When I unexpectedly married into the military, I had no idea that it would completely upend my career – despite having a Masters degree and 10 years of experience. If you’re a milspouse too, you’re VERY familiar with this struggle. In case you’re unfamiliar, the military spouse unemployment rate is 24% (the country average is 3.6%) and the military spouse underemployment rate (finding work in the field in which you’re trained or that pays a living wage) is 70%. SEVENTY PERCENT. This includes spouses WITH professional degrees and qualifications. The lifestyle of moving every 2-4 years (abroad and domestically) doesn’t go too well with career growth and sustainability.
In order to maintain sanity and progress while we were stationed rurally overseas, I turned my painting hobby into a business and it took off very quickly. But the next relocation affected that negatively as well. I was desperate to figure out what I could do that would utilize my expensive education and experience, pay what I deserve to be paid, AND come with me every time we had to move.
I was at a networking event and in the middle of getting yet another professional cert when I came across the most exuberant woman speaking near a table labeled ‘Salesforce’ (don’t let the name fool you). A fellow milspouse with a nonprofit and art background, she was so happy and excited that I couldn’t NOT dig into what she was talking about. That was in June, and I’m here to tell you 6 months later that Salesforce has completely changed my life.
In July I went to my first Salesforce Saturday, signed up through Vetforce and was accepted into Merivis.
In August I graduated from Merivis, and I completed my Admin Cert the first week of September.
In October I landed my first SF role with a massive technology consulting firm, making more money than I’ve ever made in my life.
By November I was a Trailhead Ranger and was chosen to go to Dreamforce as part of the 2019 Dream Team Cohort with Vetforce (now Salesforce Military).
I never would have imagined any of this a year ago. It’s been an insane and amazing whirlwind ride and I know it’s just beginning.
Not only is the training platform (Trailhead) completely free, it’s FUN. Like the most fun I’ve ever had while working, aside from painting. On top of that, the pay is amazing. Like you could actually survive independently from your military husband amazing.
And then there’s the community. It’s called the Salesforce Ohana, and it is REAL. I’ve never felt so connected to so many strangers in my life. The community, especially the military arm of the community, is like family. We’re all here for each other, cheering for each other, celebrating with each other, looking out for each other, even though the majority have never met in person. It’s like career utopia.
So if you’re a military spouse battling the darkness of a career-identity crisis, low self-worth, self-esteem, depression and alllll the other things that this lifestyle can foster…I implore you to look into this. Start by clicking HERE.
There is a massive community behind you that wants you to win, and you’re never alone. You’re capable of literally anything you can imagine. Let me know how I can help you get there. <3
Emily Magone is a self-taught artist, entrepreneur and Salesforce enthusiast from NW Montana. She wants all women to rise into themselves to maximize their potential – whatever that might look like.
