Being the Expat Wife
If you are an expat wife here are some issues that you will have to deal with together with some tips to deal with them
If you are an expat wife here are some issues that you will have to deal with together with some tips to deal with them…
· Visa Issues: This is an important factor. Some countries permit the spouse of the expatriate who is going on an assignment or for long term employment purposes to go along on a dependent visa which may or may not permit you to work abroad. Look in to this aspect and be prepared on this front. If the country that you are moving to does not impose any such restrictions then you could consider an online job search even before you go there.
· Domestic Help: You will need to consider this aspect if you have kids, particularly young ones like toddlers. Hiring local domestic help is one option. Alternatively you could take domestic help along with you in which case you will need to take care of visa issues on that front.
· Career Alternatives: If your visa does not permit you to take up a job then you could consider volunteering and community service during the interim period. If you are permitted to work then you could always begin your search online before relocation. Technology today has created numerous employment opportunities where geographical location is not really a big deal. You can work from home by submitting your work online and even operate an online business if you are game!
· Personal Growth: Don’t let your move abroad prevent your personal growth, instead use it as an opportunity to network and grow as an individual. Learn the language, pursue a short course in your area of interest, spend time with other expats and volunteer…your options are numerous.
· Be a Good Partner: Any relocation is bound to generate its share of pressure on any marriage. Invest time in your relationship, follow an open door policy and always keep the lines of communication open. Be there for your partner and don’t forget to spare some time for each other every day...simply talk or sip some coffee together.
· Dealing with Kids: Your kids (especially teenagers) will bear the brunt of the relocation if you are moving to a country which is radically different from the set up that they are used to. Talking to them, addressing their concerns and putting them at ease are bound to prove tiring at times. This is where connecting with other expatriates in your new country will prove to be helpful. Sharing your experiences with other expat moms will give you an outlet for your problems and help you to find answers to questions that seemed impossible to answer.
· Networking: Joining an expatriate club is the best way of finding friends and meeting up with likeminded people abroad. Sharing pot luck, parties, picnics and outings with them will give you an opportunity to reconnect with your roots.
· Reach Out: If you feel lonely or depressed, reach out to family and friends back home, talk to your partner or indulge in a hobby…find your own stress buster.
· Visa Issues: This is an important factor. Some countries permit the spouse of the expatriate who is going on an assignment or for long term employment purposes to go along on a dependent visa which may or may not permit you to work abroad. Look in to this aspect and be prepared on this front. If the country that you are moving to does not impose any such restrictions then you could consider an online job search even before you go there.
· Domestic Help: You will need to consider this aspect if you have kids, particularly young ones like toddlers. Hiring local domestic help is one option. Alternatively you could take domestic help along with you in which case you will need to take care of visa issues on that front.
· Career Alternatives: If your visa does not permit you to take up a job then you could consider volunteering and community service during the interim period. If you are permitted to work then you could always begin your search online before relocation. Technology today has created numerous employment opportunities where geographical location is not really a big deal. You can work from home by submitting your work online and even operate an online business if you are game!
· Personal Growth: Don’t let your move abroad prevent your personal growth, instead use it as an opportunity to network and grow as an individual. Learn the language, pursue a short course in your area of interest, spend time with other expats and volunteer…your options are numerous.
· Be a Good Partner: Any relocation is bound to generate its share of pressure on any marriage. Invest time in your relationship, follow an open door policy and always keep the lines of communication open. Be there for your partner and don’t forget to spare some time for each other every day...simply talk or sip some coffee together.
· Dealing with Kids: Your kids (especially teenagers) will bear the brunt of the relocation if you are moving to a country which is radically different from the set up that they are used to. Talking to them, addressing their concerns and putting them at ease are bound to prove tiring at times. This is where connecting with other expatriates in your new country will prove to be helpful. Sharing your experiences with other expat moms will give you an outlet for your problems and help you to find answers to questions that seemed impossible to answer.
· Networking: Joining an expatriate club is the best way of finding friends and meeting up with likeminded people abroad. Sharing pot luck, parties, picnics and outings with them will give you an opportunity to reconnect with your roots.
· Reach Out: If you feel lonely or depressed, reach out to family and friends back home, talk to your partner or indulge in a hobby…find your own stress buster.
