Is being a "Navy wife" the toughest job in the world?
I don't think that being a Navy wife is one of the toughest jobs in the world, however, it's also not one of the easiest.
Me and my husband just celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary. Fortunately, we were lucky to celebrate it together (we went to see Jimmy Buffett's concert in Chicago- really cool!!!), partly because I was able to spend this summer with him in Great Lakes, IL. Now, he is gone again. He just left few hours ago to train with the Marines in San Diego, CA. Him joining the Navy was our mutual decision, about a year ago; both of us were really attracted by the opportunities to travel around the world. Now, when the reality is here, it is tougher than our dreamed visions. We are still glad we have made such a decision, however, any time he leaves it evokes mixed feelings. On one hand, it is the excitement of traveling, and on the other hand it is the misery of separation from each other.
I recall the first time I saw a sticker saying: "Navy wife - toughest job in the world" and I was wondering how someone could consider it a "job." Now, being the insider, I understand it much more: I take care of the house, my car, my dog, (no kids yet), my life etc., and I also get paid for it. My husband gets some extra money for being married to me, although in the goverment terminology it is for having a "dependent." Studying for my master's degree in sociolinguistics, I really hate that term for number of reasons (partly because it is nothing like that in our relationship), but - the extra money is handy.
For a few of those who had the patience to read my little "Fleck in Space" post I have a couple of ideas to comment on:
1. Can being a Navy wife be considered as a job?
2. Is the term "dependent" appropriate for a Navy wife?
To me it is just weird that there are two completely opposite terms for one thing: "dependent" and "a job." I just know that I am never going to put that sticker on my car and I also hope to keep all my relationships on an independent and equal level.
posted by sonicka at 6:23 PM
3 Comments:
I've really admired your idealistic personality, Sonia. I have written about your post in my blog in a new post: myrhetoricincyberspace.blogspot.com
Best,
Elif
September 20, 2004 9:24 PM
Yes Being a person married to someone in the military is one of the toughest jobs around. The idea of always being alone in your home with just your dog can be a bit frustrating. However, I am sure his job is not that easy as well. He probably works long hours and has to live with other people insted of being home with his wife and enjoying a home cooked meal. At least the both of you made the decision together before he went in, rather than marrying someone already in the military. I wish the both of you much happiness and yes you will see the world.
October 23, 2004 2:04 PM
I was a NAVY wife for 21 years and yes it was hard at times, but I LOVED IT. If I had to do it all over again, boy would I ever. We have 2 natural children and 2 foster children they go from 45-24. The oldest she married a wonderful Navy man (he just retired) and the olderst boy his is in the Navy (soon to retire). As for the younger ones well they say that they have done their time. In so many ways they have. You just keep doing what you are and remember one thing from and OLD NAVY WIFE "HAVE FUN". Oh yes my husband got me a front plate for my car it reads "Retired Navy Wife". Oh yes one last thing on the day he retires you will feel sad that it is over ,but I feel it never is because The Navy is part of me also.
Best of luck and my prayers will be with you and your husband. Tell your husband THANKS FOR TAKING THE WATCH FOR MINE.
Pam Oller
Louisville, KY
February 5, 2006 5:24 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home