The Thriving Abroad Podcast

The pandemic and resulting disruption is leading people to re-think, re-imagine and re-position businesses, careers and lifestyles.

The internationally mobile have been particularly affected by the pandemic and for many it has raised important questions about their international lifestyle. Visa restrictions, closed borders, cancelled flights and quarantine rules alongside the disturbing health risks have all made international travel and living significantly more challenging.

This has obviously had a knock-on effect to the businesses that support international relocations.

For corporates, after an initial busy reaction to the pandemic, things have reportedly calmed down and global mobility/international HR professionals have been able to turn their attention to a review of global mobility strategy and the policies that support that strategy. For some, this has been a welcome respite to the normal frenetic activity of assignment support.

What about the relocation service companies? A reduction in global employees on the move has impacted business levels and for many the future looks uncertain.

Without a doubt, the pandemic has highlighted the need for relocation companies/service providers to be agile and consider the following questions:

* In what ways will the old patterns of mobility be challenged/change? * Can new patterns already be detected or are things still too uncertain to make reliable predictions?* Will the global mobility sector eventually bounce back to the old normal after a period of disruption?* How will the relocation customers of the future want to access their services?

These are some of the questions I asked Michele Bar-Pereg in this podcast conversation.

Michele Bar-Pereg is an entrepreneur with almost 40 years in relocation practice. She is past President of EuRA (European Relocation Association) and past owner of the pan -European, Foursquare Relocation Group. Currently, Michele is founder and Managing Director of the online service Relocate Yourself, more about that later. As I spoke to Michele, this quote came to mind:

This conversation will be of interest if you:

* Work in global mobility either in the corporate environment or as a service provider.* Are considering an international move and are wondering where to find the support you need.* Are an accompanying partner looking for inspiration as you embark on a new life abroad – you share that in common with Michele

Transcript can be downloaded HERE

The questions we ask ourselves, shape our lives. Here are some questions prompted by today’s podcast:

For global mobility professionals

* What strengths in your relocation, global mobility processes will you carry forward into the post pandemic era?* What are your greatest hopes for evolving better levels of support for your employees/clients?* What changes can you create to make these hopes a reality?* What will be your first steps?

For the internationally mobile

* What do you want to take forward from your current life to your new life in your next location?* What are your hopes for this move? What do you hope to create professionally and personally as a result of your next relocation?* How can you move from where you are now, to arriving and settling happily new life abroad?* What steps would you need to take?* What might get in your way?

This is a conversation with energy and forward momentum and if you’re feeling in need of a ‘pick me up’ then this is for you.

That is not to say our conversation doesn’t acknowledge the current struggle, it does. But Jerry also asks us to think about what we can still achieve, asking important questions such as:

* What do we want our story from this time to be?* Who do we want to be in that story? Victim? Complainer? Villain? Bystander? Hero?* And importantly for parents – how best to communicate with our kids in a way that values their perspectives.* How can we finish 2020 strong given the current circumstances? It doesn’t have to be all A+, B or B- will do this year.

‘We all have to settle for less this year, but less is still better than nothing. If we settle for nothing this year, then we have missed something’. Jerry Jones

Our conversation, also reminded me of some interesting research that came out of The Change Lab about employee wellbeing during Covid-19. I think, sometimes we have been lead to believe that if we are struggling we can’t be happy or thrive in life.,

But, research has found that struggle is an important part of the human condition and we can ‘live well despite struggle’. I am sure expats the world over can relate to that right now.

So double down. Manage the struggle and look for the joy, it’s a good recipe for creating a thriving life.

NB – the research also found there was a portion of the population, 7.5%, who were really struggling. These are tough times, and as Daniella Tomer said in her conversation with me in Episode 9 of the Thriving Abroad Together Series, many people could do with a little extra support right now. If you are feeling this way, listen to her episode and also the most recent Episode 58 with Dr Bonnie Wims. Both can help and support virtually, contact information is on the associated blog posts.

In this episode we talk about:

* Jerry, his work and upcoming move, China to Malta – we wish you all the best Jerry.* Jerry’s observations of the international communities reaction to the pandemic.* The impact of culture on the response to the pandemic.* Strategies for moving forward.* How parents can support their kids through sadness, loss and grief?* Creating a Strong Finish to 2020.* You can download the SHOW NOTES for today’s episode HERE

About Jerry Jones:

Jerry is a cross cultural trainer, coach and transition specialist who works with individuals and organisations to make their life abroad better. He also writes and builds resources for the globally mobile community. He first moved to China with his family in 2006 and is currently preparing to relocate to Malta.

Access his blog The Culture Blend HERE

Learn more about Coaching with Jerry and Strong Finish Course 2020 for International Schools HERE

Read his great blog post: ‘Yeah, but you’re not Black’ How does a White father from the United States,