Milspouses Adjust Quickly, Meet Shirley Walker-King
Over 90% of military spouses are women.
According to the White House’s Military Spouse Demographics and Employment Information publication, “92% of Active Duty spouses are female”. This publication also states that:
“Female military spouses earn, on average, 25% less than their civilian counterparts.”
We know that women are disadvantaged within the traditional workforce no matter their race, military status, or career industry.
With Begin Within being a staffing business, I get to view the hiring process from both sides, from the eyes of the jobseeker and from the perspective of the employer.
I see first hand the disadvantages women face in comparison with their male peers, and specifically when it comes to the gender pay gap. Sometimes I want to scream, “You could have got $20k more per year if you just TRIED to negotiate your salary!!!” Unfortunately, I can’t do this and must maintain objectiveness within the hiring process for the employers who retain me to bring them military spouse talent.
Enter Shirley. Shirley helps women live in confidence… Confident women advocate for themselves in the workplace. Confident women “talk money” with their boss, ask for raises, negotiate their salary, and don’t shy away from uncomforable conversations.
Meet Shirley Walker-King.
Shirley Walker-King is an author, coach, producer, and former semi-pro basketball player. She has been featured on Dr. Phil, on local news outlets such as ABC, and as a guest speaker for countless venues.
As a woman who wears many hats, heels and hairstyles, Shirley calls on her experience as a military spouse to help others cut out the nonsense and “get down to the business of life”.
You can find Shirley on her website.
“What benefit do you believe military spouses bring to the workforce?”
When I asked Shirley, “What benefit do you believe military spouses bring to the workforce?” this was her response:
“1. Military spouses come from diverse backgrounds and know how to adjust quickly to get the job done.
2. They know how to handle stressful situations and adapt to change.
3. Time Management and Budgeting”
~ Shirley Walker King
