The expat life ?

Once again, I've read that US firms are finding it difficult to find employees willing to accept a transfer abroad. It seems that employees are worried about the hardships that would be faced by their families in a strange land as well as a perceived concern that by being so far away, these employees might be overlookeded, or may seem 'invisible' to the kingmakers back home and thus would miss out on possible opportunities for career advancement.

As to the first item, that's a perfectly understandable issue, but it can be addressed by good research up front, tapping the large network of expats who have gone before, using the resources offered by the sponsoring firm, and finally using the internet to really learn about the community to which you could be joining.

The second item just doesn't make sense to me at all. In this era of globalism and multiculturalism, what would-be executive wouldn't want to grab at a chance to add some true international experience to one's resume?

The frustrating thing to me is that this is all I've wanted to do - ever since I began working. Sad to say, I've never been with a company that would offer me this chance. There's got to be a reason I keep practicing my German and French on an almost daily basis. Is anyone out there listening?

Perhaps a bit of European Soul Searching ?

I have a great number of contacts across the globe - everywhere from Western Europe, to the Gulf States (Dubai, Saudi Arabia) and then further east, over to the Phillipines, Malaysia, Australia, and Vietnam.

Without exception, my global friends have been thrilled by the recent election here in the US and our soon to be new executive leadership. All the while, it has me reflecting on the state of race relations both here, and especially abroad.

The consensus seems to be that race relations are better here then elsewhere and that minorities - especially in Europe - won't be tapped (chosen, elected, whatever) for the highest offices in the forseeable future. Obama's election has induced a good amount of soul searching amongst the literati and intelligentsia, as well as the hoi polloi - especially in Europe.

Hence, these recent articles in the International Herald Tribune:

Can Europe produce an Obama?

Inspired by Obama, European minorities take action

Greens in Germany pick son of Turks as leader

France names Cameroon native to top regional post

Of course, Obama's rise to prominance happened virtually overnight (politically speaking). Who knows what will happen when a leader of color appears on the horizon in the UK, France, or Germany with the right combination of intelligence, charisma, looks, and ambition?