21/03/2024, by Ines Ahrens
It’s not uncommon for expat partners to have emotional struggles. So how can we encourage them to reach out and ask for a helping hand, when support that can make a real difference, is there to be used?
View from the frontline
Through my work with Global Connection, I am continually reminded that expat life can sometimes be tough, at least initially. And sometimes it even sucks. As a consultant, I get to speak to partners who are going through a challenging phase of their adjustment. Perhaps they feel directionless, lonely and/or homesick. They may even feel angry and resentful, perhaps at their spouse, the assigning company, or just the world at large, and wish they’d never left their home country.
Turning it around
While partners usually have no problem requesting job search assistance or business setup support, I am struck that, generally speaking, they tend to be reluctant to request support for ‘soft topics’ (e.g. social integration, life coaching, cultural coaching, support with building a new network). Yet time and time again, I have seen how all of the aforementioned topics benefit an expat partner’s adjustment. Just a couple of hours coaching can make a huge difference to an expat partner’s well-being, when they are in a rut, helping them to view expatriation more positively.
Adjustment takes time
Even if they have a very clear plan to find paid employment in their host country, expat partners will benefit by being forewarned that their general adjustment (as well as the job search) might take months, not weeks. Managing expectations in this way helps to avoid disappointment (and possibly resentment) down the line. In the interim, they can focus on finding their feet and making sure the family is settling in okay, all of which takes time. During this adjustment period, they may still face uncertainty and/or feel down but from my first-hand experiences, I strongly believe if we can get more expat partners to use this kind of ‘soft’ support, we will be able to help many of them steer clear of the doldrums. It would be ideal if, in advance of relocating, expat partners were encouraged to take note of the full scope of the program (so they’re aware of what support is available) while being reminded, when they do feel down, that it’s okay to not be okay. Reach out. We’re here to connect you with the right helping hand.
Ines Ahrens is a senior consultant at Global Connection
Stock image: Pexels
