How to Make Money in the Military: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Serving in the military can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it’s not always easy to make ends meet, especially when you’re on a limited budget. The good news is that there are several ways to make money in the military, and in this article, we’ll explore the top ways to do so.
What are the most common ways to make money in the military?
Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand that there are several ways to make money in the military, including:
- Off-base jobs: Working off-base, either part-time or full-time, can help supplement your military income.
- On-base jobs: Many military bases offer on-base jobs, such as working in the base’s commissary or exchange.
- Freelancing: Utilize your skills to offer services as a freelancer, whether it’s writing, designing, or consulting.
- Selling products: Sell products online, such as handmade goods or items you can source cheaply.
- Renting out a spare room or property: Rent out a spare room on your base or a nearby property to generate additional income.
Off-Base Jobs
What are some common off-base jobs?
Some common off-base jobs for military personnel include:
- Retail: Working in retail stores, either part-time or full-time.
- Food service: Working in restaurants, cafes, or other food establishments.
- Construction: Working in construction, either as a laborer or in a specific trade.
- Tutoring: Offering tutoring services to students in need of academic support.
- Freelance writing or design: Offering writing, editing, or design services on a freelance basis.
How to find off-base jobs?
- Online job boards: Utilize online job boards, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor.
- Local classifieds: Check local classifieds, such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
- Networking: Network with locals, including friends, family, and colleagues, to find job opportunities.
- Military-specific job boards: Utilize military-specific job boards, such as Military.com or Military Spouse.
On-Base Jobs
What are some common on-base jobs?
Some common on-base jobs for military personnel include:
- Base commissary: Working in the base commissary, which offers food and household items at discounted prices.
- Base exchange: Working in the base exchange, which offers clothing, electronics, and other items at discounted prices.
- Hospitality: Working in on-base hotels, restaurants, or other hospitality establishments.
- Childcare: Offering childcare services to military families.
- MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation): Working in the base’s MWR department, which offers recreational activities, entertainment, and other services.
How to find on-base jobs?
- Base website: Check your base’s website for job listings and application information.
- Base HR department: Contact your base’s Human Resources department for information on available jobs.
- Base bulletin boards: Check base bulletin boards and kiosks for job postings.
- Network: Network with other military personnel and base staff to find job opportunities.
Freelancing
What are some common freelancing services?
Some common freelancing services include:
- Writing: Writing articles, blog posts, or other content for clients.
- Design: Designing graphics, logos, or other visual elements for clients.
- Consulting: Offering consulting services in areas such as marketing, finance, or IT.
- Social media management: Managing social media accounts for clients.
- Virtual assistance: Offering virtual assistance services, such as email management or scheduling.
How to get started with freelancing?
- Identify your skills: Identify your skills and areas of expertise.
- Create a profile: Create a profile on freelancing platforms, such as Upwork or Freelancer.
- Offer your services: Offer your services to clients, either on freelancing platforms or through your own website.
- Network: Network with other freelancers and potential clients to find opportunities.
Selling Products
What are some common products to sell?
Some common products to sell include:
- Handmade goods: Handmade goods, such as jewelry, crafts, or clothing.
- Items sourced cheaply: Items sourced cheaply, such as electronics, toys, or household items.
- Digital products: Digital products, such as e-books, courses, or software.
- Art: Original artwork, prints, or reproductions.
How to sell products?
- Online marketplaces: Sell products through online marketplaces, such as Amazon, Etsy, or eBay.
- Social media: Use social media platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram, to sell products.
- Local markets: Sell products at local markets or events.
- Word of mouth: Utilize word of mouth to sell products to friends, family, and colleagues.
Renting Out a Spare Room or Property
What are some common platforms for renting out a spare room or property?
Some common platforms for renting out a spare room or property include:
- Airbnb: Renting out a spare room or property through Airbnb.
- VRBO: Renting out a spare room or property through VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
- Military-specific rental platforms: Renting out a spare room or property through military-specific rental platforms, such as MilitaryByOwner.
How to get started with renting out a spare room or property?
- Identify your property: Identify your property, including its location, size, and amenities.
- Set a price: Set a price for your spare room or property, taking into account local rates and competition.
- Take photos: Take high-quality photos of your spare room or property to showcase on rental platforms.
- Write a description: Write a detailed description of your spare room or property, including its amenities and location.
Conclusion
Making money in the military doesn’t have to be difficult. By exploring off-base jobs, on-base jobs, freelancing, selling products, and renting out a spare room or property, you can supplement your military income and achieve financial stability. Remember to identify your skills, create a profile, and network with others to find opportunities. With the right mindset and strategy, you can make money in the military and achieve financial success.
Table: Top Ways to Make Money in the Military
| Method | Description | Platform/Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Off-base jobs | Working part-time or full-time off-base | Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Military.com |
| On-base jobs | Working part-time or full-time on-base | Base website, Base HR department, Base bulletin boards |
| Freelancing | Offering services as a freelancer | Upwork, Freelancer, Social media platforms |
| Selling products | Selling handmade goods, items sourced cheaply, or digital products | Online marketplaces, Social media platforms, Local markets |
| Renting out a spare room or property | Renting out a spare room or property through online platforms | Airbnb, VRBO, MilitaryByOwner |
Bullets List: Key Takeaways
- Identify your skills and areas of expertise.
- Create a profile on freelancing platforms or job boards.
- Network with others to find opportunities.
- Utilize online marketplaces and social media platforms to sell products.
- Take high-quality photos and write detailed descriptions to showcase your spare room or property on rental platforms.
- Explore off-base and on-base job opportunities to supplement your military income.
