Michelle Stone

Accredited Online Business Manager

Service Member's Branch - Army, National Guard or Reserves

Service Member's Status - Retired - 10 years

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

Prior to meeting my husband, I was working multiple jobs and pursuing my education. The challenges of military life led to a pause in my career as I prioritized supporting my husband and his career. This phase also ignited my entrepreneurial spirit, leading me to explore various roles, including volunteering extensively with organizations like Soldiers' Angels and Military Spouse Advocacy Network. Virtforce gave me a chance, even with my gaps, and found me an HR position within a tech startup. This is where I fell in love with Human Resources. I was later part of a mass layoff which eventually fueled my journey as an Accredited Online Business Manager, empowering fellow women entrepreneurs. In 2022, I finally graduated with my Bachelor's in Human Services.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Michelle and I currently reside in Texas. I have three biological children and two bonus children. I have been a military spouse for almost 7 years. I enjoy volunteering, traveling, and playing video games. My husband was Active Duty then Reserves and 100% disabled and he is now medically retired.

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

I spend the majority of my mornings working with my online business manager clients on managing their operations, teams, projects, etc. Each day is different with what the client needs. I spend most afternoons networking, scheduling content and focusing on building my business out. After the children go to bed, I am dedicated to my role as Marketing Coordinator at Military Spouse Advocacy Network, crafting engaging content and connecting with fellow military spouses.

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

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

My most significant career struggle as a military spouse was navigating through my large employment gaps and then finding flexible work while my husband was struggling with his health. This period tested my perseverance and creativity in finding flexible work options that aligned with my family responsibilities. Overcoming these obstacles was a journey of self-discovery, leading me to embrace self-employment as an Online Business Manager and find fulfillment in empowering others while managing my personal commitments effectively.

What role did mentors and sponsors play in your journey?

Mentors provided invaluable guidance, especially in HR. Now, as an OBM, their insights continue to fuel my growth, especially in team management and strategic planning.

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

Initially envisioning a more traditional corporate career trajectory, life's circumstances led me down a different path filled with unexpected challenges and invaluable lessons. The evolution from a stay-at-home mother to an Accredited Online Business Manager showcased my adaptability and determination to carve out a fulfilling career that resonated with my passions and personal values.

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

Military life profoundly influenced my career decisions, shaping them around the need for flexibility and adaptability. The unpredictability of deployments, PCS moves, and my husband's disability necessitated a career path that allowed me to balance family responsibilities while pursuing professional growth. This journey led me to embrace self-employment as an OBM, providing the flexibility and autonomy essential for managing my unique life circumstances effectively.

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

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

Valuable resources such as nonprofit organizations like Hiring Our Heroes and Hire Heroes USA offered critical support in career development, resume building, and networking opportunities. Additionally, mentorship from Military Spouse Advocacy Network played a pivotal role in my professional growth, providing me with valuable insights and connections within the military spouse community.

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

My top tips for fellow military spouses navigating careers would be to prioritize flexibility, leverage available resources and support networks, and embrace volunteering as a gateway to unique skill development and networking opportunities. Transitioning spouses should approach their career journey with resilience, self-care, and a proactive mindset, recognizing that each challenge presents an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

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