The Foreign Service Journal, June 2004

search assistance at post. Spousal employment is a major factor in my family’s happiness and well-being, and is therefore key in determining my length of service,” says Deidra Avendasora. “My wife has a Ph.D. and is overqualified for the types of jobs that the embassy sets aside for eligi- ble family members,” explains a USAID officer serving in Egypt. “It often feels like we’ve walked onto a military base from the 1950s, where the wives are all expected to host tea parties or go shopping for curtains, and where spouse employment means working as social planner for the community liaison office. Sorry, but we are well-educated, modern, smart people and don’t fit into that lifestyle very well. Instead, many other junior officers and I talk on a weekly basis about whether the FS is right for us, simply because our spouses cannot find meaningful jobs. If our spouses are not happy with the Foreign Service or satisfied with their lives having no career path, then we will probably have to quit and move back to the States.” The government does not specifically provide for maternity or paternity leave. Do you think the alternative types of leave available are sufficient? More women than men expressed concern about this issue. A few men said that paternity leave should be made more available to them. Many women employees complained that the requirement to use sick leave and/or annual leave to cover time off related to pregnancy and caring for a newborn creates a hardship, especial- ly because of a requirement to leave post six weeks before the birth. New hires who get pregnant face a need for leave that may not be met by the amount they have accumulated. “If the FS is serious about hiring and retaining a diverse work force, maternity and paternity leave (with- out having to draw down sick leave) are crucial,” says USAID education officer Grace Lang. “USAID pro- gramming policy endorses exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. To make this possible for our employees, women must often take leave without pay. This substitute for paid maternity leave is discriminato- ry, especially in households where the female employee is the bread- winner.” What does “worldwide avail- ability” mean to you? Do you think all incoming FS employees should be worldwide available? Do you think most FS employees are worldwide available? How willing are you to accept an unac- companied assignment? New hires sign a number of forms J U N E 2 0 0 4 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 39 We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. There’s more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: • 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant • Continental breakfast • Weekly buffet dinner • Daily maid service • Free local calls • Health club • Internet access in lobby • Weekend transport to local hot spots For example: Potomac Mills Mall or Mt. Vernon! Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 arlington@dcexeclub.com alexandria@dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington or Alexandria locations.... Executive Club Suites still offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests! In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . • Electronic locks on guest rooms • 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle • RT Grocery pickup weekly • Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting • Grilling area We accept the first sliding per diem (your 100% for 60 days, then the 50% reduction w/weekly maid & w/o meal coupons.) Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com or reservations@dcexeclub.com