Self-Initiated Expatriate Women’s Careers – Reflections, Experiences and Choices

Towards a dynamic conceptual model for understanding the impact of social isolation on SIE women's adjustment and career development

“…Loneliness due to self-isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic, posed a major risk to mental and physical health (Banerjee and Rai, 2020). The feelings of displacement and disconnect experienced during the adjustment process can increase feelings of isolation when the individual is physically isolated (Hack-Polay, 2020; van den Bergh, 2014).…”

“…The family forms an integral part of the overall adjustment of women as a source of personal security, emotional support, and stability (Hartl, 2004). However, work-life conflict can become a serious barrier to SIE women's adjustment when there is a lack of support or too much pressure on the home-front (van den Bergh, 2014). During the Covid-19 pandemic, professional women tended to prioritize the well-being of their families above work and other responsibilities (Primecz, 2021).…”

“…Adjustment is very stressful and for some vulnerable groups, it can be a personal crisis which creates a breeding ground for further (fit-dependent) crises in other spheres of life (Fitzpatrick, 2017; Ljubica et al ., 2019). The interconnection between identity and social relationships is very pronounced for women (Myers and Pringle, 2005; van den Bergh, 2014). Relocation to a new country and culture means that relationships that reinforce a woman's sense of self and belonging are stripped away, which may lead to identity crisis and maladjustment (Haslberger, 2005; Selmer and Leung, 2003).…”