Re-entering the workforce: Expat wives working again
Expatriate wives who are stay-at-home mothers might find that re-entering the workforce after a prolonged absence is filled with issues that go far beyond cover letters and interviews. Many moms at the crossroads find themselves battling a paralysing lack of confidence, the degeneration of their skills, and the loss of their professional network of contacts. Even something as simple as sorting out a professional wardrobe or outfit can seem daunting when starting from the beginning.
Low confidence has a way of sabotaging even the most determined efforts to restart a stalled career. That’s not surprising, considering stay-at-home mothers spend several years focusing on developing softer, more nurturing skills that aren’t always valued in the workplace. During that time away, the state of the workforce changes: technology, corporate attitudes, and client expectations. Many expat wives start to question whether they’ve still got what it takes to be competitive in an increasingly harsh business environment.
Finding work abroad is possible, but grabbing the first job that comes up can be self-defeating. A better approach, according to Dubai-based career coach (and expat mom) Nicola Supka, is for the expatriate to design a strategy to reestablish her career overseas. In an interview with Suite 101, Supka outlined a few steps every expat mom should follow on her journey back to employment:
Check Spousal Employment Restrictions
Policies regarding accompanying spouses vary from country to country. Contacting the home embassy should clear up any questions about spousal employment restrictions. Keep in mind that an expat wife who is unable to work should not panic – she can use the time before the next international assignment to lay the groundwork for the job of her dreams. Considering her long-term plans before embarking on a journey to stay in a country with such restrictions is paramount.
Be Clear About Career Goals
The jobseeker who takes the time to review her passions and values will be better able to find a job that reflects her needs. As mentioned above, a clear set of goals is backed up by a plan with a vision that is just as clear. Journals, book and mobile app planners help tremendously in organising each step.
Upgrade Skills to Re-Enter the Workforce
Technology is constantly upgrading, and industry-specific practices can change over time. Fortunately, the internet has made skills development a walk in the park for everyone. A motivated expat mum might even decide to take the plunge and retrain completely, or upgrade her current qualifications by enrolling in graduate school – either locally or through an online program. That kind of effort does not go unnoticed by potential employers. “Enthusiasm definitely counts,” Supka says. “Employers like to see that level of determination.”
Take Advantage of Volunteer Opportunities Abroad
Volunteering is an easy way to explore options; a dry run for the real thing. However, it’s important to approach overseas volunteer work with professionalism. The best unpaid work affords the stay-at-home mom the opportunity to refine transferable skills, learn new proficiencies, develop contacts, and establish some credentials. (The fulfilment that comes from working for an important cause is an added bonus.)
Create a Winning Resume
Many moms who have been on a lengthy absence are concerned about that gaping hole in their CV. Nicola Supka doesn’t see it as a problem. “A résumé is a sales document,” she says. “You shouldn’t lie, of course, but you can – and should – highlight what’s relevant, and downplay the rest.” Volunteer work has its place on a résumé as well. “Employers don’t care if you got paid,” Supka says. “The important thing is that you did the work.”
Make Use of Networking Opportunities When Seeking Jobs
Supka advises expat jobseekers to inform everyone they meet what their career goals are. “You’d be surprised what other moms do for a living. Some of them are hiring people just like you,” she says. “Taking that risk definitely pays off.” Professional women’s associations are a rich source of networking opportunities, where expatriate women can gain the support of like-minded people, access industry news easily acquire professional training, and possibly find a mentor to help guide them along their path.
Understand the Host Culture When Working Overseas
Most likely, the business environment in the host country won’t be identical to the one back home. Meeting etiquette, preferred negotiation styles, gift giving, and the cultural view of time – these are just a few aspects of intercultural business communication that can stress out the unsuspecting expat working overseas. Another potential set back is the role of women in the workplace.
In some countries, it may be unrealistic for expatriate women to expect to achieve the same level of success they did in their own country. This is due to customs that remain a strong part of the culture today. Women are also advised to pay special attention to dress codes, especially in more conservative regions.
Once an expat mom has determined her eligibility to work abroad, she can make the transition to full-time employment easier with proper planning. By setting clear career goals, upgrading her skills, volunteering overseas, creating an impressive résumé, networking, and taking the time and patience to understand the international business culture, she’ll increase her confidence – and the odds of finding the right job for her.
“Most people spend more time planning their holidays than developing a career plan,” says Supka. “But if you’re lucky, and if you put some effort into preparing for your job search, you can have something special – something that’s more than ‘just a job.’”