With partner support, expat partners can thrive in places where they are unable to pursue their old career. How do we know? Because they continually tell us!
The burning question
I remember the feeling of uncertainty when I first became an expat partner. Even though I was moving to a large European capital, due to the language barrier and job market, I wasn’t able to pursue my career. For a period I even regretted taking this ‘step into the unknown’. Through my work as a consultant for Global Connection, I regularly speak with expat partners who are in the same boat today. Some are now in remote places, asking themselves: “But what will I even do here?” I know how tough that can be. But we’re here to help!
Where to start?
The support we provide and facilitate continually highlights that no matter where an expat partner goes in the world, they can learn and grow. As Anthony Arnold, who has lived in two relatively remote destinations, recently told me: “Supporting my partner in her international career is something that fills me with pride and a sense of purpose. However, expat life can also present challenges, particularly when it comes to pursuing my own career ambitions. While these trade-offs were carefully considered, it’s still difficult to pause my personal goals for this chapter of life…”
An invaluable resource
“But I have found that living and working abroad offers many incredible opportunities and experiences, both personally and professionally. In this regard, the partner support program has been an invaluable resource for me. It has helped me pursue professional as well as personal aspirations. It has even introduced me to growth opportunities that I might not have found or felt motivated to explore on my own. Overall, the program’s flexibility has been immensely beneficial, inspiring me to overcome barriers and achieve goals I once thought were out of reach.”
A springboard
Need I say more? This heartfelt feedback underscores everything that partner support can deliver to partners. It is not just a safety net but a springboard, one that can help expat partners – wherever they are in the world – overcome uncertainty and find a way to thrive after starting a new chapter in life far from home.
Josien Berkenvelder is a senior consultant at Global Connection
