It’s My Turn: Career Development for Veteran Spouses Who Are Ready for What’s Next

Career development for veteran spouses often comes with unique challenges such as frequent moves, career gaps, underemployment, and the quiet pressure to put everyone else first. If that sounds familiar, Episode 29 of The Veteran Spouse Network podcast, It’s My Turn – Career Development for Veteran Spouses, is a must-listen.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rachelle Chapman, Senior Director of the Adecco Group US Foundation, for an honest and encouraging conversation about military spouse employment, confidence, and what it really takes to rebuild (or reimagine) a career after service life.

The Reality of Military and Veteran Spouse Careers

Military and veteran spouses face an employment landscape that looks very different from the civilian world. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain significantly higher, and many spouses earn less than their civilian counterparts over the course of their careers.

But as Rachelle explains, this isn’t about motivation or ability, it’s about structure. Frequent relocations limited local networks, and résumé gaps can make traditional career paths difficult to maintain.

Instead of framing these realities as setbacks, this episode reframes them as context and context matters.

🎧 Listen to learn why many veteran spouses feel stuck before they even start job searching.

Rachelle Chapman’s Career Journey Across Eight Military Moves

Rachelle’s perspective is shaped by lived experience. Over a 20-year career with Adecco Group, she navigated eight military moves, evolving from executive assistant to senior director while balancing family, service, and career sacrifice.

One lesson she shares stands out for many listeners:

“Ask for what you want.”

For military spouses who are used to adapting instead of advocating, this shift can be transformative. Rochelle speaks candidly about confidence, visibility, and the moment she stopped shrinking her goals to fit her circumstances.

🎧 Her story resonates deeply with spouses who’ve ever wondered if they waited too long to grow professionally.

What Is the It’s My Turn Veteran Spouse Career Program?

The It’s My Turn program was created specifically for veteran spouses navigating career transitions. This free, 12-week virtual career development program goes beyond résumés and interviews by starting with self-discovery.

The program is built around five phases:

• Self-Discovery: values, interests, and motivators

• Grow: skills assessment and development planning

• Branding: storytelling and recognizing transferable skills

• Prep: résumé, LinkedIn, and interview readiness

• Land: networking and employer connections

Participants also receive one-on-one career coaching, facilitated workshops, accountability partners, and access to professional learning platforms.

The results are powerful, strong employment outcomes, a 100% Net Promoter Score, and a lasting community of support.

🎧 In the episode, Rachelle explains why skipping self-discovery can lead to burnout even after landing a job.

Confidence, Community, and Career Growth

A central theme of this episode is confidence not as something you magically find, but something you build. Rachelle describes confidence as growing through permission, curiosity, and community.

For many veteran spouses, career development has been postponed for years. This conversation reminds listeners that investing in themselves isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

🎧 This episode offers reassurance for anyone feeling unsure about their next career move.

Is It Your Turn?

If you’re a veteran spouse considering a career change, re-entering the workforce, or simply trying to figure out what’s next, this episode meets you where you are.

🎧 Listen to Episode 29: It’s My Turn – Career Development for Veteran Spouses
Program details, application timelines, and resources are available in the episode description.