After multiple international moves, expat partner Valérie Emma was well used to relocation. But in Abidjan, she still found juggling work, family responsibilities and daily life taking its toll.
A life abroad
Before relocating to Côte d’Ivoire, Valérie lived in Mozambique. “As a family, we’ve also lived in the Republic of the Congo, Egypt and Algeria – and repatriated to France twice. So over the last 16 years we have certainly moved around!” she says. Each relocation required adjustment, and she has restarted her career several times, although that has not always been possible. “As an expat partner, I’ve learned that you have to be flexible. More recently, I’ve also discovered that no matter how many times you relocate, tailored support can make a huge difference.”
Balancing everything
Today, Valérie continues to work part time for a tourism company in Mozambique, a role she began while living in Maputo. When the family relocated to Abidjan, her director asked her to continue remotely. “I was delighted to accept,” says Valérie. However, once settled in Côte d’Ivoire, the pace of daily life quickly caught up with her. “Between my job, family duties, helping my six-year-old with homework and managing the household, I felt like I was constantly running and never had enough time.” When her Global Connection consultant checked in and asked how she was coping, Valérie admitted she felt stressed and, at times, overwhelmed.
A practical solution
“My consultant suggested that I speak with a coach and I’ve only had two sessions so far, but it’s already been a revelation,” she explains. The fact that the coach speaks French has made it easier for her to articulate her thoughts and clarify her objectives. “I already feel more on top of the situation. It’s given me a real sense of agency.” Instead of reacting to daily pressures, she is beginning to prioritise, set boundaries and take concrete action.
Support that fits
Without the support she received from her consultant and coach, Valérie believes she’d still be struggling. “That’s the beauty of personalised support,” she says. “I’m here in Abidjan, raising three children and working for a company in Mozambique, but the support can still be tailored exactly to my needs.” Over the years, she has adapted to very different cultural and professional realities. “You have to make the best of each situation,” she reflects. “But knowing I’m not alone – knowing I can reach out and someone will ask, ‘What can I do for you?’ – makes all the difference.”
Photo: Valérie with her family
All Global Connection’s corporate clients are leading multinationals. Due to some of their policies, we do not use their name in public articles. However, expat partners signed in to our private Media & Network can see the multinational’s name.
