Being a military wife is not for the faint of heart. It takes a strong, independent woman to handle all the challenges that come with the territory. From constant moves to long deployments, military wives have to be ready for anything. And yet, despite all the difficulties, there is something incredibly rewarding about being a part of the military community. From forming close bonds with other military families to discovering new levels of resilience inside of you, the life of a military wife is unique, exciting, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Whether you’re currently a military spouse or planning for your significant other to enter the military, you probably have lots of questions about the life of a military wife. Keep reading for the top ten military wife questions and answers to help you feel more confident in your role as the wife of a service member.
10 Military Wife Questions to See inside the Life of a Military Wife
Being a military wife may not be easy, but it is certainly an adventure worth taking. If you’re a military girlfriend preparing to be a military spouse or a wife new to the military world, find answers to common military wife questions for support and encouragement on your journey.
Does the Military Ruin Your Life?
No–it doesn’t have to! As the wife of a military service member, you may feel like you have very little control over your life. Your husband is often away for long periods of time, and you may have to move to a new location every few years. However, being a military wife can also be a rich and fulfilling experience. It all depends on how you choose to navigate this journey.
Listen to Simply Resilient Podcast Episode 7: A Letter to a Friend About Joining the Military
Is Military Life Hard on Families?
There’s no doubt that military life is demanding. Service members have a lot on their plates between deployments, trainings, and moving around the country (or the world). And while they’re certainly dedicated to their job, it can be tough on their families.
Being a military wife often means being a single parent for long periods of time. It can be difficult to maintain a steady job when you’re constantly moving. And there’s always the fear that your loved one may not come home. In addition, many military families live far away from extended family and friends, which can make them feel isolated. Some families thrive in the military lifestyle, while others find it more difficult. The good news is that you get to decide what you believe about life in the military.
Listen to Simply Resilient Podcast Episode 12: Deciding What to Believe
Is It Hard Being a Military Wife?
I’m not going to lie to you–the life of a military wife is full of unique challenges that other spouses simply don’t have to face. On top of everyday life and relationship hurdles, you have to navigate long separations, constant moves, and worry when your spouse is away. However, it doesn’t have to be so hard that you’re miserable! You can actually enjoy and thrive as a military wife. It all starts in your mind–in a way, you get to determine how hard military wife life is based on your mindset.
Listen to Simply Resilient Podcast Episode 41: Growing Through Challenges
What is the Biggest Challenge of Being a Military Wife?
There are many challenges, but one of the biggest is the uncertainty. There is always the possibility that your spouse will be deployed at any time, and you have to be prepared for that. You also have to be ready for the possibility that they may not come home. It’s hard to make long-term plans when you don’t know what will happen next month or even next week. Fear and uncertainty are common themes in military wife life, but they don’t have to have the final say!
Listen to Simply Resilient Podcast Episode 67: Having Courage vs. Having No Fear
Do Military Marriages Last?
Absolutely! My military hubby and I are going on # years and are more in love than ever! Of course, it’s taken work to get to where we are today. It’s taken lots of grace, understanding, and forgiveness, and I’ve worked on myself to become the best spouse I can be. But through it all, we’ve managed to grow closer together and thrive as a military couple. If you’re nervous about how military life will impact your marriage, I encourage you to tell yourself that it will make it stronger and better. Leave the worries and fears behind and commit to doing everything possible to make your marriage the best it’s ever been.
Can Military Wives Have Careers?
Absolutely! Of course, there are some challenges. For example, you’ll find yourself single mom-ing it when your husband is gone on deployments or trainings. And you might have to move every few years. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fulfilling career that you love. It’s all about finding the right balance for you and your family. Perhaps you take a part-time job or start a business so you can work from home. Either way, if you want a career as a military wife, you can definitely have one!
Listen to Simply Resilient Podcast Episode 45: The Balanced Life Myth
What Do Military Wives Do for Work?
There are a lot of misconceptions about what military wives do for work. Some people think we just sit around and wait for our husbands to come home, but that’s not the case at all. In fact, most military wives have full-time jobs, just like civilian wives. We work in various fields, from teaching to nursing to business. Personally, I started my coaching business, so I could work from home and help other military wives like you!
Listen to Simply Resilient Podcast Bonus Episode: Resiliency Training
Can Military Wives Go on Deployment?
Unfortunately, no. You can’t go on deployment with your spouse. That’s one of the sacrifices couples and families make in the military. And while time apart can be hard, you don’t have to suffer through it. You can thrive during deployments! I know it sounds impossible, but I have a free resource where I share 10 tips for thriving during deployments and trainings!
Listen to Simply Resilient Podcast Pep Talk Series: When You Just Said the Big Goodbye
How Do You Manage Finances as a Military Wife?
Finances can be a challenge, especially if your spouse is deployed. Make sure you have a budget and stick to it as much as possible. You may also want to look into military discounts and benefits that can help stretch your budget further. But the best thing to do when you’re stressed about money is to remind yourself that you’re capable of whatever comes your way!
Listen to Simply Resilient Podcast Prep Talk Series: When You’re Stressed About Money
How Do Military Wives Cope?
The separations can be hard, but you just have to take it one day at a time. Stay busy and stay in touch with your spouse as much as possible. Video chat, send care packages, and write letters. It helps to stay connected to them even when they’re physically far away. It’s also essential to learn tips and tools for managing your mind. Did you know that you can feel crazy connected to your spouse, even when you have to go days, weeks, or months without seeing or talking to them? It all starts with your thoughts–your mind is a powerful place that can make life as a military wife amazing!
Listen to Simply Resilient Podcast Episode 50: Thriving During Deployment
How the Life of a Military Wife Can Be Amazing
I love my life as a military wife. I love my husband. We have beautiful children. I have a wonderful business where I get to support other military wives! But it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, nor has it always been so good. The life of a military wife is hard. But with the right tools and support, you can thrive. You can have a great life, a great marriage, and find joy in your journey. Not sure how? Start by listening to the Simply Resilient Podcast, where I share real-life experiences and practical tips to help you thrive as a military wife. You can also reach out to me to schedule a free coaching consultation to learn more about how I can help you on this journey.
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