As a military spouse of seven years with a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old, I’ve experienced a variety of environments and cultures. From Taiwan, Washington D.C., Hawaii, to now living in Kentucky, I want to share the lessons and insights I’ve gained along the way.
The Joy of Moving
Living a life full of relocations has been a fulfilling experience for me. Although I don’t know how this lifestyle will affect my children as they grow, up until now, it has been an exciting and rewarding journey. I’ve always had a curiosity about the world and a strong sense of adventure. I wanted to experience things I didn’t know about, and new places have always made me feel alive. Every time my husband suggested a new place to move to, I was thrilled. Since he shares the same sense of excitement, we look forward to the adventure each move brings, planning together for new beginnings. Every relocation is a fresh start, and each one has challenged me to grow.
How New Environments Help Me Grow
From different neighborhoods and homes to experiencing local cultures, I’ve felt myself becoming more global. Living in Taiwan, I embraced its culture, and in Washington D.C., I immersed myself in its rich political and historical atmosphere. After spending five years in Hawaii, I became deeply connected to the local way of life, and now, living in Kentucky, I’m experiencing yet another unique culture. Each new place has its own vibe, and through these experiences, I’ve been developing a broader perspective on life. I enjoy observing people and adapting to new environments. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow through these experiences.
The Distance from Family Back Home
I’m originally from Korea, and while my husband’s family has become my most important support here, I can only visit my family in Korea once or twice a year. Of course, I miss them sometimes, but I don’t find it overwhelmingly sad. I always had a sense that my life would unfold beyond the borders of my home country, and knowing this, the distance hasn’t been as difficult as I expected. However, I do feel the sadness of missing important family milestones like weddings or the passing of a loved one. When I heard about a friend’s parent passing away and realized I couldn’t be there during such a tough time, my heart ached. This, I believe, is one of the biggest challenges of military family life.
Saying Goodbye to Friends
When we moved from Hawaii to Kentucky, I felt the sadness of leaving behind a dear friend who had become my emotional support throughout my journey as a mother. We had spent three years together in high school and became even closer after moving to Hawaii. The fact that we won’t be able to see each other as often anymore made me realize just how precious those moments were. Even though we had time apart, when we finally met again, it felt like no time had passed, and we were able to catch up as if nothing had changed. This experience reminded me of how painful it is to say goodbye to those who’ve shared important moments of our lives. I also worry about how my children will handle similar goodbyes as they grow older. I still remember the bittersweet feeling of leaving behind childhood friends, knowing that I might never see them again. The emotional connections we form as military families are strong, and the constant goodbyes make us lean on each other even more.
Career Challenges as a Military Spouse
One of the challenges of being a military spouse is the difficulty in maintaining a consistent career. Many military spouses work in fields that allow for flexibility, such as healthcare, education, or service industries, where they can easily find similar jobs when they move. However, continuing a career in a specialized field is much harder. I know military spouses who had to put their careers on hold when they moved overseas. As someone who is studying healthcare, I too face the reality that if my husband is stationed abroad, I’ll need to pause my career. That’s why I’ve started planning a business to fill the gap and create a new career path that can adapt to our lifestyle. For those in careers that are not easily transferable, life as a military spouse can be more challenging.
Conclusion: The Military Family Journey
In conclusion, life as a military family comes with its own set of challenges, but it also offers countless opportunities for growth and learning. While there are tough moments, I feel like each experience is shaping me into a stronger and more adaptable person. We live in different environments, constantly meeting new opportunities and challenges, which help us grow and broaden our horizons. Above all, family is my most important value, and I will continue doing everything I can to nurture that throughout our journey.
“What has been the biggest challenge or the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a military family? Share your stories in the comments below! Let’s learn and grow together by exchanging experiences. 😊”
Global Mom Diary 