When expat partners relocate to a new culture and don’t know how to start building a new life, speaking to a coach can give them a much needed sense of clarity as well as valuable cultural insights.
Quiet, too quiet!
“I once supported a South Asian partner who relocated from the UAE to a small city in Scandinavia. She swapped a vibrant city with a large job market to a place which is very small, very quiet and where there are limited opportunities,” says coach Julie Hao. “Initially she was very worried and wondered: ‘What can I even do here?’ I highlighted that Sweden provides excellent resources, which are free of charge, and designed to help newcomers. Tax advice, networking events, business registration, education. Once an expat partner becomes aware of the support that is on offer, the next step often feels easier. It only took a few hours of coaching to help this partner get on the right track.”
Who are you really?
“Interviews in Sweden will also be different in certain ways for expat partners coming from Asia and many other cultures. A prospective employer will want to know about your hobbies / passions and family life, too. That’s because in Sweden a job doesn’t define you, it is only part of your life, whereas in many other cultures, a prestigious job equals a privileged social status. An interview (in Sweden) is also a dialogue. The candidate would be expected to ask questions of the employer.”
Blow your own trumpet!
“But should someone from Scandinavia relocate to Shanghai (my hometown), they may also need to adjust their cultural behaviours when seeking work. For example, Swedes don’t like to brag. But when a very experienced and accomplished professional moved to Shanghai, I told him that his resume and cover letter were too modest. In China, you needn’t hesitate about talking about your accomplishments and achievements.”
Get out there!
“Similar to the South Asian partner in Sweden, I worked with a partner from Germany who didn’t know where to start in Shanghai, which can be a daunting place for newcomers. I advised her to volunteer with an organisation run by German expats. It was a way to make connections and build up a network as well as a way to get active in the community and feel fulfilled. The next step in her career duly materialised. Sometimes you have to just get out there and meet people and then the rest will follow.”
