Chris Peck ⋅ Atlanta , GA UPS ⋅ 30 years experience

John--
Thanks for your career of service to your country! As someone who's also relocated 8 times domestically and in three countries, we are the exception compared to most civilian counterparts. It's understandable that your family would like to spend time in one location now---and you've certainly earned it!

Having said that, your job search will necessarily be limited to those opportunities within commuting distance of your home in AZ, or for positions that can be based anywhere that will involve a lot of travel. Most employers are fine with this kind of stability, and you have the added advantage of having lived and worked in so many different places. This IS an under-marketed benefit of a military career---the adaptability and flexibility of working with a variety of people in a range of geographies. Simply put, you have a track record of adaptabilty that most "locals" lack.

Best of luck and let me know if I can be of assistance.

Brgds--Chris

Katie Tamarelli ⋅ Newport , KY Strategy& ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi,

I agree with Andy, but do not think it is a "lost cause." There are tons of other ways "mobility" is required i.e. traveling occasionally on the job, working odd hours that align better with other coworkers etc. That being said, unless asked, I would not necessary volunteer this information. I would "cross this bridge when you come to it." As well, many jobs may require nothing listed above.

Best of luck!
Katie

Larry Smith ⋅ Cumming , GA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 5 years experience

Work is work, life is life... thank you for your service... if you love where you live and live where you love no one will have any trouble with that... we call that "stability". if they do, they're probably not the people you want to work with... You may however find it weird in a few years when you realize that moving trucks haven't been in your driveway for a few years... best of luck to you and again thank you for your service!

Andy Ledbetter ⋅ Grapevine , TX Hewlett-Packard ⋅ 30 years experience

Thanks for your service, John.

Any constraint is limiting, whether it is where you live, what industry you prefer, shift or anything else. That said, you can often prevent the constraint from being detrimental by increased flexibility in other areas. For instance, flexibility in industry, job type and willingness to commute or travel can minimize a location constraint.

I grew up on the move too. Not quite as often, but I attended 9 schools before college and moved my kids 4 times before they got to middle school. Despite never creating a location constraint, I haven't moved in nearly 20 years. I traveled extensively and then setup an effective home office. I've worked from home for 13 years, at various times reporting to managers from one side of the USA to the other and traveling when necessary. Staying put can work!