how military spouses should find employment that transfers easily, like health care and education. Listen milspouse; you can do ANYTHING. Who cares if it transfers easily? Your internet doesn’t transfer easily from a move to move, and you always figure that out.

If you were put on a panel involved in an initiative to improve military spouse employment opportunities and corporate awareness of the MadSkills that professional spouses bring to the workforce, what suggestions would you make?

I would love to use real life examples of the amazing milspouses who have already made it in the corporate world. Those who have spent time as a milspouse and developing a career. We need to find a way to get more milspouses in those positions of authority so we can start helping each other out. We also need to focus on the MadSkills we have, not who we married. It doesn’t matter that my husband is in the army, it matters that I’m a great writer.

Connect with Rebecca at whatrebeccathinks.com