After embarking on her first expat journey, expat partner Kerry Cox has learned that adjustment can’t be rushed: “I’m glad I didn’t arrive in Ireland, all guns blazing, thinking I could also find work straightaway.”
A full plate
“Back in South Africa, I was an analyst for Kellogg’s. I had always had a job, since leaving university, so taking a break was strange. But, as an expat partner with two kids moving to Dublin, I still had a full plate. My husband Jason has to travel frequently for work and there was so much to organise and figure out. Choosing a school for the kids, converting driver’s licences, getting PPS (Personal Public Service) numbers, trying to find a dry cleaner’s… or a chimney sweep!”
Under pressure
“Even without a full-time job, I put pressure on myself to get things done. I would make to-do lists and when I couldn’t tick things off, I would get stressed or frustrated. So I have definitely learned to go a little slower. My Global Connection consultant Ines Ahrens introduced me to a coach, and thanks to her I have got much better at structuring my week, managing my time, setting goals and just taking it one day at a time.”
Time for self-discovery
“My coach also helped me to explore what it is that I really want to do. It was a very interesting experience, talking about my passions and drivers. Through those conversations, I have identified a new path, design, which is radically different from what I did before but that’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes. If we hadn’t relocated to Dublin, I’d never have had the courage to change my career. To be honest, I was so busy in South Africa that I didn’t even consider it. Now I can see why people get a coach!”
Great support network
“Since arriving in Dublin, we have also received such great support from many of my husband’s colleagues and their partners, who are seasoned expats. They know what it’s like to relocate and start over in a new country, so they have given us great advice and reassuring words! With the company’s support, I have also been studying and taking art and cooking classes. Relocation isn’t easy for an expat partner but now I see that it’s also a chance to learn, grow and even reinvent yourself.”
Photo: Kerry Cox
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.
