Mary Lane Montoya

Freelance Digital Marketer and Entrepreneur

Service Member's Branch - Army

Service Member's Status - Currently Serving - 10 years

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

I originally went to school for Sports Management/Marketing, and I had a great career in that field for a few years before COVID. After I was furloughed and we PCS'd to New York during the height of COVID in 2020, I pivoted to work as a digital marketing and content manager for a great military-connected company. I worked there for almost three years and I was able to take it with me during an overseas PCS in 2022, but due to company downsizing, I was laid off in November 2023. I have been freelancing these last few months to help keep my skills fresh while I continue to search for a full-time job that will allow me to use my creativity to solve problems. I have also had the urge to help other military spouses and families who are stationed overseas, which is why I have started The OCONUS Project, where we are committed to creating a world where military families living overseas feel supported and valued, with access to resources that enhance their well-being and enable them to thrive.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Mary, and I am from Kentucky. I have been a military spouse for 5 years and we have a 3-year-old son. I love to travel, paint, and volunteer when I can. We are currently stationed in South Korea.

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

I help with social media content creation and management for three great clients as a freelancer. I typically spend most of my day brainstorming new social media content and designing graphics. I also strategize different posts for all social media platforms. After I have completed the necessary tasks for my clients, I take time to work on my nonprofit startup, The OCONUS Project.

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

We are currently stationed overseas in South Korea. I was able to bring my prior job with me, which was a huge blessing. However, since I was laid off, it has been a major challenge to find a new full-time and meaningful career. Federal jobs on base are very competitive and companies in the States are not sure how to handle/manage spouses who are overseas. Even though I am still applying to anything available, the rejections never get easier or I am ghosted. I hope that with the start of my nonprofit, I can help military spouses like me in the same situation by sharing resources available, advocating for change, and hopefully making a difference in OCONUS life.

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

I think I am still in the middle of a huge unemployment challenge and it is something that I have to overcome and remember that it doesn't happen overnight. I have to be patient and wait for my time to shine. With my current freelance work, I think the challenge there is communication with my clients. I overcome this by being super flexible and adaptable, as well as overcommunicating what I am doing with their social media plans.

What role did mentors and sponsors play in your journey?

I have a whole handful of mentors who have helped me not only by connecting me with possible work but also by supporting me through the entrepreneur journey. It is not easy to do this alone and I am thankful to have a support system that spans the globe.

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

I didn't think I would face such a huge challenge or expect to pivot careers as often as I have. I was ready to spend my whole career in one place/field and retire with confidence. My current situation has shown me that I am strong and can handle anything.

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

Flexibility has become such an important skill to have. When you move every two years, you have to be ready to possibly change careers each time you move or find an understanding employer who will let you carry a career anywhere in the world. The multiple moves have made me realize that remote work is important and will be a huge factor for me when I apply to positions.

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

No. I prefer to do my best to keep the family together.

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

I have utilized tools and resources from Military Spouse Jobs and Hire Heroes USA.

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

Try not to lose sight of your overall career goals and your non-negotiables when interviewing/accepting a job offer. For example, if you want a job that allows you to be flexible for military moves or remote work potential, make that a priority for yourself so you can focus on what is important to you.

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