Air Force husband Michael Kurt first looked for work after PCSing to Hawaii with his wife, Christine, for one simple reason: the family needed extra money to send their son to private school.

He landed a job at the NEX in Honolulu, working in the toy section. Across the aisle, however, is where his future waited. The local business, Dive Oahu, ran a booth inside the Navy exchange and Michael spent his extra time chatting with employees there about the sport of scuba.

He learned that the MyCAA program, Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts, would pay for his classes. Later, his wife could transfer her 9-11 GI Bill benefits to him so that he could study scuba full time and earn more credentials.

Now, Michael is a certified scuba instructor, is working towards his master instructor certification and is preparing to buy the first boat for his new company, Imperial Divers.

“From the first moment I entered the program, I was hooked,” he said.

The experience was life changing. Michael was “raised in the Army and decided to upgrade and married to the Air Force,” he said with a chuckle. Christine has spent 14 years in the Air Force and the couple has been married 12. Michael said his job has been to help and be the supportive military spouse.

When he discovered his passion for diving, Christine reciprocated.

“You need a good support system and I have a phenomenal support system,” he said. “My biggest support is Christine. Having a spouse that believes in you – there is nothing greater than that.”

Now, the family has opened Imperial Divers and will be purchasing the outfit’s first dive boat this year.

“We’re super excited about that,” he said.

The couple has built the framework for the business as a service based industry, he said. They cater to their customers and are willing to teach them scuba where they are comfortable – on the beach, in their home, hanging at a restaurant – never in uncomfortable desks in a classroom.

And most importantly, they aim to keep their students diving.

“An instructor of mine told me once you certify someone, keep them diving and the request to get more certifications will naturally fall into place. I took it to heart and went out and took people diving for free, just had a good time and sure as could be, here I was selling more classes just because I was taking people out for free,” Michael said.

Michael also teaches for one of the dive schools located on the Army base in Hawaii. There he found that students who suffered from PTSD found that being under the water helped their symptoms. Christine and Michael’s dream is to open a scuba shop where PTSD sufferers can have access to mental health counselors and scuba.

And, Hawaii is not their last stop. The pair have plans to establish their business in Hawaii and then open shops in New Zealand, the Philippines and Fiji so their clients can move between the four locations and experience some of the best dive locations on the planet.

These are big dreams, Michael knows that. But, he is growing and learning along the way.

His advice for other spouses, “First, never use your own money. That’s a sure way to failure. Rule number two, you will fail and you cannot give up. If you really believe in your dream and you want to make it happen you absolutely have to keep fighting. There will be crushing setbacks where you think you can’t go on but you have to continue. You know the old cliché, nothing ventured, nothing gained? You’ve got to take risks.”

And, what’s a better risk than living your dream job?

Is working from home the cushiest gig ever, or the most difficult one? 

Seasoned teleworkers would say: both! Here are three ways it can become awful if not managed properly and four ways to enjoy its awesomeness if it is.

First, teleworkers save a lot of time by not commuting. But, what starts off as extra free time, can easily turn into extended work hours when you aren’t clock-watching as closely as you would if you had leave your work site to race home to meet other obligations on time. 

Secondly, when wardrobe isn’t an issue, you can be super comfy in your jammies and slippers, on the sofa, with your feet up while you work. But, if you aren’t careful, laziness can creep up on you and result in a lower quantity and quality of work getting done. 

Thirdly, working at home eliminates the distractions of people frequently dropping by your work area, chatting incessantly and wasting valuable time. At home, the distractions don’t go away, they just become different ones, like family and friends who drop by, pressing chores that need to get done or worse, feelings of complete isolation.

So what can new teleworkers do make working at home awesome for their supervisors and for themselves?

Dedicate Work Space

Establish a dedicated workspace and use it. No, this doesn’t mean the sofa is always where you work. It means, pick a room in the house where you can have a desk, chair, office supplies and equipment.  Having everything in one space lends itself to structure, focus, and productivity. You will feel like you are ‘at work’, you will be able to find everything, and you will be less tempted to work around the clock when you can walk away and shut the door.

Stay Connected

It is great to eliminate the distractions of colleagues dropping by your desk, but when you completely eliminate it by working from home, that could lead to feelings of isolation. For that reason, stay connected to your co-workers. In fact, rather than default to email for all communication (we do that even we are in a workplace), pick up the phone.  This will help you feel more engaged; cut down on incidents of miscommunication; speed up getting some things done and; dispel any doubt that you are actually working.

Ask for What You Need

Even if you have a computer, cell phone, printer and office supplies, still ask your manager to provide basic home office items (excluding furniture). At first, using your personal equipment may seem like no big deal, but it will eventually become one when you have to repair it and buy parts, supplies and accessories for it. Using your own cell phone means co-workers and customers can call you whenever it is convenient for them, but you can’t just turn it off or leave it home if it is your link to family and friends.

Be Clear on Expectations

Every supervisor has his own preferences and expectations. Meet with yours to make sure you are very clear about his. For example, is your workday based on delivery of products or services or by time on the clock? Must you be available during certain hours or are your hours flexible? How often, if ever, are you expected to go into the office? Do you have the equipment for virtual meetings and collaboration, such as Skype, conference calls, SharePoint, electronic group messaging services? Schedule regular check-ins to make sure expectations haven’t changed and that you are still on track.

By following these simple tips, your teleworking experience could be simply awesome!

Things have been a little quiet in my blogging life.  After spurts of motivation to get back into the real, working world, I finally found a position to apply for that matched my education and experience. 

Although it was full-time and a little further away than I was willing to travel, I decided to put myself out there. I wouldn’t know if I didn’t try. So late one night, when everyone was fast asleep, I edited my resume for the tenth time in the last year and applied. Before I could talk myself out of it or tell my husband a reason I shouldn’t apply, I sent in the application and there was no turning back.

Not only did I send the application, I told my references that they may be getting a call. I felt excited again about the opportunity to contribute to my family. I envisioned paying off debt and taking some of the financial pressure off my husband’s shoulders.

I even started telling my friends and family. I had everyone’s support. A week went by and I heard nothing. Another week went by and I checked my application status. Silence.

I got so caught up with our busy routine and my husband leaving for a 3-month training that I almost forgot about the application after a couple weeks. Until I received the email.

“I regret to inform you….” Those few words were all I needed to know where this letter was going. I had seen it before. Rejection slapped me in the face, again.

Even though I wasn’t sure the logistics of this position would work for my family, I still wanted to be considered. I still wanted a shot. I wanted a chance to try; to prove to myself and everyone else that I was good enough to be employed.

I was not prepared for rejection. I have worked hard the last few years. Even though I have been away from the real, working world I am still involved in the community. I volunteer for two organizations. I run my family’s household. I have stayed home for four years to raise my two awesome boys so my husband could focus on his career and have the peace of my mind that our family was taken care with me home. 

Now, with both of my boys registered for preschool next year, I am ready for my turn.

It’s been a couple weeks since the letter. I applied to another position in our county but honestly, I am struggling with confidence and have not continued to search for other opportunities.  I know it was only one position and I should not give up. But, I am struggling a little bit and it is a hard place to be, especially as I watch my husband succeed in the Marine Corps.

I will continue to volunteer and keep our routine, for now. But I am taking this as an opportunity to slow down.  I know one day the right position will happen for me but maybe this just isn’t the time.

By Lisa Kain

Special moments, time frozen, sharing memories, beauty captured, Love.

Amanda Berube, Navy wife, mother and professional photographer, is inspired by the things which make her soul sing; her ability to see the beauty in everyday life make her an amazing, highly coveted and requested photographer.

“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce,” she says of her craft.

Her photographs have been featured on HuffPost, Denim+Grace Magazine, and she is a Share Magazine Photo Contest Top 10 winner in the Engagement Category. 

She shoots beauty, destination, engagements, personal and weddings, Amanda’s eye for all things gorgeous speaks volumes through her images.

We wanted to take a moment to learn a bit more about Amanda’s journey.

1. When did you first pick up a camera? What kind was it?

"I first picked up a camera in high school. It was an old film camera and we had to use it, then develop our own images in a dark room. It was pretty awesome."

2. Is this your first business? If not, what were the others and what happened to them? 

"This is my first and only business. It's like my little baby!"

3.  How did you finance your business and what was the process like? 

"I never really financed my business. I was fortunate enough to have had money from working and saving to start my photography venture. Once I started charging for sessions, I would save, pay myself and "pay" the business."

4.  As a military spouse, what have been some of the challenges of running the business, while living the military lifestyle? How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life? 

"Juggling a work schedule with a family and a husband with a military schedule has been a little challenging. I have figured it out for the most part but sometimes little TDYs and field exercises will throw me off. Luckily I make my own schedule so I can normally adjust well."

5.  What three pieces of advice would you offer entrepreneurs starting out today?

"Word of mouth is your best friend. Do not compare yourself to anyone else. Continue to educate yourself and grow!"

6.  What has been your most effective marketing tactic or technique?

"Social media, hands down! Facebook, Instagram, Google+; I love them all!"

7. What are the most crucial things you have done to grow your business?

"I have made investments in my company when I could and I have continued to grow. Learning and progressing."

8. Who has been your greatest inspiration?

"Rachel Nolan of Hello Gorgeous Photography. She is a fellow military spouse and professional wedding photographer as well. She is a kind- hearted business woman with talent for years. Rachel's skills, talent, business practices and heart are amazing and I’ve learned a great deal from her. I’m honored to call her a mentor and a friend."

9. In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur?

"Adventurous!"

10. Who are your customers? Describe your potential customer? 

"My clients are trendy, organic and real. They are whimsical and genuine. Most of all, they are in love!"

11. What motivates you?

"Happy clients! When clients message me after they've gotten their images. I love making them feel gorgeous and beautiful."

12. To what do you most attribute your success? What would you say are the five key elements for starting and running a successful business?

"Happy Clients. Love for your craft. Running a legitimate business. Knowing your audience. Thinking outside of the box."

Visit http://amandaberube.com for booking details and to view her portfolio.  “Like” her on Facebook to see more beauty and to follow her adventures in photography:

https://www.facebook.com/amandaberubephotography

Twitter:@amandaberube

Instagram:@amandaberubephoto

Editor’s note: This is a monthly column addressing the specific requirements many spouses will have to follow to move their professional licenses as they PCS.

Real estate agents can make a family’s dreams come true. What is more rewarding than helping someone purchase their dream home? How about earning a commission in addition to feeling warm and fuzzy?

Military spouses who enter the world of real estate have an exciting career ahead of them.

Lisa Fenner, a licensed Realtor and military spouse, has been in the business for six years. We asked her for tips other military spouses need to know as they move their realty career from state to state or are considering becoming an agent.

The Basics

Although there are many real estate organizations with which to be affiliated — profit or not for profit — The National Association of Realtors is the governing group for all states. Whether you’ve graduated from college or taken online courses to obtain your real estate license, you’ve become licensed in the state where you currently live and are a member of that state’s real estate association. You also should be listed under a real estate broker in a company for your license to be active. The term “Realtor” is trademarked, and you must belong to the National Association of Realtors to use it in any advertising.

PCSing? How to Move Your Career

Your service member receives orders, so what’s the first thing you do? “Contact your new state’s real estate association to find out about their licensing law requirements as quickly as possible,” Fenner said. Some states are reciprocal states and have similar requirements for licensing laws, meaning less paperwork and class requirements for you.

For example, Alabama and Florida are reciprocal states. If you are licensed in Florida and move to Alabama, you would only have to take the Alabama License real estate law exam to earn your license to sell property. In states that are not reciprocal, you may have to retake the entire real estate course to become licensed. Although it can be costly, agents are allowed to be licensed in more than one state at a time, but an agent does have to be listed under a broker in each state for her license to remain active.

Once you’ve learned your new state’s laws and requirements, Fenner has several suggestions to get your business on track before you even arrive.

1.       Find a broker in your new area.

2.       Research the market for home trends, pricing and learn the common types of homes for the area.

3.       Study maps to and become familiar with that area.

4.       Build local relationships through the chamber of commerce, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Watch Your Bottom Line

Real estate agents are independent contractors, and moving can mean big bills for agents, Fenner warns.

Agents must arrange to pay their own state and federal taxes, rather than having it taken out of each paycheck by an employer. Agents are also responsible for purchasing their own name signs, business cards and advertising items and with each PCS move, that can equal a huge expense. Fenner’s advice for saving a little money: Consider affiliating yourself with a large, nationwide brokerage and stay with them throughout your military travels.

“It is easiest and may save you some money, because the colors and branding remain the same. And, although each office is independently operated, they carry the same corporate laws for uses of their logos and advertising,” Fenner said.

Each brokerage also already has a referral network in place, meaning you may have clients quicker than if you tried to advertise on your own. Fenner believes a positive attitude is the best thing military spouse realtors can carry with them to each duty station.

“The most important thing is to go in with a positive outlook and realize that not all economies are the same. Not all real estate agents think or do business the same. And what may have been the norm in your previous market may be foreign in your new market,” she said.

“Take some time when you arrive to sit back and watch, and always remember what my broker tells me … We have two ears and one mouth. It’s the best advice for any real estate agent,” she said.

Resources: www.realtor.org