Working overseas

In 2015, after 30 years in the NHS, I elected to take an executive clinical leadership post in the Middle East, aiming to seek a new challenge. Nursing has always been a passport to travel (Royal College of Nursing, 2024). For some, it is a permanent move, whereas for others it's an opportunity to see more of the world.

As a family, we elected for me to work away from home, leaving my wife (an NHS matron) and grown-up daughters behind. Regardless of your circumstances, deciding to work overseas is something that needs to be carefully considered, as the impact on the family dynamic cannot be overestimated. FaceTime is no replacement for normal day-to-day contact. My wife staying in the UK had its pros and cons, as living apart was challenging (especially during COVID-19), but it did provide a ‘safety parachute’ should things not work out. Plus, relocating a family adds a level of complexity to working overseas because it involves organising schools, familyappropriate housing and possibly a hiatus in your partner's career. I also had to consider the impact on elderly parents, accepting the potential inevitability of illness or death. This is an important consideration when working abroad, because getting back home in an emergency is not as simple as jumping in your car.