This dialogue is so necessary because at times I feel people have such a negative undertone when women choose to make their family (children and marriage/partnership) a priority. I served nine years in the military and people did not respect my decision to leave. I think this was one of my biggest challenges while serving. I felt my military obligations interfered with my primary roles of being a wife and mother. I believe the military opened several doors for me and I appreciate if; however, I lacked balance for several years. When I decided to leave people questioned my logic and ability to make it outside of the military. Of course I have been successful since leaving but after seven years people still tell me, “I cannot believe you got
