Building Relationships is harder for Expat Spouses in Zurich.  As I sat on a panel, I just got as far as saying, “I think…” when the other panelist gave her opinion. She probably didn’t notice that I was trying to say something, but for a moment, I was annoyed and thought, “How rude…”. And it seems to happen more and more that I am waiting an instant too long, and then it is too late to say what I wanted to say. I now notice how I have become a “Swiss person.” I may have allowed a younger and shyer version of myself to take over these days. Having lived here in Zurich for over ten years, I prefer to […]

Moving to a new country for work is a life-altering experience with its share of challenges and opportunities. While your employer plays a significant role in facilitating the transition, it’s vital to ensure a smooth and enriching expat experience actively. In this comprehensive guide, drawing from my extensive experience as a Global Mobility Coach, I will delve deeper into each of the ten crucial ideas to help you make the most of your expat lifestyle. 1 – Check the Host Market Salary with an Expert in the Country One of the first and most crucial considerations when embarking on your expat journey is understanding your host market salary. Often, salary levels are determined at the “peer” level, but the details […]

I have noticed that many international talents were left frustrated by moving to another country for work. I observed that the issues weren’t just financial but related to the individuals and the company underestimating the challenges of moving to a new country. Therefore, today, I would like to draw on my experience and discuss some important practices for that critical period, the first 90-odd days of an expat landing in a new country and beginning their onboarding process in the host company. You can also refer back to this post on Embarking on Your Journey.   1 – Prepare Before You Land Increasingly, in this age of protectionism, many countries now require you, the ex-pat, and your accompanying family to have […]

In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the concept of a nomadic lifestyle is gaining popularity among individuals who identify as part of the rainbow talent spectrum. The rainbow talent, encompassing the LGBTQ+ community, brings diversity and unique perspectives to the global workforce. For those embracing a nomadic lifestyle, navigating the challenges and joys can be exhilarating. When we started our series for Rainbow Talent, we came across common challenges worldwide. We thought we would give you these five tips for Zurich, Switzerland. Please contact us for resources if you need the same guidance for other locations. Here are five tips to help rainbow talent thrive in their nomadic endeavors. What is a Nomadic Lifestyle? We consider it a […]