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How to strike a balance between one's private life, work life and expatriation?
Insights - Published on January 2, 2021
Leaving on an expatriation assignment for work reasons is measured not only in terms of work. This is particularly the case if the person’s family moves too. We are not simply talking about an employee or entrepreneur starting a professional experience abroad.
Expatriation, an interlinking of private and work life
Leaving on an expatriation assignment for work reasons is measured not only in terms of work. This is particularly the case if the person’s family moves too. We are not simply talking about an employee or entrepreneur starting a professional experience abroad, the move becomes a synergy between personal, family and work life.
The upheavals and changes experienced by each member of the group have an impact on the entire family. Each person has to accept separations and has to learn to adjust.
A good start involves a strong investment in the family
Faced with this new situation, the ties between family members on a good footing will grow closer, while those of an already vulnerable family may break. The initial time of settling in and starting work puts a strain on the family: the employee(s) or entrepreneur(s) – if both spouses work – are very busy with launching their new work life.
The accompanying spouse must settle the family and find their place. Children adjust to their new life to varying degrees of ease according to their personality. Each person finds new markers and changes identity. New relationship dynamics occur within the nuclear family, which may result in a period of isolation before the family feels ready to create new relationships. The situation requires parents to be available and to pay particular attention.
The couple must work on this personal space upon arrival in order to create a reassuring environment. This encourages their children’s curiosity and openness in facing a new situation, which is essential in order to make this new life abroad a success.
A strong family identity
During the stay abroad, family life remains intense because the expatriated family is geographically far from extended family and friends. Friendships are often forged in the new country, built on solidarity and a support network.
By coming into contact with the culture of the host country, the expatriated family creates its own internal culture. The result is often a strong family identity, closer ties between siblings, fostered by the new experiences enjoyed together. This is all the more striking in the case of multiple expatriations for nomadic families who regularly change country.
Attention should be paid, however, to remain in contact with the network of family and friends at home so that the divide is not overly deepened. Families must be able to continue to enjoy affectionate relationships with close friends and family and be mindful not to step too far away from these relationships to mitigate the inevitable feeling of estrangement upon their return.
Clearly identified motivations
In addition to career opportunities and financial benefits, the desire to enrich family life is one of the reasons behind accepting an expatriation assignment. People tend to highlight a greater openness to the world and the learning of other languages. Yet the emotional aspect of family life can also benefit greatly from expatriation.
Expatriation urges families to find their own resources, to ride the waves that are part and parcel of the expatriate life. The family will come back stronger if its members were able to seize this opportunity and move forward together in everyone’s best interest!
Leaving on an expatriation assignment for work reasons is measured not only in terms of work. This is particularly the case if the person’s family moves too. We are not simply talking about an employee or entrepreneur starting a professional experience abroad, the move becomes a synergy between personal, family and work life.
The upheavals and changes experienced by each member of the group have an impact on the entire family. Each person has to accept separations and has to learn to adjust.
A good start involves a strong investment in the family
Faced with this new situation, the ties between family members on a good footing will grow closer, while those of an already vulnerable family may break. The initial time of settling in and starting work puts a strain on the family: the employee(s) or entrepreneur(s) – if both spouses work – are very busy with launching their new work life.
The accompanying spouse must settle the family and find their place. Children adjust to their new life to varying degrees of ease according to their personality. Each person finds new markers and changes identity. New relationship dynamics occur within the nuclear family, which may result in a period of isolation before the family feels ready to create new relationships. The situation requires parents to be available and to pay particular attention.
The couple must work on this personal space upon arrival in order to create a reassuring environment. This encourages their children’s curiosity and openness in facing a new situation, which is essential in order to make this new life abroad a success.
A strong family identity
During the stay abroad, family life remains intense because the expatriated family is geographically far from extended family and friends. Friendships are often forged in the new country, built on solidarity and a support network.
By coming into contact with the culture of the host country, the expatriated family creates its own internal culture. The result is often a strong family identity, closer ties between siblings, fostered by the new experiences enjoyed together. This is all the more striking in the case of multiple expatriations for nomadic families who regularly change country.
Attention should be paid, however, to remain in contact with the network of family and friends at home so that the divide is not overly deepened. Families must be able to continue to enjoy affectionate relationships with close friends and family and be mindful not to step too far away from these relationships to mitigate the inevitable feeling of estrangement upon their return.
Clearly identified motivations
In addition to career opportunities and financial benefits, the desire to enrich family life is one of the reasons behind accepting an expatriation assignment. People tend to highlight a greater openness to the world and the learning of other languages. Yet the emotional aspect of family life can also benefit greatly from expatriation.
Expatriation urges families to find their own resources, to ride the waves that are part and parcel of the expatriate life. The family will come back stronger if its members were able to seize this opportunity and move forward together in everyone’s best interest!
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