Expat Entrepreneur: How To Create and Maintain Your Own Portable Career Anywhere In The World

Reviewed by Stephanie Rollins for Reader Views (5/07) Jo Parfitt found herself traveling the world with her husband. This made it difficult to have a normal career. She felt like a tag-along wife. She wanted her own identity. She began her expat entrepreneur career. She used her writing skills to start her own business. "Expat Entrepreneur" came to me at a perfect time. My military husband thinks that we are going to have to move. Though that is part of the job, it really upsets me to leave all that I have established. In "Expat Entrepreneur," Parfitt explains that I need to see it as an adventure and an opportunity. Parfitt explained that it is an opportunity to start anew. She advised to establish what the reader is good at, what they have a passion for. Then, take that and start an expat career. She explains that not all people have the skills necessary to be an expat entrepreneur. She also informs the reader that there are different laws in different countries that put constraints on expats working. Also, many professions are not in demand in different countries. Many of the requirements for nursing, teaching, and etc... are different in other countries. Throughout the book, websites and other books are mentioned to guide the reader to the appropriate resources. Parfitt explains that a career no longer consists of a daily attempt to climb a corporate ladder. It is now an opportunity for adventure and enlightenment. Twenty-three expat entrepreneurs share their adventures in half the book. This was inspiring for me. They explained what it took to get started in their businesses. They told of their struggles. They share advice. Today's society is global. Many have spouses who have to travel internationally. Unless the tag-along spouse has a portable career, they will feel isolated. "Expat Entrepreneur" is a practical guide for tag-along spouses. It is hopeful and inspiring. I recommend "Expat Entrepreneur" for all tag-along spouses, especially military spouses. Read and be on your way to an exciting portable career.