Military spouse employment has been a headline issue for decades—and yet, the struggles remain. PCS after PCS, spouses face resume gaps, lost career momentum, and jobs that don’t match their education or experience. In this episode, we go beyond the stats and talk about what really keeps military spouses from building sustainable, fulfilling careers—and what can finally shift the conversation.
In this conversation we’re digging into:
- The difference between getting a job and growing a career
- Why underemployment is just as damaging as unemployment
- What real career support looks like during and after transition
- How military spouses can start owning their resume stories
- The truth about 401(k) vesting, PTO loss, PCS leave, and more
Whether you’re a veteran spouse ready to focus on YOU or still navigating the active duty grind, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and real steps to move forward.
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Meet our Guest
Karen Santiano Francis, MS, CMCS
Karen is an Experienced Career Advisor and Training Program Manager, specializing in Veteran and Military Family populations with extensive involvement in military community issues, as an advocate, case manager, trainer, writer, and editor.
As a military spouse, both AD, Guard, and Reserves, she has worked within the military community for many years. Now, as a veteran spouse after her service member’s retirement, the reality of ‘civilian’ employment for spouses with a typical military spouse resume has set in.
With a Bachelors from UMUC in Psychology, a Masters in Psychology from Capella, she also studied for and received her GCDF (Global Career Development Facilitator) and CMCS (Certified Master of Career Services). Karen has worked with transitioning servicemembers, including her own son and her spouse, veterans, and military spouses on a variety of issues.
Realizing that a foundation of a well-paid, interesting, and fulfilling career can assist the entire family in transition, she chose to specialize in employment and career assistance, with transitioning military and spouses. Military spouse and veteran spouse unemployment issues are her ‘soapbox’ issues, and advocating for that community includes speaking with groups, legislators, and those who can make a difference.
“Getting a job is one thing, finding a career takes more work, more training, and someone to help you find the way”.
The Conversation Q&A
- You have degrees that make you an expert in “how to get and keep a profession or career.” When we talk about military spouse unemployment there is a list of reasons why spouses are unable to create sustainable careers. In your experience what are the key factors?
- Are there any additional sub-issues you would add to that list that aren’t talked about as much?
- Can a military spouse build a career if they have to continue to face these issues?
- What are the most common challenges you’ve seen military spouses face when it comes to transition and employment?
- TAP is designed to help a servicemember transition and get a follow-on job. Military spouses are given a space-available seat at this table. What alternative programs are available to support military spouses in a similar way?
Karen’s Quote About MilSpouse Careers
Connect with our Guest
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