An inspiring expat spouse: Erin Mackie
2009-09-10
This month, we hear more about the inspiring journey of Erin Mackie - the new Events and Marketing Manager at INSPIRED

Jasmine: "When, from where and why did you move to Beijing?"
Erin: "My husband and I were living and working in Toronto, Canada. He works in the film industry and had been back and forth to China a few times, on shoots for Chinese feature films. About two years ago, the company decided to open a Joint Venture in Beijing and asked if he would come to help get it going. We hummed and hawed a bit about making the move- our first international relocation- and ultimately, his 90-year old Grandmother INSISTED that we take this opportunity. Now, it's hard to believe that we ever resisted moving- it's been an amazing experience for both of us!

Jasmine: "How would you describe your first 6 months in China? Honeymoon period, acute culture shock or a combination?"
Erin: "Definitely a combination. I was so excited to be here on a new 'adventure', yet I had next to no command of the language and a limited support network. My husband's office is relatively small- and he was the first expat employee. Consequently, I had to stretch my comfort zone in order to find the resources we needed to settle in, and the social circles that we needed to enjoy the process. Some days were extremely difficult, and some were downright disheartening, but the times when I managed to accomplish something through my own devices were glorious. Fortunately, as time goes by, it's more of the latter!"

Jasmine: "What was your main professional identity prior to moving to China?"
Erin: "My experience is primarily in management and coordination for television and documentary film. My most recent position 'at home' was as a production manager for Canada's national broadcaster, the CBC. I was really fortunate that I was able to continue my relationship with CBC when I moved to Beijing- they were the Canadian rights holder for the Olympic Games, so they contracted me to work with them during my first year in Beijing."

Jasmine: "And after that?"
Erin: "After that very busy summer, I had a relaxing vacation!!! And then, I started to think about how I would fill my days. I have been working full-time since I finished school, so I didn't know how to 'not work'- being a lady of leisure doesn't suit me. I realized that I am not very happy when I am bored. The lucky thing is- in Beijing there are so many opportunities to get involved, especially on a project-basis. I've realized that my skills are very transferable- I've copy-edited; hosted a TV show; managed the logistics for The Bookworm International Literary Festival and worked with a non-profit for youth and cross-cultural education. And now, I'm here at INSPIRED, as the Events and Marketing Manager. I've learned so much- about China, about expat life, and about myself!"

Jasmine: "Is this all in line with long-term career goals?"
Erin: "I believe that everything you do helps to mould your long-term plans, in one direction or another. In my case, all of the projects I've undertaken have helped developed my skills, and have brought me into contact with fantastic people and resources. I have no doubt that my China experiences will help propel me towards my long-term goals, which include finishing my MBA and running a cultural organization."

Jasmine: "What appeals to you about working for INSPIRED?
Erin: I wish I had discovered INSPIRED in my early China days. It's great to be involved with events that stimulate and support the skills of expats, whether they're executives, job-seekers, entrepreneurs or expat spouses like me. It's refreshing to know that there's a growing community of people who want to continue to develop their personal and professional identities while they're overseas, and it's exciting to explore all of the opportunities that are here for us!"

Thank you Erin for this inspirational message!