Do you tell everyone..

[tootiredtosleep]

That you are a Defence wife? I am trying desperately to find a job! I found childcare for 4 days a week very easily, but now I have to pay for it.

So, do you think I should tell them that DH is in the army, or just say that we have moved due to his work??

Do you think that employers don't want to employ army wifes because we always move around, and our hubbies are never home?

I am very lucky that DH can't be deployed and that he is retiring next year!!

[sharvs]

I've always told my employers that I'm an Army wife & never had a problem from it. I guess it depends on the work you are doing and how badly they want you for the job. I was really worried about it when we first moved to Townsville but since its a defence community it wasnt an issue. My last job was in the Hunter Valley and i was there for 2 years - thats a pretty good stint considering alot of non-army people dont stay in one job that long.

I think you need to be honest with them from the beginning. If they know you are a defence partner, sometimes they are more understanding. Tell them that he is retiring next year.

[ConcernedParent]

I am with Sharv's, I always tell them. I have to because we have moved around so much I have had to answer the question, "how does someone have so many jobs in so short a timeframe".

I do not put in in my application letter, though. I have found stereotypes can work against you in that respect. I wait until the interview and tell them them. By that time,the employer has had time to go through my qualifications, gain a first impression and explore other issues.

Except for 1 employer, I have never had a problem. That employer never treated any of their staff well, so I doubt it had anything to do with my Defence status. Mostly I have found people to be understanding and supportive.

I have just changed jobs. After 2 weeks, my new employer has asked when we are being posted. We are due for posting advice in the next 18 months. He said he was really happy to have a quality candidate which he doesn't want to lose. We agreed we will play it by ear and deal with it if and when it comes up. I find a lot of employers are like this.

Another thing, there have been some places I have worked where they have had a lot of Defence spouses. They have said that they are such good candidates, and well adjusted employees, that they would not hesitate to hire them.

So, go for it!! Good luck :)

[MilkOnTap]

I usually tell them from word-go. They're going to find out in the first 3 months anyway (when your on probation) and I'd prefer for them to discriminate me from the beginning and not give me a job at all, than later on when I'm settled and dont want to move!!!

Sounds slightly pessimistic doesn't it??? I'm normally quite an optimist - but I think when it comes to employment, being a realist is a lot more practical...

[Olismum]

I find that most employers always ask me why I only ever stay with the same job for 2 or 3 years and on my resume I've worked in nearly every state, lol. I'm in Townsville which is a big military town so it's a common question from employers. I find it's best to be upfront as sometimes with hubby away I do need time off to care for our daughter. I've only ever had a problem with one employer where I made the mistake of telling them that we were being posted as soon as I found out which was 6 months b4 we were due to move. I found myself unemployed within 3 weeks of telling them. The stupid part was that I was specifically employed in that position because I was a defence spouse and then they replaced me with a young good looking guy as the office staff wanted someone nice to flirt with during the day. Still makes me really mad, lol.