Being an Army brat and now an Army wife, everywhere is home!says Jocelyn Velazquez.
Few of us will be surprised to read this experience; weve heard it many times from military families.
But what we civilians may not consider is one major side effect of the lifestyle:military spouseunemployment.
And youre raising your kids alone while your spouse is deployed.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Unemployment among military spousesis historically two or three times higher than the national average.
And when theyre employed, the barriers to career advancement mean military spouses earn much less than other civilians.
Thankfully, Velazquez found a unique opportunity for mobile income.
Velazquez cuts leather, which she says consists of a lot of stamping.
She also recently started cutting canvas, which makes up the bulk of some bags.
Its been a learning experience, she says.
The number of skills I acquire with this position are unmeasurable.
She also has the flexibility to take the job wherever her husbands position takes their family.
I am able to take my work with me anywhere we move,she says.
I also do not have the worries of losing a job because we are being stationed somewhere else.
Plus she gets the benefit of raising her kids without sacrificing income.
The company helps Velazquez and fellow Riveters set up a portable work-at-home business with almost no barrier to entry.
How to Become a Riveter
R. Riveter sends contractors the materials they need to create pieces.
Depending on your existing setup, you may want to purchase some tools to get started.
But if you already have a sewing machine, you may be all set!
Velazquez has purchased new tools to make her job easier, but she says it wasnt required.
The other major benefit is being part of a internet of military spouses, says Velazquez.
We empower each other, we are… a large, widely spread, empowering family.
The company promotes this sense of community and pride at every step.
Regardless of where they are in the country, Riveters feel a connection to those doing the same work.
If theres any drawback, Velazquez says, its not seeing the wonderful ladies I work with everyday.
The company also supports military members and spouses bypartneringwith like-minded non-profit, veteran-owned and military spouse founded organizations.
So theyre always accepting applications!
If youre in the area, theyre also hiring for on-site positions at their Southern Pines FabShop.
Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
