PCS moves made simpler with mobile careers                                 Ashley Henry Public Affairs Intern

After a Permanent Change of Station move a military spouse is often left with the challenge of finding a job at the new location. Many spouses, however, are turning to a new option, one which allows them to take their career with them. Direct selling companies are becoming an increasingly popular career option for many people. According to the Direct Selling Association, in 2006, more than 15 million men and women were involved with one of these companies. The flexibility these companies offer makes them a good option for spouses who frequently have to move because of PCS orders. These companies allow spouses to take their business with them when they PCS and not have to worry about finding a new job at the next location. ERP will host a “Careers-on-the-Go” workshop for spouses from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday at the main post chapel.  “This workshop provides individuals nontraditional employment options for individuals with all types of situations,” Martin said. Examples are stay-at-home parents or those who are attending college, cannot work daytime hours and of course, those who move frequently.  “The biggest advantage would be that when you choose a career in the direct sales field you have a greater ability to take your business with you,” said Vivian Benefield, a cooking supplies consultant. “Not to mention that you are your own boss and can give yourself excellent work incentives, bonuses and raises.” Direct selling companies allow the seller to work when they choose, which can allow employees to work another job or stay home with their children during the week and cut costs on child care. “The direct selling industry is the best industry to be a part of today. Traditional job roles are changing and more and more people are looking for flexibility,” said Melissa Spencer, a cosmetic company district sales manager. “This type of career gives you everything you need and want because you control how much work and how much money you earn.” Being involved in a direct selling business can make transitioning to a new area easier because it is a way to meet people when you get to a new location. “While some may feel that moving a business from state to state is difficult, I feel it was a tool I used to meet new neighbors and make new friends,” Benefield said. Meeting people at a new location can sometimes be one of the hardest parts about a PCS move. But with a direct selling company, sellers are forced to step outside of their normal comfort zones to find customers who are not family and friends.  “I gained more confidence in myself and my abilities to do something I wasn’t sure about,” Spencer said. “Like most people, I didn’t think I was a salesperson, but AVON is not traditional selling, and I learned that the ‘salesperson’ I thought I needed to be didn’t exist; I was successful because I was myself.” Barbara Martin, Fort Jackson Employment Readiness Program manager, said that starting a home-based business can provide spouses with unlimited opportunities. But for someone to be successful, it is important to research all aspects about starting and running a business. Small business owners as well as consultants from Tupperware, AVON, Pampered Chef, Longaberger Company and Canyon Candles will be on hand to share their stories about starting their businesses and the secrets to their success. ERP staff will be there to provide information and resources on starting and running a small business. For more information about the “Careers-on-the-Go” workshop, call ERP at 751-5452.