Today I led a teleconference for executive coaches about issues faced by expatriate international lawyers and their families.  We discussed the challenges faced by  professional spouses who reluctantly leave their own careers to become expats with their spouse.

The consensus was that professional spouses are much more supportive about becoming expats if they can work–even in a different capacity–while abroad. Having some sort of professional outlet is a true key to satisfaction. Law firm and corporate employers should recognize this and help the professional spouses of their employees also find jobs in the foreign location.

One of the teleconference participants was Moty Koppes, a psychologist and coach, who has been an expat sixteen times with her international executive husband.  Together they have moved to a wide variety of countries including China, Japan and now the United States. She knew that she would be happier if she could continue working while abroad.  Equipped with masters degrees in experimental and clinical psychology, Moty ended up working as a school psychologist in many of the countries in which they were stationed.  

When an international move approaches, Moty also reduces her family’s stress by having her husband precede the rest of the family by at least three months.  Her husband uses that time to arrange housing and other family necessities.  

So, professional spouses, take note:  send your international lawyer/executive spouse ahead–not only  to scout out family housing, but also to find YOU a job, too.