[ID:8894] Life can be tough for a non-working spouse abroad. The spouse of an international employee in Harare, Zimbabwe had the following advice for adjustment:

"Have realistic expectations. You probably will not find paid employment and if you do, it may be considerably lower paying than in North America. Why not focus on meaningful volunteer work which could lead to a new or continued career at home? Get involved in something in the local community, preferably an activity in your field of interest. It's by talking to people that you hear of opportunities.

"Imagine that you won't find a job and plan for that situation. Think of doing correspondence courses. Arrange to do research in your field. Create your own job. For example, if you have a counseling degree, why not advertise among the other foreign missions and start your own practice out of your house or apartment?"

A woman who was a United Nations employee in Africa suggests that men who accompany their partners abroad must be...