Spouses are People Too!
They may be called “trailing” spouses, partners, or significant others; regardless of the label these individuals are an integral part of any relocation. As we continue to navigate our way out of a recession, and with predictions remaining ominous for unemployment in 2010, many spouses/partners are experiencing vast challenges in securing employment in their new destination, leading to resurgence of spouse/partner assistance services.
Spousal/partner assistance is no longer about just assisting with finding employment. Today’s requirements also include life transition coaching or career transition coaching. Whether it’s identifying internships or researching self-employment opportunities most accompanying spouses/partners want to find something meaningful to do even if it is not income producing. Activities like furthering their education, learning a new language or skill, or getting involved in volunteer work that may leverage their background and enhance their experience may also be very satisfying alternative.
According to a recent Permits Foundation Survey, almost 90% of expatriate spouse/partners were employed before the assignment, while only 35% worked while in the host country. And, of those 35%, 75% noted that they wanted to work. Also noted in the survey is that 80% of spouse/partners say that their own employment and career was an important factor in the decision to reject or accept an assignment, reinforcing the need for spousal/partner support.
While there is not much data on U.S. based relocation activity, it’s assumed that the numbers would not be too far behind. Considering that the average dollar amount to provide this service is approximately 2% of the total relocation cost for intra-U.S. relocations and less than 1% of the total relocation cost for a global assignment, spousal/partner acts as an additional layer of ‘insurance’ to ensure a successful transition.
Posted on 12/9/2009 in Domestic Relocation | Comments (4)
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