Colleen Leonard

Academics Officer

Service Member's Branch - Marine Corps

Service Member's Status - Currently Serving - 18 years

What has been your military spouse career/entrepreneur journey so far?

I graduated college with a degree in Elementary Education and started teaching fresh out of school at a small school in New Hampshire. In 2010, I got married and moved to Lejeune. If you can even imagine this, there was a hiring freeze for the county schools, and childcare centers wouldn't hire me as I was too qualified on paper. It took me months to find any work at all.

I eventually started substitute teaching and working part-time at JCPenney for something to do. I took several long-term sub positions over the next 18 months and then was hired full-time by the county in 2012 to teach 5th grade. I taught upper elementary for five years; during that time, I also worked part-time sewing for friends. Near the end of the five-year period, I was sewing almost exclusively for total strangers and had built up enough of a customer base that I felt comfortable leaving my teaching position.

I worked for myself for two years sewing custom clothing for people - mostly women and children - and working part-time as a Blog Manager for a sewing pattern company. When we got orders to Oki, I intended to keep working for myself but didn't realize I wouldn't be able to use the base post office for my business. I joined the DOD civilian workforce as a School Age Care Director. When we returned to NC, I worked for just under three years at a wonderful non-profit partnership for children, One Place, as a Training and Technical Assistance Director. That position set me up for my current position, Academics Director and Formal School Advisor. I have continued my contract work for the sewing company, and also can now officially say my first book has been published - yay!

Tell us about yourself.

I'm originally from West Virginia but lived in New England for a number of years before starting life as a military spouse. As a mil spouse, I spent a very long time at Camp Lejeune, NC, before heading to Okinawa, Japan, and then 29 Palms, CA. We have two kids, a dog, and the world's snuggliest cat. I love photography, writing, art, traveling, and of course being with family and friends.

Tell us about a "typical" day in your professional life.

tMy professional life is a blend of academia and creativity. I just started a new "regular job" with our most recent PCS, serving as the Academics Director at a schoolhouse in 29 Palms. I spend a lot of time at the computer, reviewing data, and exploring curriculum. This job is also the first position I've held where I am the only civilian in my immediate workplace. I try to make sure I keep some creativity in my professional life too - my very first children's book, Better Than Magic, released August 29 of this year. I also work a very part-time contract job for a sewing company. These two part-time jobs really help bring balance to my work days.

If you've been stationed overseas, how did this affect your career and or business?

I had to shift gears completely since you are not allowed to use the base post office for your own business. I know I could have built a new customer base, but working for yourself is already exhausting with an existing customer base - I knew for my own sanity and with my husband's work tempo, the best option for me was to pursue a more traditional position. This meant several months with a significant drop in pay, as well as starting over in a new position.

What has been your biggest military spouse career struggle and how did you overcome it?

One ongoing struggle is staying in one position long enough to be fully vested in a retirement system. Another struggle is the time it takes to find work in the first place. I was extremely fortunate during our most recent PCS that there were many positions open in my field, but that is not always the case. Finding a position in 2010 and again in 2019 when we moved to Oki proved to be exceptionally challenging, even with degrees and experience. For both of these challenges, the key is really just persistence. I've lost count of how many job applications I've submitted over the years; I find that it's important to continue applying, continue learning and growing, and not become discouraged at rejections or at feeling like you're starting over.

What role did mentors and sponsors play in your journey?

N/A

How does your career path differ from what you imagined for yourself?

I thought I would be a career kindergarten teacher! Oddly enough, I haven't taught kindergarten other than as a long-term substitute. I haven't been in the elementary classroom in more than seven years, although I am still in the education field. I consider myself very lucky that I've been able to use my degrees in every position I've held, even though it's not exactly as I pictured.

How did military life (PCSing, deployments, trainings, etc) factor into your career decisions?

For me, it's extremely important that I find employers that are knowledgeable about military life and offer a degree of flexibility. Between deployments and trainings, I've been flying solo for a majority of my children's lives. Having flexibility in my employment has allowed me to take care of my family while still giving 100% at work. I also do not take for granted that employers have been willing to hire me knowing that I will only be with them for a season; I'm grateful that I've been given opportunities.

Have you ever had to geo-bach due to your career/entrepreneurship?

We made a decision during one of my husband's schools (10 months long) that our son and I would stay behind so that I could continue working. We knew that it was highly likely that he would get orders right back to NC after school. It was a very difficult year. I was working part-time + full-time teaching, I had a preschooler at home, and I was pregnant and experiencing significant health issues. The best tip I can offer is to lean into your social connections and support network; do not be afraid to ask for help or accept help that is offered. It is doable, but it is a challenge for sure.

What resources have you found to be useful in your career/entrepreneur journey?

The career centers on base have a wealth of knowledge. MyCAA, Military One Source, and other military spouses were also wonderful resources that I've utilized.

Final word: what are your top tips for other military spouses about navigating a career within the military lifestyle?

Don't sell yourself short! You bring so much to the table, even if you won't be at a position permanently. Also, be sure to make time for the things that feed your soul; it doesn't have to be extravagant, but make a little time for the things you are passionate about, no matter how full your schedule is.

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