Relocating to a new country as a trailing spouse, is a life-changing experience. It’s filled with excitement and possibilities, but it can also feel daunting. You find yourself being financially, emotionally and socially reliant on your spouse for the first time - uncomfortable, right? If we turn this discomfort on it's head and approach your situation from a different perspective, this new chapter is an opportunity for growth, discovery, and transformation. As an expat coach who has walked this path myself, I want to share how you can create fulfilling opportunities as a trailing Spouse.
Navigating the Job Market in Dubai
Dubai’s job market is vast, diverse, and competitive, but with the right approach, it can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re keen to re-enter the workforce, it’s essential to understand the local job market dynamics and requirements for working here in the UAE.
Dubai’s economy is driven by sectors like hospitality, finance, technology, education, and real estate. Think about how your skills and experience can align with these industries. Maybe you have transferable skills that can open doors you hadn't previously considered.
Networking is crucial here, as it's a key way people un business communicate. Join local professional groups, attend networking events, and connect with others through LinkedIn and expat communities. Many positions are filled through connections, so building a professional network is key to finding the right opportunities. You may also consider working with a recruitment agency that specialises in placing expats.
Remember, Dubai also offers the possibility of setting up your own business through the city’s various free zones. Whether you want to start a consultancy, launch a creative venture, or dive into the entrepreneurial scene, Dubai has the resources to support your business journey. You can also get a freelance visa to enable you to contract for different companies if that's your preference.
Something to remember though, if you have a degree or qualification from your home country, you may need it attested before you can use it here. Whether this is needed will depend on the type of qualification it is and whether it is required to do the job. For example, I can't start working as an occupational therapist here, because I have not had my degree attested and it is a requirement of the Dubai health Authority to have the degree to do that particular job. Different industries may have different requirements though, so it's worth doing a bit of research and perhaps connecting with others in your industry to find out what's needed.
Investing in Yourself
Becoming a trailing spouse is the perfect opportunity to invest in yourself. If you've always wanted to be thy type of person who [insert personal trait here], this move gives you the time and fresh slate to do it. Whether its reading a book a month, working on your confidence or practicing stepping outside your comfort zone to broaden your horizons, you have been offered the space to do this at your own pace and direction and without any excuses!
Consider enrolling in one of the city’s many courses or workshops. Universities and educational centres offer programs in everything from business and technology to art and design. You might decide to learn Arabic, deepening your connection with the local culture and enhancing your job prospects, or another language you've always wanted to learn.
Dubai’s status as a global hub means you’ll have access to international certifications and programs that can enhance your resume and open new career paths. Embrace this time as a chance to grow your expertise, build new skills. The skills you develop now could open doors not only in Dubai but also anywhere your expat journey may take you.
Life-Long Learning
Living in a city like Dubai, with its wealth of resources, means you’re in the perfect place to embrace life-long learning. Education doesn’t have to be tied to formal qualifications; it can also be about exploring interests, old and new. Not only is it a great way to meet like-minded people, but having a wide range of knowledge enables you to find interesting topics of conversation, for those awkward moments when you run out of things to talk about at social gatherings.
Dubai is home to a wide array of classes, workshops, and seminars on topics as diverse as photography, cooking, yoga, coding, and public speaking. These opportunities aren’t just about acquiring new skills—they’re also fantastic ways to become part of new communities.
Take advantage of these opportunities to challenge yourself, develop new hobbies, or even discover a passion you didn’t know you had. Remember, every new skill and every new connection adds another layer to your experience and could lead to surprising new opportunities.
Finding New Passions and Interests
Dubai is a city of possibilities, and the beauty of being a trailing spouse here is that you have the freedom to explore. Embrace the opportunity to find new passions and interests.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of Dubai’s incredible weather and landscapes—whether it’s paddleboarding at Kite Beach, hiking in the Hajar Mountains, or joining a desert yoga session. If culture is your passion, explore the galleries of Alserkal Avenue or immerse yourself in the local heritage at Dubai’s museums and cultural centres. There are also makers markets, the largest being the Ripe Market where you can browse the stalls of hundreds of stalls with all kinds of home made and creative wares.
Dubai’s community of expats is vibrant and diverse, and there are countless social groups, book clubs, and hobby classes where you can connect with others. These groups provide not only a way to explore new interests but also to build friendships and find a support network of people who understand the challenges and joys of expat life, especially those faced by trailing spouses.
Making a Difference While Expanding Your Network
Volunteering can be a deeply fulfilling way to give back to the community and find purpose in your new environment. Dubai has a range of opportunities in fields such as education, animal welfare, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Whether you’re helping organise events, supporting non-profits, or mentoring, volunteering can be a way to make a positive impact while expanding your network.
In addition to offering personal satisfaction, volunteering can also help you develop skills, gain local experience, and make connections that may lead to paid employment or new professional opportunities. It’s about aligning your interests and skills with causes that resonate with you, all while enriching your experience as a trailing spouse.
Create Fulfilling Opportunities as a Trailing Spouse
As a trailing spouse in Dubai, you are in a unique position to create a life filled with new opportunities and growth. Whether it’s through finding employment, investing in your self-development, embracing lifelong learning, or discovering new passions, the possibilities are endless. I challenge you to consider the things you've put off because you haven't had the time, or industries you would have loved to get into, but lacked the skills. this is your chance to become the persona you've always wanted to be and experience growth on your terms and with your heart all in.
Not sure where to start? get your free expat life workbook to help you gain clarity and take your first steps in the direction of a fulfilling life as a trailing spouse.
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