Around the world, corporate style
In this episode of GTFO Pod, hosts Caroline and Tara welcome special guest Laura Howe. Laura shares her extraordinary journey of leaving America and living abroad because of corporate relocation. Beginning with her move to Switzerland, initiated by a LinkedIn recruiter, Laura details the cultural and emotional challenges she faced while navigating a high-paying corporate job, transitioning from Switzerland to Tokyo, and eventually returning to Switzerland.
Laura provides an insightful look at the unique challenges of expatriate life, especially when managing personal upheavals, such as a separation. She discusses the emotional impact of moving abroad despite corporate support and delves into the differences in work cultures between Switzerland and Japan. Laura concludes by reflecting on her life post-corporate job, learning new languages, and building a support network. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the multifaceted experience of corporate life abroad.
Meet our Guest: Laura Howe
Laura is the founder of Dispatched Divorcée, a global community to help women build, define, and thrive in their lives after divorce by providing the resources she wished she had when she went through it. She is fiercely motivated to make sure that no woman feels as lonely and lost as she did.
You can subscribe to The Diary of a Dispatched Divorcée, a newsletter about the people you meet while experiencing the world and building a business outside the US. Laura is based in Lausanne, Switzerland and can be found on Instagram at @cheekylamiki.
Episode Takeaways
Laura moved to Switzerland during a separation, which added complexity.
Cultural workplace dynamics differed hugely between Switzerland and Japan.
A lack of personal support when moving abroad takes a huge toll.
Corporate relocation provides logistical support but won’t address emotional challenges.
In Japan, Laura found a supportive community that helped her navigate cultural differences.
Returning to Switzerland presented new challenges, including adapting to a changing corporate environment.
Laura's journey emphasizes the need for personal growth and community abroad.
Chapters
00:24 Meeting Laura: From Online Friends to Real Life
01:33 Laura's Journey to Switzerland
06:14 Adjusting to Life in Switzerland
11:28 Transition to Tokyo
12:52 Life as an Expat in Tokyo
16:39 Drinking Culture in Japan
18:05 Navigating Social Norms and Work Culture
19:37 Experiencing Cultural Differences
20:32 Integration and Personal Connections
21:28 Challenges of Being a Foreigner
23:39 Returning to Switzerland
24:46 Adjusting Back and Career Reflections
25:58 Finding Community and Personal Growth
27:37 Corporate Life and Moving Forward
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