To work or not to work

One thing that naval wives miss out in their lives is a steady job. Owing to their hubbies’ frequent transfers I have seen many ladies walking out of jobs in TCS, FabIndia etc. Then there are those who beat all odds and try to utilize their skills wherever they go.  So here are some jobs that can be done with an open mind and zeal to work despite being a naval wife.

1.    Teaching - Every base has a Navy Children School. Depending on your qualification this is one job you can easily get through and maintain throughout your transfers

2.    Art Classes – Naval bases are usually far away from the city. There is a dearth of classes for serious pursuit of hobbies. So if you are an artist do spread the joy.

3.    Dance/Music – Naval kids are indeed versatile. They are open for anything from Carnatic to Jazz and Bharathnatyam to Salsa. Send your flyers out and see your little birds flying in.

4.    Selling Tupperware – I am not sure how this works.  You should probably register with the company etc. This will be a huge hit because the naval houses are usually situated near the sea. Although they are picturesque the scene inside the pulses and spices packets is not so. Tupperware is a life saver when it comes to preserving food in seashore areas.

5.    Distributor of Amway and other beauty products – I think this one should work anywhere and not just in naval bases.

6.    Beauty Parlor – If you are trained for this you will be a great help to the ladies who run around looking for the parlor when there is a party announced at the last minute. Once you prove yourself to be good you will have a loyal fan base.

7.    Bakery – This one works like magic. Every other day there is a birthday party or some such thing. If not that, you can count on ladies with kids who want something fancy to fill in their little ones’ snack boxes. If you are good at baking and have one or two decent ovens you are all set. If you can specialize on healthy stuff eg. Carrot cakes then you will be a definite hit.

8.    Selling exotic clothes or jewelry – If you are from a place famous for exquisite jewelry or exotic silks and stuff at affordable prices you can get a guaranteed clientele from naval wives.

9.    Aerobics Trainer- If you are a trained fitness freak, this is one place you will strike gold. Naval ladies just like their husbands are very conscious about staying fit.

10. Language Instructor – I am not sure how successful this business would be. But officers deployed to places like Russia and China do need to learn new languages. So if you are good at one, go for it. It would be something interesting even for older children.

Finally if you have led a busy life before marriage please do get yourself involved in some work. It is not easy to find soul satisfaction with just maintaining a house (especially since your husband might be sailing for the most part). To work or not to work is your choice but I would say work, for your own good and for  the society as well. :)