We all know it's hard to find a job, or just even keep a job. My wife and I got married young, and I really had no hands-on skills or college education. As soon as the kid, tommy came along we basically had our hands full, especially with multiple PCS's. I always had a hard time getting adjusted to new places, and it wasn't any easier with our son.
Once my wife got deployed in 2011, I honestly thought I was going to lose it. I hadn't found a decent job yet, and I was scared of being ALONE with tommy. You know every child just LOVES their mommy! At the time I was a SAHD, because I had to be. And let's face it. I was bored, a little depressed, and desperate to make something of myself.
After a few months, I got MORE bored, more depressed and needed something positive, not just for me but for my family. After all, i always felt it was my duty to take care of them.
A few people told me about MyCAA benefits - I honestly didn't know much about it? I did my research, talked to people on base, and found out I had FREE money available for school. Why on earth wasn't everyone taking advantage of this? IT's FREE!
I looked at a ton of online schools from pamphlets I got on base, and google searches, and found one that worked for me. I never thought about working in the medical field, but I did know that the healthcare industry was growing, and always needed new people.
YES - I decided on medical billing and coding. Mostly because I could work from home - and it seemed to be the best decision. I could still be a SAHD and make some money too.
I ended up doing the career training program from Blackstone Career Institute. MyCAA took care of the money part, and I studied my ass off to get through the course. I even learned exactly how to work from home. The class was great, it was all online, and I got actual books in the mail. Now that I set this all up - I am able to provide for my family - wherever the military takes us next!
