7 tips for trailing spouses

Tandem career couples know they’re both marketable in a developing country context. But what if you’re in a field that isn’t development related at all — or need to leave your current position to relocate with your partner? This requires clear discussion prior to departure of how you can be constructive, happy and engaged overseas. Start with these 7 tips.

1. Make yourself invaluable to your current employer

While it can be hard to find telecommuting arrangements as a job seeker, employers are typically more open to flexible arrangements to keep highly valued employees. If your spouse’s career is taking you overseas, talk with your current employer to see if there is a way for you to continue your work remotely.

2. Build skills and functional expertise that can be done from anywhere

Thanks to the rapid advancement of communications and technology, many functions these days do not require you to be in the office to get the job done. Writing is one of those skills. Development organizations are always in the need for strong writers to draft technical papers, write a grant proposal or pull together an annual report.

3. Become a short-term technical expert

There is often still the need to bring in international experts to provide short-term technical assistance. Professionals who build a career doing this type of consultancy work have the flexibility to be based anywhere as long as they are willing to travel at a moment’s notice.

4. Maintain your network

You will need to not only work extra hard at maintaining your network from afar, but also be comfortable building up new networks from scratch when you arrive in a new country. Attend your spouse’s after office happy hours, make friends with their spouses and make sure your significant other is keeping an eye out for opportunities.

5. Take advantage of spouse support services

If your spouse works for a large NGO, company or donor organization, check to see if they provide any spouse support services. For example, the World Bank provides career guidance, workshops and CV support to spouses through their Global Mobility program.

6. Take turns

Many dual-career couples in international development have managed their careers by taking turns. One spouse will choose an opportunity and location while the other takes a back seat and then in a couple of years they switch.

7. Stay busy

Volunteer, work toward a new degree or certification, take training classes, brush up on a new language or write a blog. You will have things to say on your CV, cover letter and in interviews when people ask what you have been doing.

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