However, many accompanying partners come crashing down to earth when they learn they cannot get a work permit and they must effectively give up their thriving career for the overseas opportunity of their spouse. With effective planning, goal setting and creativity, all is not lost for those who find they cannot continue their career abroad.

Work Permits & Visas

The biggest barrier to an expat spouse working overseas is getting a work permit. Many countries have restrictions in place to protect their local population and prevent a flood of foreign workers. This means many expat partners find themselves unable to work at the same professional level as they did back in their home country, which can be disconcerting and for some a loss that is hard to get over. A loss of self-confidence, identity and a search for something meaningful in life are common amongst expat partners who find themselves unable to continue on their existing career path.

However, for career minded partners, there are still options available to develop yourself on both a personal and professional level, given some imagination and creative thinking.

A Career Path Change

In many countries, without a work permit, you may work as a freelancer or an independent worker. Essentially, you set up your own business and work self-employed, though you must follow the correct process in your host country.

Think about your skills, qualifications and existing work experience and decide whether you can operate as a freelancer in your chosen profession. You could also turn a hobby into a profitable enterprise.

Use your time overseas to build a platform and a global network for yourself – a foundation that you can build on whatever your next move may be.

(Re-)Training

Obtaining a student visa may be an option within your host country so you can undertake training. Consider long distance or online programs too.

Think about an area of your CV which could benefit from a course or study. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to improve your language skills, get a coaching certificate or enhance your public speaking skills. Maybe this is the time to work for the Master’s degree you have always dreamed about.

Check whether your partner’s employer will provide you with financial assistance to undertake training. Some companies offer spousal programs for this purpose.

It is also possible that retraining could provide you with a unique skill that is unavailable locally. It may enable you to finally gain company sponsorship and secure employment in a designated expat position - allowing you to get a foothold back in the workplace.

Volunteer Work

Undertaking volunteer work in your host country could also fill gaps in your professional or personal skill base. Many people living overseas have found it not only rewarding, but also valuable experience, to get involved in local volunteer projects, feeling that they are giving back to the community.

Help Other Expat Partners

Using your own experiences of life overseas, and the challenges it can bring for a career, can help other partners moving to your host country.

Share your knowledge with others to support them; this could be in the form of a support group, a website, a magazine, an online forum or a book you have penned.

You can also tap in to the local expat community and bring others in the same situation together to talk to each other, provide support and brainstorm. Being in the company of others in the same set of circumstances can be enormously comforting.

Take Time Out

Depending on the time of your assignment overseas, this could be the perfect opportunity to take a well-earned career break to pursue a passion or dream, an interest or hobby, or just immerse yourself in a new culture.

You could use the time to see a life or career coach and use the experience abroad as a means of reinventing yourself. It is a chance to set your own goals and make the most of your time overseas.