AWTR Show #848: A Military Spouse Journey: From Teacher to Author

From Teacher to Author

As military spouses, we know all too well the need to pivot our careers as we follow our spouses around the world. Each PCS brings about different challenges but also helps us to grow in ways we might not have known. Well, this is the story of how one military spouse went from teacher to author.

Claire Cain just hit the 14-year mark as a military spouse—her husband commissioned the week they got married. She had no idea the journey she was in for. During one of Claire’s multiple career pivots, she discovered her love for romance novels. She also discovered that there weren’t many about military relationships, so she started writing romance novels about military relationships and is now on her 15th book.

Feel you’re hitting a wall with your career? Claire’s advice is to accept the fact that things won’t happen the way that you expect. Also, don’t wait for your spouse’s career to be over to start doing things. Don’t be afraid that you don’t know exactly how it will go. Simply trust that the story will be better than you think—maybe harder, but better.

This podcast has a giveaway! For a chance to win a free signed book, comment on this podcast or any social media post sharing this podcast with your favorite OCONUS posting or your dream OCONUS posting.

If you want to learn more about Claire, check out her website, or connect with her on social media via Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Claire Cain lives to eat and drink her way around the globe with her traveling soldier and three kids, but is perhaps even happier hunkered down at home in a pair of sweatpants and slippers using any free moment she has to read and cook. Or talk—she really likes to talk. She has become an expert at packing too many dishes in too few cabinets and making houses into homes from Utah to Germany and many places in between. She’s a proud Army spouse and is frankly just really happy to be here.

Empowerment Minute with Sarah

S.E. Hinton once said, “You still have a lot of time to make yourself be what you want.” To whoever needs to hear this, there’s still time to be whatever you want to be. Too often we talk ourselves out of our dreams and goals. There’s still time; make it and take it.

News 6 with Jolene

Slowing Pay to Save DoD Money

A new report from the Congressional Budget Office found that billions of dollars could be saved by slowing increases to housing and food allowances for service members, reported Military.com. The report found that connecting the allowances to the “same benchmark used for basic military pay raises” rather than the current system would save money. See the report here.

Peer-to-Peer Consultations

Military OneSource is offering peer-to-peer specialty consultations free to service members and their spouses. Peer support specialists have a master’s degree in psychology or social science field and first-hand life experience as service members or military spouses. If you need someone to talk to who gets it, who understands the stresses and challenges of military life, you can get help by visiting militaryonesource.mil.

AAFES 12 Weeks of Black Friday Deals

Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, also known as AAFES, has announced an event: “12 Weeks of Black Friday Deals.” Through Nov. 24, 2021, the Exchange will have Black Friday pricing in-store and at ShopMyExchange.com on electronics, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more. New deals will be announced weekly on Fridays.

Social Media Scoop

Recently on Facebook, we posted a graphic that said “Military Life Truth: Things are always changing, but you can always count on a pen to be found in a pocket.” Let’s be honest, it happens to the best of us. What is your Military Life Truth? Click here to join the conversation. 

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda

Today we’re showcasing Army Wife Network’s Platoon Member of the Month recipient, Kathleen Starling. Being Platoon Member of the Month is a title given to those who contribute to our social media in an empowering way. Kathleen is always a huge support to our network and contributes often to so many posts. Thank you for your support and empowerment!

Thank You

Thank you for tuning into another episode of AWTR! If you liked this podcast, let others know by leaving a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts. Then, send us a screenshot of your review to info@armywifenetwork.com. Or you can DM us on Facebook or Instagram @armywifenetwork. We’ll then send you a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of AWN. We appreciate your engagement and support.

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