In this week's podcast episode, I speak with defence partner Chaia about finding support and comfort in spouse friends, accessing Open Arms & Future plans.
Chaia and I also speak about;
- starting off as friends and what it meant once they started dating
- why nothing prepares you for the transition into defence life
- the difference between being posted to a reserve vs full-time battalion
- experiencing her first posting and deciding to live apart (MWDU)
- why leaving her employment, her long service and maternity leave wasn’t an option
- finally feeling like she had defence life figured out only for it to change again
- deciding to stay busy while her partner was away which led to burnout
- putting her hand up for mental health support via Open Arms
- expectations and accepting the reality of everyday defence life
- figuring out when they will finally live together and future plans
- family planning, possible postings and how Chaia envisions it all working
- having a partner who is proactive in seeking out the info a spouse needs
Ready to join the ML community? Click through the link to get connected xx www.militarylife.com.au
