Expat partner Fleur Cals hadn’t planned on relocating twice in two years but luckily she’s been able to continue working for the same company, maintaining a connection to a country that she loves dearly.
A dream relocation
“Our expat journey began in Democratic Republic of Congo, where I eventually managed to find a role on a private sector development project. In 2020, we relocated to Myanmar, a country that my husband and I had dreamed about living in. We were thrilled to move there but sadly our time was cut short in Myanmar and in February 2021 we had to relocate to Bangkok, where we lived for just over a year,” says Fleur, a mother of three who now lives in Singapore.
Exciting opportunity
“But while I was in Myanmar I managed to find an exciting role related to the development sector with Bridge, a creative agency that crafts meaningful social impact for organisations through innovative communications. In terms of relocating, the pandemic actually made my professional life easier. My employers, colleagues and clients – everyone quickly saw how much could be done remotely. So when I relocated to Thailand, my work continued…”
Employment pass
“As it happens, the company is registered in Singapore, so, after we moved here, I was also able to get an employment pass, which has become increasingly hard to get due to Singaporean labour laws,” says Fleur, who is now managing director of Bridge. “It was only after I moved to Singapore that I heard many expat partners couldn’t continue their traditional careers in Singapore so I realised that I have been lucky to be able to develop a mobile career and continue my work remotely.”
Juggling responsibilities
“I would add that there are pros and cons to relocating with a portable career. For example, you don’t get to take time off when you arrive! After landing in Singapore, I had to juggle responsibilities with three kids under the age 10. But I feel very fortunate with how things have worked out. My time was cut short in Myanmar so it’s wonderful that I can continue working with Burmese people on meaningful projects for their country and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Bonus extra: I get to travel back to Yangon – it’s such a special place.”
Photo: Fleur and the Bridge team
All Global Connection’s corporate clients are leading multinationals. Due to some of their policies, we no longer use their name in public articles. However, expat partners signed in to our private Media & Network can see the multinational’s name.
