It’s My Turn — Career Development for Veteran Spouses
- S4E29
- 1:07:17
- February 9th 2026
Military and veteran spouses face unique career challenges, but meaningful career growth is possible.
In this episode, Hannah is joined by Rachelle Chapman, Senior Director of the Adecco Group US Foundation, to talk about military spouse employment, career confidence, and the power of self-discovery. Rachelle shares her own 20-year career journey through eight military moves and introduces the It’s My Turn program; a free career development program designed specifically for veteran spouses.
We discuss why traditional job-search advice often falls short, how confidence is built through community, and why it’s never too late to invest in yourself.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why military spouse unemployment and underemployment remain so high
- How career gaps and relocations impact long-term earning potential
- Rachelle’s biggest career lesson: “Ask for what you want”
- What makes the It’s My Turn veteran spouse career program different
- Why self-discovery is the foundation of sustainable career growth
🎧 Whether you’re job searching, considering a career pivot, or simply trying to reconnect with your professional identity, this episode is for you.
Links & Resources:
- It’s My Turn Program
- Connect with Rachelle Chapman on LinkedIn
- Additional programs: Service Scholarship (launching in March)
Veteran Spouse Network
Life behind the uniform isn’t always easy, and military and veteran families know this better than anyone. The Veteran Spouse Network Podcast brings real, honest conversations to the forefront, covering the challenges, stories, and victories unique to military and veteran families.
Each episode features spouses, partners, family members, experts, and providers sharing insights on everything from deployment stress and mental health struggles to navigating resources and relationship dynamics.
Whether you’re a military spouse, veteran family member, or just want to understand the true experience, this podcast offers a supportive space to connect, learn, and know you’re not alone.
Tune in and join the community that stands with you through every step of the journey.
Hannah O’Brien is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work Masters program. A native of Austin, Texas, she knew she needed to spread her wings in college, traveling all the way to the east coast to attend American University in Washington, D.C. where she received her Bachelors in Law and Society. After earning her undergraduate degree, she held several positions that included working with children in schools, supporting offenders during reentry after incarceration, offering employment guidance for low-income adults, and helping support adult literacy. Hannah then began her Masters of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas, where she completed the Administration and Policy Practice concentration, planning for a career in non-profit management.
While pursuing her degree, she fell in love with, and ultimately married a Marine Corps veteran and began immersing herself in the unique culture of the military. It wasn’t long before she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the service of veteran spouses and families. Hannah has served as the Program Manager for the Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) since 2017, helping create, implement, and evaluate peer support programs for veteran spouses and families to ensure they receive the support they deserve. In addition to her role within the VSN, Hannah has had the opportunity to coordinate marriage enrichment and PTSD treatment groups for veteran couples, as well as assist in a multitude of different research projects aimed at supporting military and veteran families.