Finding Stability in a Life of Change: Becky’s Journey with RFS

Name: Becky Beacock
Age: 39
Job Title: Senior Member Support Executive
Where do you live? Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria
What regiment is your partner in? A submariner in the Royal Navy

How did you get into the job and how did RFS help you? What were you doing for work beforehand?

I have worked doing many different things over the years – from having my own dog walking and boarding business, to fast food outlets, driving instructing, and being a teaching assistant within primary schools. But having to move every couple of years does not bode well for job retention and consistency – especially throwing into the mix being a mum of three and having a husband who is away for more than six months of the year, and not being near family.

RFS has been a real saving grace! From the interest shown on social media, to emails, interviews, and just general help and support. Sending a CV to join their talent pool was the best thing I did. I did not expect to have the opportunities I have had – and more than anything, the support from a group of people who understand exactly what it is like to be a military spouse trying to find meaningful and long-lasting employment.

RFS provided me offers of available roles and suggested which they thought would suit me best based on my qualifications, my personality, and their relationships with different companies. All the way through the application and interview process, they were there to support and guide as needed. This was invaluable.

As a military spouse, we don’t put ourselves first – the military always takes lead and we have to follow. This means sacrifices to our own goals and ambitions within the workplace sometimes, so to have the support of the RFS team was just amazing.

What kind of qualities do you need? And any specific qualifications?

You don’t need any specific qualifications to join the talent pool of RFS. There are so many new opportunities available all the time that there is bound to be something that matches you at some point.

Being a military spouse often includes having the qualities employers are looking for. To most, this is more appealing than qualifications, which can be earned alongside a working role. There is no more adaptable and strong person than a military spouse.

What are the best things about the job?

My job is the absolute best. I love the stability of having my own working hours. I can work remotely, so even if another move was on the cards, I could continue to do my job.

Working with people in the same position as me is amazing. We all support each other and no excuses are needed – we just understand. I am not only looked after by my company but also RFS, and this is special.

I have also been lucky enough to experience promotion within my role, which is incredible. To see that progression in a career is achievable despite the upheaval of military life and being a busy mum. This job means more than any others as it is for me – I can do it regardless of whatever else is going on, and that is thanks to both the company (Virgin Red) I work for and RFS for enabling the opportunity.

And what are the most challenging?

I have sat and thought about this one a lot and I am not able to find the most challenging part – yet. I love my job, I love working from home, and I love the times we do get together for training.

Perhaps the challenging part would be some of the offers which are given to the employed members of the company and not to the RFS employees, but this is not something I really worry about. Thanks to RFS and the company I work for, they have given me the confidence to mould my own ambitions – and that is more of a perk than could ever be given.

Why would you recommend Forces spouses as good employees?

I absolutely would. RFS are approachable and professional and have a wealth of knowledge to boot. They don’t just pop you into a role and leave you to it – they are always at the end of the phone or email if needed.

They continuously offer courses (usually free) to continue your skills and growth. They have mentorship programmes, and their ethos is very much not just about providing employment, but to provide opportunities for improvement both personally and professionally.

What do you think the Government and employers need to do so more Forces partners can find quality jobs?

Look at what a military spouse can bring to the table and not focus on the negative. We are the ones supporting those who live and fight for this country, yet the families are often very overlooked and poorly supported.

A bit of understanding about military life and not just seeing a person who has been at home with the kids, gaps in employment... There are very good reasons for this, and the screening process of CVs does not allow fair opportunities for a military spouse.

RFS have proved what a bit of understanding and opportunity can look like – this is obvious in the success of the people they employ, but also in such huge companies and brands wanting to team up. The people they employ are a glowing example of the success they are having, and more employers and the government need to take note of what they are doing and how they are doing it.

What advice would you give to other Forces partners who want to move into work?

Just do it! The opportunities out there are amazing, and if you join the talent pool of RFS you aren’t just getting a new job – you are getting access to so much more. Support, education, growth, security amongst a few.

You have way more skills than you think you have, and RFS will help you discover them and help you believe in yourself to really see them shine.

Please feel free to add anything else you’d like to get across to readers.

Military spouses often move every 18 months to 2 years – from end of country to end of country, to a different country and back again. They are the backbone of the military, the silent ranks. We hold the homes together for those serving, whilst trying to have families of our own, away from our own families and friends.

We get little to no support and live for a phone call, email, or unexpected arrival home from a shortened deployment. We are some of the strongest people I know and possess more skills than most I know. This should be celebrated and supported, but employment can seem such a dream. To be able to attempt a career whilst doing all the above is unimaginable. RFS really have helped so many achieve this.

Don’t let the life of being the thing that holds it all together be the reason you write yourself off. Go for it, take your chances, believe in yourself – and remember, you aren’t just a military spouse, you are you, too.

Find your passion, find something you are interested in, and carve something for yourself into the life you chose to support. It can be tough, but when you surround yourself with like-minded people and those who understand – the world becomes your oyster.

Do not let it slip through your fingers. And as always, we have chocolate and wine for the times we just need to cry. We then straighten that crown, and we do the only thing we know how – we just craic on.