Advancement and Adventure!

It’s no surprise to Ann Fairchild that women are increasingly taking jobs abroad – often with families in tow and a husband in charge of domestic duties.

Why? Because she’s one of them.

After working at Siemens in Orlando, Fla. for nine years, Fairchild took the general counsel of legal and compliance position for the oil and gas division of Siemens AG – in Dusseldorf, Germany.

“My husband and I balanced the benefits of living abroad and advancing our careers against the risks – and we chose to make the move,” says Fairchild.

After hashing out details about childcare options and what support the company would provide, Fairchild felt she made an educated choice.

How has it benefited her family? Fairchild says raising her two daughters, ages four and six, in a multicultural environment gave them valuable exposure to diversity. Plus, “living in Europe makes it easy to vacation in destinations like France, Italy and Spain.”

Being away from extended family and friends can be difficult. However, “you build new relationships and make the foreign destination your new home,” she says.

InterNations Magazine provides tips on preparing children for the move and ways to stay in touch with those back home, like starting a blog and scheduling weekly phone calls.

The Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas is a collection of organizations that make sure your rights are supported out of the country. Plus, Expat Women shares stories of successful women living abroad.

Bonus PINK Link: Now that you’ve taken the job, check out these secrets to global success.

Would you move your family across the globe for a job? Tell us in .

By Farren Davis

“It’s faith that really takes courage. The belief in things unseen.”
Jacquelyn Mitchard