One Veteran’s Journey to A Career While Facing Health Issues and Employment Setbacks
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University has recently published its findings about hiring employees with military backgrounds. The study highlights the numerous benefits of utilizing a veteran workforce in civilian positions, such as resiliency, commitment and advanced team-building skills. Many of Pearl Interactive Network’s employees epitomize these qualities, and Amy is a shining example of how home-based employment is an advantageous solution for both employers and employees.
Amy has a degree in Healthcare Management and never thought that she would have a difficult time finding work, especially with her extensive military training. After she left the military, her husband, also in the service, was transferred to North Carolina. It was here where she began her struggle to find employment. Suffering from chronic migraines, Amy faced a battle many veterans are familiar with. Unable to find a job and dealing with pain and illness, Amy says she “battled with my own opinion of myself. My self-esteem and confidence were at an all-time low.”
Starting at Pearl as a virtual administrative assistant for a global pharmaceutical company three years ago, Amy exemplifies the strong work ethic and a sense of pride about her work, which was instilled in her by the military. She now leads a team of thirteen. Calling her employment at Pearl “an amazing experience,” Amy says her “life has drastically changed and continues to improve” with a strong sense of self, and the ability to care for herself and her family while maintaining a career. Offering hope to other veterans who find themselves suffering after their service, Amy shares that “home-based employment has allowed me to feel valuable even when I am ill” — something that few companies are able to provide.
Home-based employment has allowed Amy to thrive and as she says, to “still remain very much a part of a team” — a concept that is integral to many veterans’ success in the civilian career force. Amy affirms that “it is very hard to not get discouraged when you are transitioning from the military to civilian life.” Yet, “you never know when someone will be your lifeline” and provide the opportunity to regain a sense of self-worth and confidence through a flexible career. Veterans bring unique skills and strengths to the civilian workforce. They just need the proper vehicle to display their talents.