This short essay examines the personal and professional factors that influence whether an employee should accept an international job assignment. Drawing on Andrea C. Poe's 2000 white paper on international transfers, the paper discusses common hesitations — including perceived career stagnation, spousal and family concerns, and fear of losing touch with the home office — and evaluates their relative validity. The author concludes with a personal reflection on how individual circumstances, such as family status and cultural interest, ultimately shape the decision to relocate internationally.
According to the 2000 white paper International Transfers: Making Relocation Offers Employees Can't Refuse by Andrea C. Poe, international assignments are often viewed as a "lateral" step in a career trajectory — even a pause or a demotion on the corporate career ladder (Poe 2000). Combined with the logistical difficulties of moving to a new location and navigating a foreign culture, there is little incentive for most employees to look forward to an international assignment with enthusiasm.
Spouses are likely to be unhappy if they are treated as appendages, especially if they have thriving careers in the United States, although more organizations are attempting to accommodate spousal needs. Children are another concern: despite the presence of high-quality education abroad, many employees may dislike the idea of their children being immersed in a foreign culture during their formative years. Employees may worry about their children adjusting to the new environment — or to America itself once the family returns. These family dynamics often weigh heavily in the relocation decision.
"Concerns about skill relevance and corporate visibility"
"Author weighs personal circumstances and cultural interest"
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.