Influence of mobility and work–family conflict on U.S. military spouse employment

ABSTRACT Objective This study longitudinally assessed how mobility across geographic regions and work–family conflict influenced spouse employment trajectories and perceptions of career hindrance. Background The unemployment rate for U.S. military spouses has remained 21% since 2015 with specific aspects of military life, such as moving, reported as negatively influencing their careers. Methods Survey data were used for multivariable regression models examining employment trajectories between baseline and follow‐up ( N = 3,149) and perceptions of career hindrance at follow‐up ( N = 2,766). Employment trajectories were categorized as follows: consistent, newly employed, and newly unemployed. Career hindrance was assessed continuously. Results Spouses who moved across geographic regions were more likely to be newly unemployed and less likely to be newly employed at follow‐up than to have consistent employment. Greater career hindrance was reported at follow‐up by spouses who moved across regions and experienced increased work–family conflict. Conclusion Findings suggest mobility was highly predictive of spouses becoming newly unemployed and reporting higher rates of career hindrance. Spouses' reports of increased military‐related work–family conflict also resulted in increased career hindrance. Implications Programs are available to assist military spouses with career development; however, employers should consider ways to help spouses maintain employment after military moves.