Due to the large number of working spouses resisting their partner's assignment abroad, employers have realized the need to provide solutions to reduce this resistance. Fortunately, along with globalization and the Internet have come chances for trailing partners, e.g. starting your own business as a portable career or embarking on an open-learning concept.
Despite initial resistance, experienced expatriates like to pass on this advice: there will never be a dull moment and time flies. Although you may not be able to imagine at first, there are many chances to get a busy life.
Finding a job as a spouse does not automatically imply happiness in some places and you may be much better off with alternatives you never ever considered in the first place. All you need to do is to adjust your expectations and to realize that success does not always come with money!
First I would like to remind all of you that this may be the perfect time to plan for a baby! The quality of life for a mother (or father) in Asia is tremendously increased by the opportunity to engage a live-in maid or even a nanny. You do not have to miss out on night life nor are you restricted from traveling. Just take along the maid and the baby.
And there is still plenty of time for you to try the following options, which may look equally attractive in your CV or resume and offer new experiences:
Take a Degree or Course Online
Google the following keywords
• Medical courses
• The British Council
• Open University (Singapore and Hong Kong)
• International Center for Distance Learning
• Master of Business Administration (University of Durham)
• Real Estate US
• US Paralegal Studies
• University of London-External Programs
• Sheffield Hallam University UK
• International Center for Distance Learning
• Thames Center for Open Learning Singapore
• Jones International
• St. George's University
• Accounting, IT, Securities
• Get Educated
• E-Learners
• European Languages Online
• Japanese Online
• Chinese Online / California State University
• Cartoon and Design Online Larkford Community Center Canberra
• Art Online / University of Pittsburg
• Global Center for Women's Studies and Politics
Take Up A New Hobby
• Sing in a choir
• Master a new sport
• Learn a new skill
Help the Less Fortunate
• Organize charity events for your children's school
• Become a volunteer
Engage in Clubs and Schools
• Join the Parent Teacher Association
• Organize a local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
• Become active in women's/business clubs
• Give talks about your hobby or job or home country
Teach a Special Skill
What you may have taken up once by yourself in your country to enjoy can turn into a much asked for skill to teach locals or other expatriates.
Set Up Your Own Business
• Become a freelance writer
• Write a book
• Create your own web site
• Become a web master
• Learn the local language and culture and become a tour guide