“It’s all about connection.”
Currently based in Pembrokeshire, with no foreseeable access to a coworking hub, the MCN Online Community is the main point of connection for Rebecca.
Being part of this community, has transformed her military world, and resulted in a positive impact on her qualify of life, her work, and her mental wellbeing.
Virtual coworking and water cooler chats provide vital connection points.
“The virtual coworking sessions and water cooler chats have made the world of difference to me.
“I work entirely from home, and rarely get the chance to talk to people both in and outside the home. Several days can pass without any human interaction, which further exacerbates that sense of feeling disconnected from your organisation and work colleagues. Of course, there are business meetings. But not every day or even every week and mostly virtual. And as you’d expect, they are all inevitably and understandably, about business-related issues.
“The coworking sessions are different. Their unique structure supports both focussed working (and I get so much work done) and dedicated opportunities to network with your fellow coworkers.
“The water cooler chats, on the other hand, allow me to connect with people from my community on a different and more personal level. It’s not enough to simply connect with other people. It needs to be with people who get you and who you can trust not to judge you.
“Sometimes, it feels like we’re stuck in this military bubble, but we’re in it together. Civvy wives and partners just don’t get it. Only military spouses can truly understand the challenges and complexities of this unique lifestyle. These casual and informal interactions are vital. Not only do you feel understood, but they are also a great sounding board and a direct route to some sound and practical advice from people who’ve walked the same path and jumped the same hurdles. Things like managing your next move.
“Having both these opportunities to interact with other people adds a lot of richness to my life, and really makes a difference to my mental health. I genuinely look forward to them every week.”
The MCN offers other opportunities to connect.
“The MCN runs a wide range of events, and whenever there is something on the schedule that interests me, I sign up. For example, I found a recent session on bookkeeping very useful.
“I’ve also delivered some training sessions to members on my specialist area, social media management. In fact, I’m scheduled to deliver more in 2025. It’s a real privilege being able to give back to the community. I also love the fact that these sessions get recorded, so if someone can’t make the live event, they can watch it on playback in the Members Area. It’s also great for me to be able to signpost people back to the recorded session rather than having to repeat it.”
There’s not enough support out there for the military spouse with no kids.
“There are so many organisations that provide support to the Armed Forces community, but if you don’t have children, the options are few and far between. Most of the available support where I am based, is focussed on families. But I don’t have children, nor will I have any for a while and there is simply nothing available for people like me, who work full-time and don’t have those family-related touchpoints. Even coffee mornings take place during the working day so you can’t attend them. Being part of the MCN Online Community fills those gaps and delivers ample opportunities to connect with like-minded people, which I really value”
The MCN sees us as individuals with our own unique identity.
“The MCN is also very much targeted at us as individuals, rather than a network for mums and wives, which is very important. We are individuals in our own right, with our own personalities, our own interests, and own careers. That matters and is perfectly reflected in the MCN’s offering.”
The MCN is a vital lifeline.
“Without the Online Community, I would feel lonely and isolated, and disconnected from the military community. For me, it offers a vital and dedicated space to connect.”
Comments