Fifteen thousand jobs earmarked for military spouses sounds awesome. On the first anniversary of Joining Forces–the Michelle Obama/Jill Biden program designed to recognize and honor military families–the First Lady announced a new partnership with 11 employers that would yield 15,000 jobs for spouses and veterans.
That coulda been amazing. We probably have 15,000 jobseekers among our readers at SpouseBuzz alone. Then I found out that of the 11 new employers offering those 15,000 jobs, all 11 offered work at call centers.
That floored me. Call centers? The call center industry is notorious for repetitive tasks, low employee morale and high attrition. They might offer a good bill-paying opportunity to some spouses during some phases of life, but call jobs aren’t actually hard to find. Those are jobs that are hard to get anyone to take. (Take our poll here to let us know what would entice you into a call center job.)
“Our military spouses are often some of the most talented, most resilient and most employable people around,” Michelle Obama announced to the reporters on the conference call. I totally agreed with that. Around here we are big fans of programs that help our motivated spouses find jobs. I’m just confused about how call center jobs are being proclaimed as the “exciting” answer to the problem of spouse employment. Are call center jobs in this country reserved for the “most talented, most resilient, most employable people around?” I don’t think so.
To be fair, Navy Captain Brad Cooper, the executive director of Joining Forces, pointed out that the flexibility and portability that spouses say they want is present in this kind of work. Cooper said there were mid-level jobs available for some spouses as well as entry-level jobs. “While they are primarily customer service jobs, there are also jobs in health care and telecommunications,” said Cooper.
While I am grateful that the power of the White House has been turned on spouse employment, I think call center employment is the wrong focus. Those are jobs we can find for ourselves without help from the White House. The research on military spouse employment points to the fact that most Americans get their job through a network of people they know. Moving every 2.5 years due to the needs of the military severs that network. If Joining Forces seriously expects to improve the lives of military spouses, we need the kind of spouse employment programs that create the kinds of connections that bring spouses to work.
Navy wife Jacey Eckhart is Editor of SpouseBuzz and author of I Married a Spartan?? The Care and Feeding of Your Military Marriage available on iTunes, Amazon, and on www.jaceyeckhart.com.
About Jacey Eckhart
Comments
15,000 jobs are ear marked for military spouses thats great. Oh but we don't want those jobs we want better jobs. Why would you think military spouses are ENTITLED to "better" job opportunities when they didnt earn them? My civilian mom works in a call center so why is it ok for her and not ok for me? Call centers pay pretty decently, offer tele commuting, and have extremely flexible hours so why would you have an issue with mil spouses working there? The only reason I can think of is that your snobby and think its beneath you.
Yes, it's great that they earmarked 15,000 jobs, but most military spouses would be able to probably get those jobs anyway, whether they are earmarked or not, so advertising it as a grand gesture to benefit military spouses is kind of fruitless and all for show in my opinion. It's also great that your mom works in a call center and hopefully enjoys her job, but I think it's kind of harsh to call anyone who doesn't want to do it as snobby. As someone else mentioned, it's all subjective. Someone's mom also works at McDonald's, but that doesn't mean I would want to work there. If I did, I could have saved years of paying tuition and going to college.
Well, obviously Rquick, a call center job is all you would be qualified for since you cannot spell.
Are you suggesting that military spouses do not have degrees from colleges or other skills and do not deserve regular jobs? I know many people who have degrees, including those married to military. What does entitlement have to do with this? The main problem is employers are prejudiced against military spouses because they prefer not to hire someone and then loose them after a few years or an unknown period of time. They loose out on a valuable worker. Many spouses, myself included, have college educations, and varying levels of degrees and are unable to be considered at times due to the employers lack of foresight and intuition. As to the snob remark, are you even related to anyone who serves because your presumptuous attitude speaks differently and is very insulting. Actually, you sound like the snob by putting others down.
Yes, I am entitled to a better job. I have a college degree, four years in mortgage and banking and will have nearly three years in human resources by the time we PCS again. So I should just be happy that I am taking a job way below my skill level?
There is nothing wrong with call center jobs but when that is being offered as the ONLY choice, that is a major problem.
I don't think military spouses are "entitled" to jack anything. Instead, the question here is why the White House is spending their energy on finding call center jobs for spouses. As mentioned in the post, call center jobs may very well be the right thing at a certain time of your life–it could be a great opportunity for any of us depending on our circumstances. But these call center jobs don't solve the employment problems we hear about from spouses on SpouseBuzz every day. The problems in spouse employment occur when you have more experience or more education. Certainly those are two things that are earned. I really believe in the power of a job to provide income and connection and shape and form to military life. I can't help but want a better option for our military spouses.
I got your post/point and understand where you're coming from. Nothing is wrong with call center jobs; however there are some spouses that have worked hard to acquire degrees, work and volunteer experience to not just settle for a call center job. I have a Master's degree and trust me when I say I didn't do all that studying, and spend all that money to only accept the option of working in a call center or do it from home. It should be one of many, not only the main focus/option.
I am grateful that the First Lady is putting a spotlight on the issue and is working to make it better; but we need more ranges and options in other career fields i.e. Call center from home plus Consulting, Advising, Counseling…other options for those who WOULD LIKE to have something more rewarding, or fulfilling.
Keep in mind (before anyone else assumes and decide to bite my head off ) that rewarding and fulfilling can be different for each of us, it's subjective. There's nothing wrong with wanting more than just call center or work at home call center positions. Call me greedy…I want more. I've done work from home call center jobs, so no it's not beneath me and would do it with my Graduate degree if I had to, but I would also like the option to progress.
The assumption here is that call center work is "unskilled". Did you know that CVS & Walgreens have call centers that employee PHARMACIST? Did you know that there are nurse and doctor hotlines? Those are all call center based. My biggest issue with this discussion is that it lumps all types of call centers from telemarketing, sales and collections to specilized call centers into one bucket. NOT all call centers are created equal nor do they have the same opportunities. Before totally disregarding a job at a call center…check out what is offered in your area.
LaDonna exactly! It is no always unskilled or menial work . Further, it can open doors for other positions. I worked for Express Scripts when we were stationed in FL. I started as a rep, promoted several times . I resigned a few years later to prepare to PCS and return to college to become more marketable. I will not and have not ruled out call centers.
Thank you Kim for being reasonable . Further, for being realistic . Great Post!
Jacey I am grateful that somebody anybody is taking the time to try to assist spouses in finding employment period. Perhaps, the energy was not spent to find "just " call centers jobs. Perhaps, those were the only employers willing to participate in military spouse employment. Why question why? I am a Navy wife. I have two children. One of my children has Autism. My spouse is deployed often…no complaints I knew what I signed up for. I have two degrees. One in business the other in Human Resource Management. We are reassigned nearly every 3 years. Employers are not lining up to hire me. I am intelligent as well articulate . Yet, I have gaps in my employment for it is difficult for a person you can trust with your special needs child. I took three years off work to care for our son, to prepare him for public school education. I had not had a job in 4 years total now. That is 3 I took off and the last year spent looking for employment. I have been told that the trend is you must have a job to get a job. Plus, you must have experience for x amount of years to qualify for certain position etc….I have student loans due in 2 months. We just PCS to VA. I have been on 2 interviews and applied for over 50 jobs. 5 said they were military spouse friendly such as the Red Cross whom did not follow up with me. I left messages asking for feedback it never came.. I applied for MANY federal jobs using spousal preference . Yet, there are 1 million unemployed veterans who trump my 10 points….Finally a week ago on indeed.com I came across an ad Capital One is hiring for "part time work at home rep". I have worked in call centers previously. I have the experience. Yet, I felt that I did not go to college to work as a representative . However, I am willing to work there in HR, as a Supervisor, Admin Positions, etc….Yet, when the other companies are not returning your calls ….why not take a job in a call center. I do not have to sell anything or call anyone. The organization has tuition reimbursement , dependent care allowances
and opportunities for growth after a one year commitment. i do not work weekend and I have a day schedule , while my two children are away at school. The pay is far above minimum wage. It is not the job I dreamed of . However, it is a foot in the door to pursue other things. Additionally, I am Further I am enrolled for the Fall in grad school to get my MSW ( Master in Social Work). I am saving gas, not driving in as well it is a legal decent income. It is not fast food neither telemarketing. Many major organizations such as Verizon, Express Scripts, Xerox etc have dedicated call centers. Many require an education. It is not a job to look down upon. Many people work in office setting as assistants, clerical workers, etc…How is it different from answering phones in a call center or your home???These call centers jobs have positions for IT, Managers, HR , Trainers , Counselors so before we judge Michelle and Jill think that someone is being proactive in thinking about military spouses for no one else really is.
We would like to find out whether you would consider a call center job. Be sure to take our poll here:
http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2012/04/poll-do-you-wa…
yes i would like to work at a call center
Are you working now? if not then keep your opinon to yourself
I am appalled my Michelle Obama and her "platform." Really?!?! A call center job?!?! That's nice but not for spouses like me who have completed a master's degree or a bachelor's degreee. That's a punch in the gut. I am not asking for a handout, I am asking for a job that I am qualifed for. In our current area, Rapid City, SD, I have been asked in EVERY SINGLE INTERVIEW if I'm a military spouse (3 universities in 3 states is a give away). Really, what does it matter what my husband does? Just because I may move in 3 years does not make me any less qualified than a local who may decide in a year they don't want to do the job anymore. Oh and Michelle was in our area a few weeks ago and did she take the oppurtunity to speak with spouses about her "platform"? No! Probably best, however, as she isn't really qualifed to do so.
Years ago, I was told that it is illegal for them to ask about your marital status. Here is a good article as a starting point:
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/steer-c…
Maryanne Allen I could be stepping in quicksand addressing this…I pray it does not turn nasty. Why would you be appalled that Michelle Obama and Jill Biden are trying to gather employers for military spouses? Would you prefer they do nothing at all? I cannot speak for your situation but mines I have student loans due shortly. We just freshly relocated to VA. There are more military bases here than any where which means just as many spouses like me are seeking jobs as well. Michelle neither Jill has a platform…they are just trying to help. So, I hope your comment is not based on politics . I do not believe neither of them are doing this to get votes for their spouses . They both began looking for ways to help military families when they took office. Now I am not suggesting you vote for anyone. I am just saying why be angry with ANYONE who is just trying to help us? Moving on I too never disclose being a military spouses , but as you pointed out they are not stupid …several different address, schools, jobs in different states it is obvious. I wish you luck in your search…by the way I just accepted a call center job from home for something is better than nothing and I have two degrees working on a grad degree now.
There's nothing wrong with working in a call center, but let's face it, it's an absolutely horrible job! I used to work in one for two years when I had a hard time finding something in my degree field, and it was the worst job I have ever had! I actually did pretty well and got good reviews, but it definitely wasn't the job for me — or most people that worked there! Pay was decent for a customer service job, but the turnover was unbelievable. There generally is no flexibility either. They are so strict with approving time off that I actually missed my husband's promotion one time. If we move and I won't be able to find a job right away, I'm definitely not working in a call center again.
Also, they take just about anyone, so I don't see how a military spouse employment program should be a benefit in getting a job there.
While I agree these are not the top job on everyone's list for spouse there are other options. Some of my soldiers, while stationed over seas, spouses hold masters and BS/BA degrees. Their spouses job took priority over being together, the means justified then ends in their view. For example one soldier of mine, his wife was a director at the IRS office in Austin. She stayed in Texas while he did an overseas tour alone in Germany.
Now I know, separation is not a desirable thought especially with deployments schools and so on. But it is an alternative to call centers, you and your spouse need to discuss it. Some of the issues may be children, debt, location, and the list goes on but it needs to be thought through and with deliberate means in order to work out.
But if you hold a degree and there is an opening you can look into the spouse preference program, I think it is for spouses who are returning from over seas. It i9s worth looking into none the less even if you are still working on your degree. You can also check out the job fairs in your local area, volunteering sometimes can lead to a career too.
v/r
Al D'Adda
I work in a call center and I have to tell you, they don't understand military life nor do they even try. When they interviewed me, they told me it would not be an issue, they would understand, blah, blah, blah. Come deployment time and I am the only parent available to my children, my daughter got sick at school and of course they called me. I made a few phone calls and nobody could pick her up for me. I went to my supervisor and she told me I had to wait until my shift was over which was in 2 hours. I fought and fought, but no. She said it was only a few hours and it wasn't an emergency. I called the school back and they said if I failed to pick her up, they could report it to CPS as neglect! I left work and weathered the storm the next day and had to barter and bargain with HR just to keep my job. What is the point of me having PTO time, if when I absolutely need it, they tell me I cannot use it?! I am not asking for special treatment, just for a little understanding. When they need extra people and call me, I always say yes and help them out! Maybe I should make them beg and bargain next time they call me….
My wife is active duty military as was I when we were first married but now on deployments it’s just me and the kids let me tell you I know how that feels when I try to a dad and a mom I’ve had my company laugh at me seriously!!! As a male military spouse you get absolutely no support and as far as being the good employee companies don’t really care much about employees anymore as far as they’re concerned you are easily replaced!! There is always someone in line for your job
I work at a call center too and it sucks. I am over qualified. I have my AA and can not find a job that would better suit my expierence or education. Anyone who thinks we are asking for special treatment has never worked at a call center. I have worked there almost a year and my job has changed 4 times with no pay raise just more expectations. Expectations that were set upon hiring have never been met by the employer. I asked to take 30 days non paid leave before my husband deploys and they told me the norm is 2 weeks. I am not costing the company if they are not paying me and we do not have enough call volume for them to keep you a full day. This company is praised by the community and is a Spouse preferred employer. Which I do not understand. People need to understand that are not in our situation that the only jobs we get regardless of qualifications, are retail jobs or jobs that are minimum wage with no chance of growth. I have spoke to numerous friends who are spouses and we all agree it would be nice to get employment on a military base where we have oppurtunity for growth and advancement.
Did your employer not let you take FMLA time?
http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/
I would rather not work than work at a call center. Call me what you will but that's how I feel. I worked my butt off for my degree and paid my dues at low-paying customer service jobs to earn tuition money. The problem with military spouse employment is finding *meaningful* jobs that correlate with a spouse's education and skills. I'm not sure why the White House found it appropriate or useful to combat that problem by earmarking more menial jobs that no one has trouble landing because, let's be honest, it's a pretty crappy job with very high turnover rates. I doubt the First Lady, with her education and skills, would appreciate being told to work at a call center job just because of what her husband does for living.
THIS! I have an expensive legal degree and excellent work credentials, but after 8 years and 6 duty stations, my resume reads like a patchwork quilt of jobs. A call center job is not going to rememdy that problem and will probably make my return to the legal field after retirement harder.
What I need, rather than a call center job, is either:
1. A viable career path that is compatible with military moves
2. Longer assignments for my husband (HA!)
3. Easier access to GS jobs (this makes the most sense to me)
4. Employers who understand that I will work my @ss off for two years and that the time limit on my employment doesn't make me worthless or a bad gamble.
5. A winning lottery ticket to pay off my student loans
Kate I agree with you on all points. However, again something is better than nothing. I said that I would not return to call center work. Yet, I accepted an offer a couple of days ago. I am happy I did. I needed to get my foot in the door. Sometimes you have to return to entry level position to show them what you got…
One thing that people are not mentioning is that you have to be able to AFFORD to work. If you take a low paying job or even what you think is a high paying job, but have to pay for transportation, childcare, lunch, work clothing, etc… that negates the pay you are making. If I take a job for $14/hr (decent money – but low IMO), but due to expenses, only get $2-$3/hr take home, there is no way I will work that job. My time is worth more than $2 or $3 dollars an hour. A call center job would help in the expense part only if you were able to do it from home, not always an option. And to do that you have to meet certain requirements, not always possible.
As others have stated, military spouses are looking for meaningful work, most of them know that volunteering can lead to a career and/or job, but you don't get paid to do volunteer work. (At least I would hope that people realize this). Again, no pay. In most cases, the people that are having the biggest problem are ones with degrees and education and experience in certain career fields and can't find a job in that field. I have a degree, there is no job here. And even in my career field most companies want you to work on site before they allow you to work from home. The last company I worked for is not nationwide. So the best I can do here is Walmart, I am too qualified for anything else and Walmart is the only place that doesn't care. I interviewed and applied, believe me! Same response everywhere: You are way too qualified for this job; it doesn't matter that I want the job. It didn't matter that I am probably the best worker they will ever have. #1 They knew I was a military spouse, it was obvious from my resume. #2 If you aren't related to someone or know someone who is related to someone, you will never get a job here. #3 Jobs on base, try to get that job over an active duty retiree (I happen to be a veteran myself, but it won't matter, I'll be moving, the retiree won't).
As portable as we are becoming, it is still difficult to get those portable jobs. The certification issue is getting help, but it still isn't totally resolved. People who need to be licensed or certified still have to get that certification/license in their new state, they just get a longer time to do it and are allowed to work temporarily on their old state license/cert. Those also cost money, so every few years you have to do it again.
The ideal jobs would be in GS system, where you keep your seniority, you keep your benefits, and you are given first crack at jobs in your new location when available. Those jobs would then be filled in the same manner as the active duty jobs on base.
Kate S.'s list is perfect (with the exception of longer assignments, I don't care about that, especially as I am sitting in a place I would just as soon never have come to). Well said Kate! I need that lottery ticket too!
I agree with everything you said as well Ms. Camo…I too experienced many of the same things. Except I cannot even get a job at Walmart for I burned that bridge when I was 19 (quit without notice). That has been nearly 13 years ago . I found a work from home position with Capital One whom has opportunity for growth after a 1 year commitment. Further http://www.convergysworkathome.com may have opportunities to work from home in your area…never hurts to check. Considering none of us won the lottery :-(
Kate S.'s list is perfect. The problem lies in a company that doesn't hire you because they do not want to invest money, time, training on you for what they think is a very short term period. Contractors can have great positions but will tend to hire veterans first before spouses. It has also become a problem for federal employee spouse and Guard and Reserve spouses. For the Guard and Reserve, employers expect you are going to be asking for time off and exceptions to be made every time there is a deployment which is now more frequent then ever. The message that needs to get out is that the term Military spouse does not mean "short term employee, needs time off a lot, is less educated" . It means "works well under pressure, multi-tasker and organized, well rounded, independent, ability to adapt, quick learner, great experience".
For the record I am a Reservist spouse who has had the pleasure of several moves due to the Army due to my spouses federal position with the department of defense. I have also endured 3 deployments in 8 years, all 1 year or more. Until recently I worked retail hours and despite children at home still worked nights and weekends, still did well at my job, traveled when needed, and still worked those odd times and hours when needed (ex: 2 AM trip to the store to turn off the alarm (false alarm)… with baby in the backseat). God bless a great Nanny! Despite this and being at the same address for several years now, when I interview for a job that requires travel I get that sad look from the employer……
I have worked and known Reserve and Guard spouses and active duty spouses for work with Family Programs. Please do not limit any of us or stereotype us, that is not who we are.
Well said Reserve SGM spouse
Amy perhaps there are some call centers out there that will just hire anyone. However, the person seeking the job must do their homework (research). There is a site out there http://www.glassdoor.com which provides details from current and former employees regarding organizations. It is not fair to say they will hire anyone. Many call centers require an education such as Geico, Amerigroup , Canon just to name few. I have not been able since we PCS to find work in my field. However, I did just take a job call center work with Capital One. As I mention to someone above ..something is better than nothing.
The only issue I truly have with this post is it enforces the stereo type that military wives are lazy and fell entitled . The fact that someone anyone is trying to work with employers to find work for military spouses is a gift. The first thing you read is " how dare you suggest I work at a call center"! It is almost as if you feel they suggested you clean bathrooms for a living. One person even suggested the First Lady would not like being told to work in a call center. How do you know what she would do to help feed her family if she had too? One person suggested a network for spouses to connect for the purposes of networking for careers. I like that idea. It is given that we all share this same struggle of moving and find positions to match our skill set. Yet, keep in mind everyone does not have a degree or marketable skill. I do but the next spouse may not. Therefore, a call center job may be just want she or he needs. Next, Lawyers , Doctors, etc…work for and at call centers. The salary are often starting from $29,000 for the low skill to over $100,000 for the highly skills yes do the research it is FACT @call centers. It is no different than being a glorified office workers . Before we appear that we are ABOVE working at perceived menial jobs….be grateful that someone anyone is advocating to employers on our behalf. Perhaps, if we do not like what Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Biden is trying to do …instead of whining about "how dare you offer me this kind of help"….write them and provide feedback and suggestions to what you would like to have. Just saying ….Or start in your own area writing to employers asking them to assist in sponsoring military spouse initiatives at their organization that is what I am doing… be part of the solution not complaining about the problem