Mission Possible: Remote Jobs for Military Spouses in IT
The Career Struggles of a Military Spouse — and How to Build a Career That Moves With You
For military spouses, career planning often takes a backseat to relocation orders, deployments, and family stability. You’ve mastered flexibility — but that flexibility can come at a cost when it comes to your own career. The truth? Military spouses face some of the toughest employment challenges in the country. But there’s a way forward.
After all, you’ve built your life around adaptability. Now, it’s time to use that same strength to build a career that moves with you.
The PCS Pay Gap: Income Loss That Adds Up
When the orders come, the job often goes.
Nearly 70% of military spouses lose their job during a PCS (Permanent Change of Station), according to milspouses.com. For those who relocate, the average household income drops from around $45,793 to $31,222, according to the D’Aniello Institute. That’s a steep drop — and it happens again and again with every move.
Even when spouses do find new work, it’s often in lower-paying or short-term roles just to stay employed. Over time, those repeated disruptions add up — both financially and emotionally.
But there’s another path. Careers in information technology (IT) are built on skills and certifications that travel with you. Remote work is common, pay is competitive, and your experience goes wherever the Wi-Fi signal does.
Career Progression, Interrupted
Promotions, tenure, and seniority rarely survive frequent relocations.
Many military spouses are forced to restart with every move — losing the progress they’ve earned. For those in licensed professions like nursing or education, state credentialing makes it even tougher. Certifications often don’t transfer across state lines, leading to costly and time-consuming re-licensure efforts (D’Aniello Institute; militaryfamilies.com).
That’s why certifications in IT are so powerful.
They’re portable, industry-recognized, and globally respected. Credentials like CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ hold the same value no matter where you’re stationed.
Explore the path: Computer User Support Specialist Program
Identity, Stress, and Starting Over — Again
Behind every PCS is more than a new zip code. It’s another round of starting over — again.
Losing a job or stepping out of the workforce can affect your confidence, sense of identity, and overall well-being. Many spouses describe feeling “stuck” or like their career goals are always on pause for the sake of family stability. It’s frustrating, and it’s exhausting.
But you’ve already proven you can handle challenge and change.
That same resilience makes you exactly the kind of person who thrives in tech. The key is finding a learning environment that meets you where you are — one that understands your world and helps you build a future you can own.
Read next: Answering the Top Training Questions from Military Members
Skill Decay and Career Drift
When frequent moves or family commitments keep you out of the workforce, skills can fade or feel outdated. Over time, many spouses end up shifting into generalist or short-term jobs — even if they’d rather specialize or pursue a more ambitious path.
That’s where ACI Learning Tech Academy can help.
Our online programs are designed to help you stay current, gain in-demand certifications, and refresh your skills — no matter where you’re located. With live, instructor-led training and hands-on labs, you’ll be practicing real-world scenarios from your own home.
See how it works: Explore ACI Learning Tech Academy Programs
The Local Job Search Loop
Every relocation means starting fresh in a new job market — with new employers, new networks, and new competition.
Employers sometimes hesitate to hire military spouses because they assume another move is on the horizon. Add in childcare logistics, transportation hurdles, and unfamiliar communities, and it’s easy to see how the cycle repeats.
But you can break that loop.
Remote-friendly IT roles make it possible to take control of your career and your schedule — without depending on the local job market. Through ACI Learning Tech Academy, you’ll receive personalized mentorship, real certification prep, and career services that stick — so you can keep growing, wherever life takes you next.
Funding your education: Learn how veteran and military spouse programs like the GI Bill® and VET TEC can cover your training — GI Bill® Expansion Explained: More Benefits, More Opportunities
From Struggle to Strategy: Building a Career That Moves With You
Military spouses don’t need another reminder of the challenges — they need a solution that works with their lifestyle.
ACI Learning Tech Academy offers just that:
- Portable, industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+.
- One-on-one mentorship from instructors who guide you step-by-step.
- Career coaching for resumes, interviews, and job searches tailored to your goals.
- A supportive community of learners, including fellow military spouses and veterans.
You’ve spent years supporting the mission. Now it’s time to start yours.
Ready to make your next move your last career restart?
See how ACI Learning Tech Academy helps military spouses train for flexible, remote IT careers that move wherever you do.
Explore Programs →
Related Reading
- Answering the Top Training Questions from Military Members
- GI Bill® Expansion Explained: More Benefits, More Opportunities
- Veteran IT Training Programs
