We all bring along different circumstances that make working abroad easier or more difficult on first sight. The most common barriers according to HR experts are lack of work permit, the limited time you have abroad, missing language skills, local stereotypes and prejudice, lack of transferable knowledge, intercultural bias and so on. We can continue this list for some time. Important is just to realize which of these barriers are REAL obstacles to find work abroad and which are more important for us than for the labour market. As humans we tend to shut down when we see a barrier and feel incapable of thinking about different ways to approach the topic. From an outside perspective the missing work permit seems to be a real reason for not being able to work. I was thinking the same way. However, during my time abroad and in several discussions with wives of diplomats who are not allowed to work, I realized that it comes back to the definition of work. What does work mean to do? Is it being employed by a company and going to office every day? Are there other ways you can work on your skillset and plan your career even after this assignment? Is working something what pays the bills to you or is it also the connection to others, the feeling of being needed and the learning? If i’s not just the bills to pay, there are other forms to find meaningful work. To become creative and think of different options is quite a process and does not come over night. This was another reason I have written the workbook for Expat Partners and included so many coaching exercises.