Do You Need Me?

What can you expect from expat support?

Let’s look at a few examples:

- You’ve had enough of little jobs. You want to go back to your real career, and find a position that corresponds to your skills and experience. The thing is, it’s hard to stay motivated when you see so many other expats around you who are struggling professionally.

Together, we’ll create a solid, realistic job search strategy. I’ll check in on you to make sure that you’re making the calls and sending the letters. If you get discouraged or scared, I’ll help you work through it.

- You’ve always wanted to start your own business. Now that you’ve left your career to follow your partner overseas, the time seems right to take the leap. But you don’t really know where to begin, and you’re wondering if you have it in you to build a successful business.

The first thing you need as a new business owner is structure. Whether you’re struggling with time management, procrastinating on your business plan, or too tentative in approaching clients, I’ll help you do what you set out to do, as efficiently as possible. And because starting a business can be a real emotional roller coaster, I’ll be there to support you when you get stressed out, scared or overwhelmed.

- You were sure you were going to love living here. It was great at first, but you still haven’t made any real friends, and you’re not so sure you like the local culture after all. You’ve sacrificed a lot to come here, and you’re beginning to wonder if you haven’t made a big mistake.

In your situation, what you need most is clarity. So we’ll clarify what you want out of your life abroad. We’ll set priorities, and I’ll share tips and techniques to overcome your specific challenges.

How do you know if you need expat support?

The signs vary from person to person, but my rule of thumb is that if you catch yourself thinking “things would be so much easier if only I was back home” more than once or twice a month – OR if you’re making negative comparisons with your home country several times a week – then, yes, expat support is for you.

The other litmus test: the moment you start resenting your expat life, you need to do something about it – be it because you gave up your career to follow your partner, because you can’t seem to find a job, or because the locals don’t understand you. Life is way too short to spend it being angry at your husband, the local employers or even worse, yourself.

Do you really need me?

This is where I actively try to discourage you to hire me. No, seriously. This process is not for everyone.

If you’re dealing with culture shock, but your life is otherwise OK (stable job, supportive friends and family back home, partner and children who are adjusting well to living abroad), chances are you don’t need me. Read through the blog archives, apply the tips and techniques you find there and you’ll probably be fine.

However, if you have other things going on in your life – like starting your own business, needing a career change, or having family issues – then you’re up against a double challenge: adjusting to life abroad as best you can, and taking care of whatever other problems need solving. That’s a lot for one person.

Expat support isn’t for you if…

- You are looking for counselling or therapy. I am a seasoned expat, a formally trained coach, and an experienced marketing and management professional. In other words, I can tackle pretty much any issue that life abroad might send your way.

I am not, however, a mental health professional.

- You’re looking for a quick fix or a magic pill. This isn’t a “rah-rah, you can do it” motivational speech kind of thing where you feel pumped up for a week, then fall back into your old patterns. We’re aiming for lasting results, and that takes time.

- You expect me to do all the work for you. I will share my resources, my ideas and my feedback. I will show you new directions and possibilities. I’ll help you plan the next steps and stay organised. I’ll keep you accountable. But I can’t force you to do the necessary work, or do the work for you. You have to take responsibility for your own goals and the success of your projects.

- You’re always looking for the problem rather than the solution. I’m not saying that you have to be ridiculously positive 24/7. We all experience fear, resistance and self-doubt at times, and I have lots of techniques to deal with those.

However, if your favourite words are “That won’t work because…” or “Yes, but I can’t do that.”, we’re not going to be a good fit. I’d rather spend my time actively solving problems than overcoming one objection after the other. Besides, I’m an optimist and a pragmatist, so I’d probably get on your nerves really fast.

Makes sense?

So, you’ve read this far, and it looks like expat support is right for you.

Excellent – let’s get you started!