Home Hunter Spotlight- Crystal Constable

MilHousing Network, as you might know, is made up of a group of Home Hunters who reach out and help connect military families to realtors in the areas they are PCSing to.  I was able to connect with one of our Home Hunters, Crystal, to talk about her life and MHN.

Crystal is hardworking, passionate and an amazing addition to our team.  Let’s hear from her!

How many years have you been a military spouse?

I have been a military spouse for 12 years.

How many times have you PCSed?

I have been blessed to only have PCSed 3 times, one being an OCONUS to and from Hawaii.

Where do you currently live?

Ft. Bragg, North Carolina my husband is on recruiting assignment.

What’s your favorite thing about being a military spouse?

My favorite thing about being a military spouse is the adventure of exploring new places. You can do all the research you want on a future duty station, but there is still the unknown which can be exciting and a great learning experience at the same time.

What has your experience been when looking for employment?

Like many, my plan was to only stay at home for a few years and then go back into the work environment when our kids were older. However, with my husband’s work schedule and the unknowns, looking for employment was hard, and I gave up because nobody was willing to understand the demands I carry on my shoulders daily as a spouse and mother.

What is your favorite part of working as a Home Hunter?

I would say my favorite part is feeling a part of a movement that is changing the way fellow military families are being helped. As a military spouse, I find myself on my own more times than I would enjoy, but you just learn to go with it and with a little trial and error you figure it out. If I can save another spouse from those dead ends, then I have achieved a little victory. Also, I really enjoy working with the team. Everyone has been very helpful and welcoming, which has been great because it has been over 9 years since I worked outside of home.

What does my typical day look like?

LoL, I am usually a very structured person, most days! However, with four kids I have to go with the flow. This is what my weekday roughly looks like without too many details My weekends hours look different depending on what our family plans are. 430-6 Up reading morning scripture and working out 615-830 morning routine with kids 845-1030 checking FB putting our feelers and spending time with my younger boys 11-230 Lunch, naptime, checking FB, and any errands I may have to do 3-730 Family duties (homework, dinner, baths, etc) 8-930 depending on the evening I check FB and put out feelers I don’t have set hours to search FB daily. I have to go with what works for the day at hand. Maybe in the future, I will be able to have more set hours, but that’s the great part about working from home.

What do you want other spouses to know about PCSing, finding work, or Milhousing Network?

What would I want other spouses to know about PCSing? It has its struggles, but if you and your service member can communicate things will get done and move in a smooth motion. It’s great to research and join spouse pages but be prepared every place has its ups and downs and what you make of it will make your time there. Don’t get butthurt when plans change because that’s just part of the lifestyle, instead embrace the moment and find something positive to celebrate. What would I say about MilHousing Network? It’s a great group of ladies who really love what they do and have a real passion for fellow military families. It doesn’t matter what branch your family serves they are willing to help get you connected. That’s the type of organization I can stand behind because at the end of the day we are all in this together.

If you’d like more info about working as a Home Hunter, please email hiringmilspouses@gmail.com.