“I knew Partner Support was fundamental, but being an expat partner myself has definitely provided me with a personal experience of its value to Global Mobility,” says expat partner Friederike Hubert.
Arriving and adjusting
“I’m an experienced HR Executive and I have worked in Strategic HR, Global Mobility and Procurement for many years; I’m also a career coach with an international profile, familiar with Australian culture. And no matter what knowledge or expertise one might have, and no matter how accomplished their career may be, I was aware that patience is key and that one has to be ready to adapt plans when relocating,” says Friederike.
New perspectives
“When we moved to Sydney in 2024, I initially intended to find a full time HR role in the corporate sector, and that might still be a distinct possibility,” says Friederike. “I also knew that this expat journey would create a fantastic opportunity for me. I have had the chance to get creative and set up my own coaching and consultancy practice as a side-business, which is extremely exciting. Additionally, I was able to broaden my perspective on my own job search; just as I coach some of my clients, I applied the powerful idea of leaning into my unique transferable skills, rather than purely looking for suitable roles.”
Work in tandem
“In the end, it wasn’t a case of one or the other. Actually, Plan A and B do work together. I would say they even complement each other!” says Friederike. “So I’m very grateful for the support that I have received since relocating to Sydney. I relished working with my coach, a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic woman, who has helped me to not only advance my business plan, but also to better understand the dynamics of the local job market.”
Precious flexibility
“Last but not least, as a mother of a young toddler, I have also come to appreciate the importance and value of flexibility when it comes to expat life. In the very beginning, when adjusting to a new place without a support network, speaking to a coach helped me to set the right focus and priorities, in terms of investing my time wisely,” says Friederike. “I feel well-settled in, with a solid network now, and I am thrilled to pursue these professional plans in such a wonderful city. And of course, I’m curious to see what else this exciting journey holds.”
Photo: Friederike and her family in Sydney
