sonic said:
No, just meant if CF helps find civilian spouse some office job or something, as some of the squadrons are in pretty remote locations. It will be a big ask to have her just sit at home and waste her education and career dreams. Looking at,
- what might be the options available for my wife ?
- if she has a job in another city is there any facility/compensation provided so we can see each other more often ?
- Is there any consideration if she wishes to join forces so she can have a job at the same squadron as me ?
I have no idea at all about this and what to expect.
The military does NOT help the spouse find a job directly, even when posted to a semi isolated or isolated post.
I was a military spouse (for 15 years prior to joining) and an army brat before that(for 20 yrs). All my jobs I got on my own.
There is some consideration given to dependents, like a bonus point in your interview. But it doesn't guarantee you any kind of employment. The MFRC does try and help out, with resume writing and networking classes.
In those isolated postings (I'm speaking of Goose Bay and Suffield), the jobs open to civilians on base are few and heavily competed for. Usually postings to those places don't have a whole lot of off-base opportunities either. Few employers are willing to hire someone who will be gone again in 1 to 3 years. The nearest town in Suffield is 30-45 min away, and for Goose Bay (not counting Happy Valley) the nearest town is 5-6 hours away.
I worked at a lot of Walmarts, McDonald's, and Tim Horton's over those years. I did manage to get a job at Canex one year. It's tough because you aren't necessarily guaranteed anything from your previous employer, even if you stay with the same company. I switched Walmarts and all I retained was seniority (for vacation days). Salary couldn't be guaranteed since I was switching provinces. Very frustrating for the spouse. But I knew he was military when I married him, and that this is what happens to military couples.
If you ask to go IR, and live without her for that posting, just know that it may not be approved, and you would only get to go "home" once or twice a year at best.
Even if your spouse joins, you will be separated for a number of years while she finishes her training. Mine retired 4 years after I joined, and we were separated for the first 3 years of my career due to training and his posting. And when you do get posted, your career manager and your spouse's have to find a base where there is room for both of you (doesn't always happen). They try, but the needs of the military come first.
Good luck!