Stepping outside of your comfort Zone?!?! Yes!!

By: Marla Bautista

In the military world, opportunities come and go. Many Spouses’ have made their mark as entrepreneurs, military family advocates, Department of Defense contract workers, and other careers outside of the military community. Then there’s you… trying to find your place in this life, but you’re having a hard time jumping in. I am going to fill you in on a few tips on how to not only survive in this small military world, but how to rock it!  

There’s so much going on around your post, get involved! Yes, I Know, meeting new people and making friends, (especially military spouses) can be hard, but try it, you never know who you’ll bond with. If you are a home body get involved in an online group for other women like you. You never know who you’re inspiring.  

This may even lead to you being a voice for people who think they don’t have one. It can be difficult moving to a place you’ve never been, interacting with people you’ve never seen before. But fear not, a little bit of food and wine will solve all your anxiety issues…well kind of. Try to make genuine acquaintances. If you are inebriated along with others, this can create a false sense of togetherness that may evaporate as soon as you run out of wine.  

Are you having a hard time finding employment in your career field? Try volunteering. On post, there is a volunteer position in almost every career field. If you have a medical background, try volunteering with the Red Cross. If you want to be a veterinarian, check out the Vet clinic on post, they may have a need for volunteers.  

You never know where it’ll take you. Why should you use your precious time volunteering? Because this potentially is the easiest way to get your foot in the door and fast track you into your desired career. You may be the new employee they never knew they needed! Say Yes! Get out there! Make a name for yourself in your field.   

Say yes to working or volunteering in a group of your peers. Working with others can help you identify any self-image or branding insights you may not have seen otherwise. Ask questions, be open minded to new information.

Find a mentor to help guide you down your chosen path. You can never be too informed. I love to pick people’s brain, they may say something that I wasn’t thinking or tell me something about myself that I never realized. I have literally befriended people on Facebook, I didn’t know and sent a private message to them saying; Hi, I know you don’t know me but I love what you do. I want to be just as successful as you. Do you have any tips that can help me grow? You wouldn’t believe it, but people are very receptive to others who compliment them.  It shows that their work hasn’t gone unnoticed and they have made a positive impact in someone’s life.

I have been lucky enough to mingle with some of the swankiest people due to my outgoing personality, but also because I want to be around people who are like minded and goal oriented. I have come far, but I have a long way to go. Doing things, I wouldn’t normally do, has helped me excel in my career field.

I have been recommended for certain jobs because of my personality and my hustle. I may not be the greatest at what I do, but I am a hard worker, who’s teachable, and that will take you further in life than talent alone.  

Stepping out of your comfort zone has so many advantages. You will learn and grow at every duty station. Don’t limit yourself!

Say Yes! Go out with a group of spouses you’ve never met. Volunteer to learn a new skill, be a voice for your community. There are literally hundreds of opportunities to make a difference in the military community. If you want something different, go out there and get it! Don’t be shy. Good things come to those who…hustle. Let everyone know your name!

I am Marla Bautista. I am an Army Spouse and mother of three, currently living in New York. I am a freelance writer and recently released my first book, My Thoughts Abandoned.  I have an Associate’s of Arts Degree from The University of Maryland University College and am currently working on my Bachelor’s in Communications. I love to volunteer my time within the military community and advocate for those in need. I am also an avid couponer and hopefully one day, a millionaire because of my frugal lifestyle! My Instagram and my blog, Hood Cents!