Navigating Life as a Military Spouse and Swagelok Associate

Through the late night hours to the morning, Amy Lubig wears many hats as a 3rd shift human resources business partner (HRBP). While the variety of each day may seem overwhelming to some, adapting and remaining resilient through new situations comes easily to Amy, given her unique background. Intertwined with her husband Ryan's military career, her journey reflects the many challenges and triumphs of a military spouse navigating life and a career.?

Amy's life took a defining turn when Ryan joined the military over a decade ago, just before they were married. Amy soon learned about the transient life in the military as her husband was deployed across the country and the globe. During his active military career, Amy and Ryan had three children, all born in different states during different deployments. With Ryan often away, Amy worked toward completing her psychology degree while raising their first two children. She also worked in and out of jobs when her schedule and living arrangements allowed.??

More Change and Challenges?

After more than five years in active duty, Ryan transitioned to active reserves. Using resources available to him as a veteran, he eventually found a role with Swagelok. This change brought new challenges for Amy as she sought to establish her career, but finding one for herself was a bit more complicated.??

"It's difficult when you’re not working a steady job and your resume doesn't look full," says Amy. "I felt that I was doing so much between raising children, managing finances, and working various jobs while going to school. On paper, though, you just don't look as good."??

When she joined Swagelok two years later, Amy found a role that required her unique skills, yet provided the flexibility needed in military family life.?

Being Adaptable Makes a Positive Difference?

The frequent relocations and the need to adapt to new environments have honed Amy’s management, planning, and problem-solving skills. These experiences, though challenging, have equipped her with a unique perspective, valuable at Swagelok. Amy's ascent to HRBP is a testament to the skills and adaptability she gained in her military life experiences. Her role, especially in the off-shift hours, involves addressing complex personnel issues, a challenge she finds both rewarding and engaging.??

"I love working with the human resources and operations teams,” shares Amy. “I feel that is my realm. I enjoy learning about the business and walking around the floor. What our associates are doing is amazing.”?

Advocating for Veterans and Family Members?

Amy encourages other military spouses to leverage available resources like the Military Spouse Employment Program (MSEP) for transitioning to civilian careers. (Swagelok is a proud MSEP participant and signed a partnership agreement in April 2023.) She also believes growing the resources for military veterans and family members—like MSEP, SkillBridge, and the Swagelok Veterans Associate Resource Group —is essential.??

“We have a good focus at Swagelok and I hope our participation expands as we continue attracting and retaining military veterans and allies," she says. “Plus, policies like flexible work can be an excellent fit for active and transitioning military spouses.”?

Amy envisions a future in human resources at Swagelok, leading a team, and contributing positively to the company's growth and supportive culture. She’s also excited about the possibility of connecting with other military spouses, “Let's connect and help drive the network out there!"?