Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
T
HE
GREATEST
STRESS
OF
ALL
Even more stressful than burnout on the job is losing a job. This can be especially disorient-
ing for an expatriate who, because of recession and cutbacks back in the home headquar-
ters, suddenly finds him or herself “retrenched” and unemployed.
What to do then? Where there may have been no temptation up until that point to return
to the home country, suddenly that becomes an option to be weighed against staying put in
the foreign country.
Finding a new position takes time, particularly higher positions, and even more so for
people in or approaching middle age. Scouting for openings, networking, sending out re-
sumes, waiting for interviews and then responses, can occupy several months. For an ex-
patriate this requires more than mere patience. He or she must constantly grapple with the
question: “When do I just give up and go home?”
Irene was recently let go from her position as a marketing executive after twelve
years with the company in Thailand.
“I was optimistic to begin with, but after two months' searching, I start wondering
whether I'm better off moving back to Australia,” Irene said.
A job is relatively easy to replace compared with the confidence which is lost as a result
of unemployment. The thought of being out there competing with younger people for jobs
is frightening. Suddenly Irene feels old, tired and depressed. People in such a position can
easily lapse into a real crisis unless they are aware of what is happening to them.
While awaiting the end of unemployment, it is easy to panic and grasp hold of things
or ideas without thorough thought or focus. According to Irene, she's had a business idea
for years but never had time to pursue it. She thinks this may be the right time. She's also
considering going to school to obtain new credentials which may make her more market-
able in the long run. At the same time she is looking into grants for the topic she's wanted
to write. Meanwhile, she is still supposedly looking for a job. Each of these goals would
perhaps have a chance if Irene would concentrate seriously on one task. But dissipating her
energy down too many paths at once like this is a recipe for multiple failures.
Amidst all the panic and confusion, the idea of moving back home can be quite appeal-
ing. After all, home should be a familiar place which offers hope and relief from the un-
pleasantness of unemployment overseas. However, “home” is not necessarily home any-
more. The fact is, she hasn't spent the last ten-plus years there. She'd have to treat herself
like a newcomer to relearn the system and readjust to Australia. This is feasible when one
has the time and presence of mind to do so. But for Irene, being unemployed puts her in a
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