Getting an expat assignment can be exciting, but it can also be hard on your family. Before accepting a temporary reassignment to another country, think it through with your partner or family. Be sure to frame the decision as a real choice — Should we go or stay? And consider the degree of change: If you live in Amsterdam, relocating to Brussels is very different from moving to Guangzhou, China. Then go through the pros and cons of each alternative, laying out the full implications for your children or extended family, your career — and your partner’s — and your support networks. Try to anticipate and discuss how the change would affect family dynamics — e.g., shifting from a dual-career marriage to one where a spouse stays at home, or replacing a grandmother babysitter with a professional nanny. These discussions will not only shape your decision about the assignment but also help set expectations and prevent resentment later on.
Adapted from "Making Your Expat Assignment Easier on Your Family," by Katia Vlachos
