Families of international lawyers stationed abroad often struggle with expat life. Thanks to the internet, there are hundreds of expat blogs and websites providing easily accessible information, empathy, advice etc…
Whether you want to peruse a directory of expat blogs, look for resources specifically designed for expat women, or find expat transition help for your entire family, the information is out there on the web.
In Global Experience Isn’t Always Overseas, the Wall Street Journal’s CareerJournal.com explores how US-based executives can enhance their international credentials even though they live and work from a US base. The article profiles two US-based execs who, through frequent trips abroad and global savvy, have enhanced their reputations as international businessmen.
As the article correctly notes, it’s important to communicate this expertise to the rest of the world: “Outside the workplace, you can showcase your U.S. oversight of international operations by spelling out the frequency of your foreign trips in your resume, giving speeches and promoting your acumen in the press.”
Lawyers wanting to emphasize their international expertise–take heed. Comb your background for every bit of your international experience, even if you handled an international law question tangentially when working on another matter. Keep a list of this experience so that you have concrete examples to cite when speaking to prospective clients. And, as the WSJ article notes, be mindful in your marketing; write articles, give speeches and the like about international matters to establish yourself as an expert.
As the British Telegraph discusses, breaking the glass ceiling is harder abroad. Professional women still face particular challenges when sent as expats to the Middle East and Africa, according to this article.
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.
Some spouses of international lawyers feel frustrated when they become expats. Maybe they have left a blossoming career behind in their home country, or maybe they can’t find work in their host country.
Now there’s a book that addresses this dilemma by encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit in every expat: Expat Entrepreneur: How to Create and Maintain Your Own Portable Career Anywhere in the World by Joyce Parfitt ($22.50, Lean Marketing Press 2006). The book shares real life success stories of expat entrepreneurs, and give tips for creating one’s own portable, expat-friendly career. Before your next move abroad, buy it for your family members.
