Dual careers and spouse/partner support factsheet
A factsheet on the importance of supporting relocating partners during relocations and international assignments is now available as part of Relocate’s Global Mobility Toolkit. Download your free copy.
- The need for dual-career and spouse/partner support
- International mobility and pursuing a career abroad
- Policy implications
- Cost implications
- Useful contacts
- Further reading
SAMPLE CONTENT
The need for dual-career and spouse/partner support
Relocation, whether to another part of the country or internationally, affects not only the employee being moved to a new job but also their family members.Dual-income couples may be unable to relocate if the maintenance of family income levels is a necessity and the accompanying partner is unable to undertake paid employment upon relocation. In addition to reducing the family’s income in the immediate term, periods of unemployment may result in lost promotion opportunities and reduced pension provision for the accompanying partner in the longer term.Working spouses/partners may also wish to seek opportunities for paid employment to preserve their financial independence.However, money is not the only driver; career development and growth may be equally, if not more, important to the accompanying partner. Research highlights that one of the major causes of assignment refusal or failure relates to dual-career partnerships. Each partner in a dual-career couple is highly qualified and pursues their own individual career goals. If the relocation of one partner jeopardises the career of the other, the planned move is unlikely to be accepted unless it is possible to service the relocated employment role via an alternative arrangement, such as long-distance or international commuting.…International mobility and pursuing a career abroad
When the relocation involves an international move, the difficulties facing dual-career couples multiply significantly. There may be barriers to spouses/partners taking up employment. These include:- Work-permit/visa restrictions
- Non-recognition of home-country qualifications
- Language requirements
- Lack of career/work opportunities
- Cultural differences
Also in the Employee and Family Support Toolkit
Available now:Factsheet 1: Guiding Principles – Family IssuesComing soon:- International Education – Options and Policy Trends
- Relocating with Pets
- Higher Education
- Health, Wellbeing and Work Life Balance
For a full list of Global Mobility Toolkit components, and to download your free resources, visit our Global Mobility Toolkit Factsheet and Digital Resource Hub page.
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