The Foreign Service Journal, September 2015

50 SEPTEMBER 2015 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Foundation, only 35 percent of expat spouses across sectors (e.g., diplomatic service, private sector, nonprofit sector) are working, and three-quarters of those not working want to be working. Regardless of the reason you’ve been out of the workforce, you probably wonder, “What do I do when I want to go back?” Getting ready to go back to work can be tough on your self- confidence and overwhelming. But if you follow the steps out- lined here, you will be on your way to your next job in no time. Seven Steps to Your Next Job 1. Own it. You moved overseas. Maybe you wanted your children to learn a foreign language, were seeking adventure, decided to put your spouse’s career ahead of yours for a time or chose to spend time with your children. Figure out what your reason was. A lot of us feel swept up into this life, and that we have not necessarily been the one to make the decision. But you did do it, so define for yourself the reasons. It’s easy—really, really easy—to say that the reason you are overseas is because “someone made me do it” (like your spouse). But that is not a good reason to share with prospective employers. They will be offering the job to you, not your spouse or partner, so change your perspective and make a conscious decision to focus on why it has been good for you. If you are having trouble with this, write down the list of reasons you like living overseas. One of these may resonate with you as the reason you moved overseas in the first place or why you have stayed. After you have determined why you moved overseas, figure out how you are going to tell employers about it. Many employ- ers do not appreciate, “I took time off to raise my kids.” Instead, focus on the activities that you were engaged in that may be beneficial or interesting to your future employer. For example, “My husband’s job led us overseas. During this time, I have learned a foreign language and sought to give back to the com- munity through fundraising for a local orphanage.” 2. Take an inventory of your experience. What have you accomplished while you’ve been out of the workforce? Reflecting on this question is important for two reasons. First, you want to know what you have to offer potential employ- ers. Second, realizing where you have invested your time and understanding what you have enjoyed could help you broaden your scope. Many spouses who work or volunteer in a new field overseas because they cannot work in their field end up finding something they like better. A big move is often a great opportu- nity to make a career change. 3. Explore. What jobs are available? How well do these jobs pay? What skills and experience are the employers seeking? If you are not satisfied with the employment options you are finding, consider expanding your search by looking for overlap between your chosen field and the unique experiences you have had while overseas. For example, if you worked in corpo- rate accounting prior to living overseas, you could transition to accounting work for a nonprofit that provides grants to the country in which you have experience. Jobs can also be step- ping stones; don’t think of your first job back in the workforce as the last job you’ll ever have, but rather as a step in the direc- tion you’d like to go. 4. Beef up your skills. Based on your explorations (Step 3), it may be appropriate now to invest your time and money in improving skills that you already have or in learning something new. This is especially important for people who have been far removed from their field for an extended period of time. Try not to disconnect completely from your field or your network while overseas. Depending on your field and how long you’ve been out of it, you may need to learn new software programs, brush up your tech skills (social media or otherwise) or take an online class to get up-to-date on the latest methods and theories. The State Department’s Family Liaison Office offers Professional Development Fellowships that provide financial assistance t o spouses and partners to maintain, enhance or develop their professional skills. After being out of work for a time, it’s completely normal for your confidence in your abilities to wane. Try volunteering to remind yourself what you are really good at. For example, if you had worked in finance, you may consider donating time weekly to a nonprofit to reintegrate into the workforce and practice your skills before it’s time to use them in a paid posi- tion. Another option is to try to take an eligible family member position at your post, if available, even if it is not in your field. After you have determined why you moved overseas, figure out how you are going to tell employers about it.