Where’s My Village?

Did you know military spouses have a 21% unemployment rate?

I know. It’s high.

It took me forever to get through college. Between switching my major, the birth of my son, and deployments and PCS moves, it just got delayed longer than usual.

But I did it. I got my diploma at the end of 2023. And yesterday, I had my first corporate-level interview for an entry-level position. One that I truly really want. It’s 100% remote, but set hours.

The downfall? Childcare. I’m coming to the realization that if I get an offer, I will likely have to turn it down because I will be working to solely pay for child care. To make matters worse, we’re a one-vehicle family and because my husband is a drill sergeant with a unit that is not willing to work with family needs, daycare isn’t an option. So I would need to hire a nanny, who typically, at least here in the state of Texas, has to be paid an hourly rate.

I am so sad and frustrated. I’ve worked so hard to live this “American Dream” and I genuinely can’t afford it. I’ve battled not losing myself in motherhood, to military life, and when I finally can make something of myself and for myself, I can’t afford to because my son has to come first.

Where’s the so-called village? Because I’ve never felt so alone in trying to figure this out.

I just want to work and contribute to my family. That’s it. Why is this so hard? I did everything right. So why does it feel like I’m failing?