Global Connection’s survey on Paid Employment helps our consultants underscore the importance for expat partners to have back-up plans.
Many expat partners change course
The Paid Employment Survey (2019) revealed almost two-thirds of all respondents (65%) intended to find paid employment abroad but ultimately, out of all participating partners, only 30% find their fulfilling occupation in paid employment.
Why the change in plans?
There are myriad reasons stated. Due to regulations, some partners were not eligible for a work permit. And even if they were allowed to work, some couldn’t find a suitable job. Others realised that conditions were not to their liking. Some also discovered that juggling family responsibilities with a full-time career just wasn’t feasible. In some cases, expat partners realised the assignment was an opportunity to do something completely different.
Let’s discuss other options!
“It’s extremely helpful for expat partners with aspirations to find paid employment to see the results of the survey,” says Global Connection consultant Sybille Kenny. “It’s partly about managing expectations. The survey underlines that they might not be able to transplant their career or that transplanting their career might not be the best option. Either way, it’s always important to discuss alternative plans!”
Looking at the big picture
Besides the ‘cold hard data’, testimonials in the survey also reveal why expat partners, who were initially planning to find paid employment, changed paths and found other ways to thrive in their host country (again, for myriad reasons). This in turn helps our consultants to prevent a situation where the expat partner pursues a goal that is either not achievable, or would not provide the fulfilment they initially anticipated. In the end, it’s about helping the expat partner to look at the ‘big picture’.
To be forewarned…
“It’s something of a tightrope walk as we do not want to demotivate anybody. Some expat partners might want to give it everything. But if they also acknowledge the importance of having alternative plans from the beginning, it can make a huge difference if they do come to the conclusion that they need to, or would prefer to, change course. It’s great to be able to share the survey report so the expat partners can review the data, read the testimonials, and consider the results for themselves,” adds Sybille.
‘Where can I see the survey?’
If you would like to read our Paid Employment Survey report, please fill in this form.
