🌎 How to rebuild your career abroad as the trailing partner

marineberthelet
5 days ago
3 min read

👉 In expat life, one partner often arrives with a job already secured, a purpose right from day one.

The other partner — the “trailing” partner, as the term is unfortunately called — lands in a new country with a suitcase, a list of hopes, and a sudden pause in their professional life.

👉 If that’s you, you’re not alone. And more importantly: you’re not stuck.

Rebuilding your career abroad is absolutely possible — it just looks different from what you might be used to.

1. Let yourself adjust first

A new country is a lot. Before you pressure yourself to jump back into work immediately, give yourself time to settle. Learn the basics. Get to know the environment. Understand the job market.You’re not losing time — you’re building context.

💡 And that context will make your next steps stronger.

2. Redefine what “career progression” means (for now)

Your career may not look linear for a while. Maybe you need a language course. Maybe you explore a different field. Maybe you freelance instead of working full-time.

👉 This isn’t failure — it’s adaptation.

Success abroad often requires flexibility.

Many expats discover new strengths simply because they were pushed to try something different.

3. Start connecting before you start applying

Networking feels like a cliché, but abroad it’s everything. Most local employers want to know who you are before they consider your résumé.

Here’s what actually works:

Join local professional groups or networking events
Attend meetups or expat gatherings
Connect with people on LinkedIn who work in your field
Talk to other expats who’ve done this before

Often, that one conversation you didn’t expect becomes the opportunity you needed.

4. Turn your international experience into an advantage

Your international background is a selling point — even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

Employers value:

adaptability
cross-cultural communication
language skills
resilience
problem-solving in unfamiliar environments

💡Living abroad proves all of those. Own that story.

5. Explore new paths you may never have considered

Some trailing partners reinvent themselves completely.They start businesses, shift industries, teach, consult, coach, study, or turn a hobby into something professional.

You don’t have to reinvent yourself — but you can, if it feels right. A global move often brings clarity about what you truly enjoy… or what you’re finally ready to leave behind.

6. Talk Openly With Your Partner

Rebuilding a career abroad can bring moments of frustration or doubt. The key is communication. Be honest about what you need: support, time, encouragement, space, or resources.

Your partner’s journey matters — but so does yours.You’re building this life together.

7. Celebrate the wins — even the small ones

The first interview. The first networking event where you actually spoke up.The first email from a recruiter.The first “yes.”

Every step counts. Every step is proof that you can rebuild, adapt, and thrive — even in a completely new environment.

⚠️ You’re not starting from zero

It may feel like you’re beginning again, but you’re not.You’re bringing years of experience, skills, knowledge, and maturity to a new place.Your career didn’t disappear — it’s just shifting.