Military spouses can find jobs. Keeping careers is the hard part.

The article reports that unemployment among actively-seeking military spouses has surged to 29.9% in 2025, up from 21.8% in 2023, according to the Military Family Advisory Network's 2025 report. It highlights the story of Michelle Pasco, a teacher who moved to Camp Pendleton and faces state credentialing barriers. Despite a decade of congressional attention, including hiring preferences and the proposed Military Spouse Hiring Act, frequent relocations, licensing hurdles, and employer bias persist. Lawmakers acknowledge implementation gaps. The issue is linked to family financial stability and military retention.