BY AMY FLANAGAN
In 2022, an unexpected opportunity arrived, a lastminute posting to Sennelager, and although moving abroad wasn’t part of our long-term plan, we didn’t hesitate.
That decision, however, came with its share of sacrifices. I was working as a mortgage adviser, a role I loved and one that provided a significant portion of our household income, often more than my husband’s.
Unfortunately, due to regulatory restrictions, continuing in my role overseas wasn’t an option. Walking away from my career was daunting, and financially, it was a blow.
With less than two months to prepare, the pace of life accelerated. Alongside the usual moving logistics came the added complexity of COVID restrictions still in place across Germany, organising pet vaccinations, and untangling car finance agreements that couldn’t be transferred abroad. It was overwhelming, but somehow we made it work.
Once in Germany, I discovered that employment opportunities for spouses were limited but I was fortunate to secure a position as a chief clerk in one of the local units.
While it didn’t replace my previous income, the combination of this role and the Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) helped ease the transition.
Overall, the rewards of an overseas posting far outweighed the challenges. We spent nearly three years there, which were filled with travel, new experiences, and an improved quality of life.
Europe was on our doorstep, and we embraced it.
Returning to the UK, however, brought fresh challenges. With the loss of LOA and no job, the pressure to secure employment was intense.
Eventually, I decided to build my own mortgage advising business. I had no roadmap and plenty of doubts, but I also discovered a network of support.
From CV workshops to free training courses and online communities, the guidance and encouragement I found were invaluable. Social media groups became a lifeline, places where shared experiences and advice reminded me I wasn’t alone.
If there’s one piece of advice I would offer to anyone considering self-employment, it’s to prepare. Having savings in place and a back-up plan can make all the difference.
Now, over a year into running my own business, I wouldn’t go back. While self-employment comes with its own uncertainties, the lack of a guaranteed income being the main one, the flexibility it offers is invaluable.
Being able to manage my own schedule and adapt to the transient nature of military life has given me a sense of control I hadn’t experienced before.
What began as an unexpected posting turned into a journey of reinvention.