“There’s only so many loaves and dog walks you can do”: Challenges for accompanying partners engaged in international relocation

Abstract

While the global mobility of employees is escalating, spouse and family continue to impact on the success of these international appointments. The recent rise of dual career couples (DCC) has intensified the challenges of international relocation. This paper examines the career strategies of accompanying partners who relocated to Aotearoa New Zealand for their partners’ job. This small-scale qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with 21 accompanying male and female partners of professionals and managers who relocated in the last eight years. While most of those interviewed modified their own career goals on relocation, a small number could continue in their previous jobs and work remotely. Only two participants found employment in the company that initiated their partners’ relocation. Others were unable to find a job, or only find work that was unpaid, poorly paid, not fulfilling, or only part-time. Women experienced challenges that were gender-specific. Those who were not fluent in English struggled most and their professional qualifications were often not recognised. This paper highlights the implications for DCCs of increasing international mobility, and the different ways in which accompanying partners and couples organize their interlinked working lives during transition to life in a new country. Challenges in accessing relevant employment and social connections can contribute to the isolation of accompanying partners and disrupt their career identities. The rich and detailed narratives of transition highlight issues and agendas for researchers in this field and HRM practitioners beyond the specific context of Aotearoa New Zealand.