During one period in American history, it was unheard of for women to work outside of the home, and most married women were stay-at-home wives.

Now, in modern times, being a stay-at-home wife without children is a rarity in civilian society, but still very common within military communities.

The military lifestyle can be very challenging for many spouses. The constant moves can make getting an education or finding and maintaining a career difficult.  

For Joint Base Lewis-McChord spouse Nicole Forguson, the original decision to stay home was an easy one, since she had one year left of college and an upcoming PCS move to plan. Forguson found many rewards in being a stay-at-home wife.

"I can sleep in whenever I want to, my house stays clean and I'm able to manage things a little better on the home front whenever I don't have a job," she said.

Yet, even with the rewards, she found challenges as well.

"The challenges that I find from being a stay-at-home wife are that being able to meet new people isn't easy when the household only has one vehicle, boredom strikes constantly, and I tend to get cabin fever," she said. "Once I graduated, it became a decision I regretted, since I have nothing to do but clean and take care of the bills. I enjoy that, and I can make my own schedule and do things at my own pace."

Fellow spouse Elizabeth Clarke didn't enter into being a stay-at-home wife for the same reasons; instead, it was a role that fell naturally into her lap.

"In all honesty, the rewards are in helping my marriage," she said. "Military life isn't easy. When my husband is off duty, the last thing he wants to do is be home. Being at a new duty station opens a new door of different things to do and see. If I were to work, I'm in nursing (and) I would hardly see my husband with our crazy schedules and especially when he has training elsewhere."

Clarke also enjoys the freedom the schedule offers to help other women out.

"I love being called and asked to do things for my husband's company," she said. "That feeling of being needed is great, especially when you do make friends with other military families, it's great to be able to be there for them. There comes times when some families truly need help, and I love being the one to give it to them."

Being a stay-at-home wife does not actually mean a spouse stays home all day - it means she does not work for pay outside the home. The stigma is often unfair, especially when the nonworking spouse often does a lot for her community.

"While my husband was gone, to get out of the house and stay busy, I would go to the gym, take my dog to the dog park and volunteer," Forguson said.

Clarke is getting active in the Spouses Club and volunteers at the library.

Military couples debating whether the spouse should work outside the home or stay home often give it a lot of thought.  

"I would tell other wives that are thinking about becoming a stay-at-home wife that they need to make sure they can handle not working, if they are used to working, and that the money dwindles quicker with only one income," Forguson said.

"Being a stay-at-home wife is one of those things you'll either love or hate," added Clarke. "When you start to think about it, take into consideration how you spend your weekends. Are you busy or not? Because without kids, sitting in front of the TV and staying in your house will eventually drive you batty. You'll eventually find ways to be a part of your community and (give) back to your community. It's rewarding to be a stay-at home wife.

"It really is just a personal decision."