When an expat partner uses a coach, they will find that it’s easier to ‘enter the ring’ with a clear (but adaptable) strategy to find paid employment or another fulfilling occupation in a foreign land.
Far from home
When speaking to expat partners, who have enlisted the services of a coach, to my mind, the professional relationship they form often sounds analogous to that of a boxer and their own coach. Maybe it’s been years since the expat partner has had to search for a job. Maybe they have never had to adjust to a different culture, let alone decide on what path they will follow to find a fulfilling occupation far from home. More than anything, having a coach gives them confidence.
At any stage
Preferably, the expat partner will ‘enter the ring’ having received strategic advice. To be forewarned, as they say, is to be forearmed. But should you have tried to go it alone without success, the good news is that it’s never too late to get a coach in your corner. Having a dialogue with a coach can help you reset and identify clear and achievable goals, making it much easier to get back into the ring and go again.
Cultural insights
Relocating to another country always means navigating a new culture. That can make it extra challenging to find a fulfilling occupation, such as attempting a job search. When it comes to doing job interviews, it can be especially beneficial to have an expert job search coach in your corner supplying you with invaluable cultural insights or, if you wish, help you prepare with a mock interview.
Adjustable strategies
Not only can a coach prepare an expat partner for what is to come, but they can also motivate you, encourage you to keep going, and revise strategies as you go. Should you experience feelings of frustration or setbacks, the coach can be an invaluable presence, reminding you that this is 100% normal. In the parlance of boxers, sometimes you just have to take it on the chin!
Going the distance
In interviews for Global Connection media, a number of expat partners have admitted that they were initially reluctant to use a coach. For those who have had a successful career at home, they felt it just wasn’t necessary. Others felt uncomfortable about opening up and talking about themselves. But they would all go on to discover that coaching is simply about helping you get to the heart of passions and strategically achieving your goals.
This article was originally published for the thousands of expat partners that Global Connection supports around the globe. It is reproduced here in its original form.
