In the final installment of The Evolution of the Expat, we would like to discuss repatriation, or whether to bring the expat home or not. A critical, but frequently overlooked step of the expat process is proper repatriation provided by the company. In many cases, expats
have grown apart from their home country and the culture, so the challenge of repatriating is difficult, especially when one has to go it alone. It is not uncommon for companies to bring expats back without any real position for them. The responsibility is placed on the employee to find his/her place in the organization.
Why do so many expats have such a difficult time repatriating? There are practical, concrete reasons listed below. However, psychologically, there are hidden, repressed reasons that add to the complexity of this process. The expat needs to ask the questions: What set him into motion? Made him act? Compelled him to undertake the hardships of travel, to subject himself to the cultures and business practices far beyond his comfort zone? While expat packages are much higher than what is offered back home, few executives are anywhere near the poverty line, so they aren’t going overseas as a means of economic survival. Recall the characteristic of an expat: these people are self-driven for success, have the desire to manage complex issues and they are simply curious about world culture. In the end, they know that having the global executive experience will advance their career in the long run.
While “in country” and on assignment, there are some fundamental areas that one must ensure they keep on the radar regardless of whether they plan to move back to the U.S., stay for more challenging assignments, or start their own business. Some options for the expat include the following:
Repatriate
This is the most common situation, where the expat has done their job and now will be given a role that could be at the same level or a promotion. Some questions to consider are:
• How do you keep in contact with your Asian network— both business and social?
• Do you have the “right stuff ” to move to the next level within your company?
• How are you going to manage yourself at HQ, under a boss that will be right down the hall, with a team that could be smaller to manage, under consensus management?
• How will you transition your job?
Reenlist
Many expats like the complexity, challenge, and lifestyle for the long-term. They are willing to stay in the same company with more responsibilities or just keep doing the same function. Others leave to join U.S.-based companies with expat responsibilities that may be better than their current position. Most do this for the following reasons:
• Perceived to have greater power in Asia; freedom to call the shots.
• There could be a serious lack of freedom and power in U.S.
• Routine life in home country can be less stimulating.
• American culture has a lack of subservience, which makes it more difficult to manage egos.
In some cases, expats join local companies where they bring the Western business strategies and objectives that are lacking in many Asia-based businesses.
Reinvent
The dream of many that is implemented successfully by only a few is to reinvent oneself. How do you reinvent yourself? You spend much of your first 25 to 30 years of life finding yourself, and then the next 30 to 40 years balancing between work and life until retirement. Is it really such a wise decision?
• Magic Formula. Having written goals or reasons for change is critical.
• Existing Skills. The mid to late 1970s were a tumultuous time for the U.S. The Vietnam War had just ended, there was an oil crisis and the economy was not strong. Add to that the Iran Hostage situation that was resolved only after Ronald Reagan came into office and the picture of Jimmy Carter’s Presidency is not complimentary. (In fact, many believe him to be one of the worst presidents in U.S. history.) However, 20 years later, Carter emerged as a leading diplomat, and has been instrumental in peace and financial aid projects in Africa and The Middle East. The skills of diplomacy were always there, they just needed the right venue. Regardless of political affiliation, Carter is a great modern-day example of succesful reinvention.
• Business ID. One must identify an industry where they can fill a need or ride the momentum of a movement that has meaning to the particular society in which they are stationed. What industries are hot? What are the trends within industries or movements in specific countries? How can you re-create the role of water salesman in the desert for yourself? These are the questions you need to ask yourself as well those you respect professionally around you. You may be surprised with what you discover.
Take advantage of all that is given to you as an expat. Embrace as much of the culture, the business environment, and the network of people that you will meet. Learn as much as you can for as long as you can. This will be very important for your success in any of the three scenarios you choose once your assignment comes to an end.
