Escape
From America Magazine
International
Relocation And Dual-Career Issues
By Beverly D. Roman
| Nearly 74 percent of employees
moving to a foreign country have a partner with a separate career. If your
husband/wife is evaluating an overseas job transfer, you have a major decision
to make regarding your own career.
When faced with a career disruption, you
may consider whether you want to stay in your same field, redirect your
career or pursue a personal interest. Here are four options to consider. |
| Having relocated 18 times,
domestically and internationally, Beverly D. Roman has a thorough
understanding of what is productive and what is counter-productive to achieving
relocation success. Author of 14 relocation titles and publisher of BR
Anchor Publishing, Beverly has been featured on CNN's "Parenting Today,"
ABC's "Home Show" and Discovery Channel's "Home Matters." For more relocation
advice, visit her website: http://www.branchor.com |
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REMAIN AT HOME
This option will mean maintaining a commuter
marriage or partnership. Therefore, you have to evaluate your family situation
and how a foreign relocation could potentially impact everyone. Consider
your family's needs, children's ages and everyone's activities and priorities
at the point in time of the proposed assignment. Plan frequent reunions
and communication methods.
WORK ABROAD FOR YOUR CORPORATION
With imaginative thinking, and help from
telecommunication devices (i.e. fax machines, E-mail and computers), you
may be able to maintain your current position from abroad.
Investigate the resources available in
the country to which you are moving and then present your ideas to your
employer. Be open to your employer's suggestions as well.
SEEK A NEW JOB
In order to work in another country, you
will need to thoroughly understand the country's work requirements and
environment. These include Visas and work permits; immigration
questions, offices and procedures; everyday
living/working conditions; the language of the country and the customs
and manners. Be sure to update your portfolio before you move.
REDEFINE WORK
Depending on your career, you may choose
to take a sabbatical to study abroad and embellish your portfolio, or perform
research that is pertinent to your position. Visit local
universities before you move; there you
will find various resources for people who wish to study abroad.
Another way to redefine your work is to
volunteer your time and talent. Volunteer work will add quality non-salaried
experience to current professional accomplishments.
SUMMING IT ALL UP
If you select one of the last three options,
keep a detailed record of your activities, experiences, contacts and accomplishments
while living overseas. If you will be job-hunting upon your return, compose
an eye-catching résumé embellished with any degrees, experience
and achievements you acquired.
For more about this topic, read our international
book, Home Away From Home, available at http://www.branchor.com
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