INSPIRED is being launched in Beijing!
2007-09-15
How exciting and scary! I have now launched INSPIRED and can’t believe the project has come to fruition. If you want to hear more about why I started INSPIRED, I invite you to continue reading.

One evening in April 2006, my husband suddenly asked me, “Do you feel like moving from Zurich to Beijing, China? I got offered a job there.”

My immediate response was, “Yes! What a great career opportunity! We should go!” But then I asked myself, “Am I ready to give up my good job, my support network of inspiring friends and my rather fulfilling and comfortable life?”

I thought, “Well, I am a rather outgoing person, so meeting new like-minded friends should be easy. Also, with my background in finance and solid professional qualifications, finding a job in China - Land of Opportunities - should be no problem.” Also, I was convinced I would soon find various support networks to help me build a fulfilling life in China.

In September 2006, my husband, my two children and I landed in Beijing. We moved to our new home and quickly felt comfortable in our new surroundings. Life was so exciting. After a few months, my husband was very busy with his highly demanding project and my children were very happy at the British school they were attending.

With everyone settled in, it was time I got involved in something. Something that would leave me feeling inspired and energized; something that would give me a sense of purpose; something that would open the doors to China’s many opportunities.

Following the initial plan I had mapped for myself back in Switzerland, I started taking Chinese classes. I truly enjoyed them. The second part of the plan was to look for job opportunities. Unfortunately, the third part of the plan, which was to start working, ideally part-time, was not successful. Most recruitment agencies I contacted informed me that there were plenty of Chinese chartered accountants who, like me, were fluent in English and had international experience.

“Fine,” I thought. “I’ll take it easy for a few months.”

But taking it easy was not easy. I met some very nice friends so my social life was pretty busy. But I missed a solid support network; I missed a sense of purpose; I missed my professional identity; I missed the inspiring, energizing and empowering opportunities I had left behind in Zurich.

In June 2007, I decided to conduct a survey of expat partners in Beijing. The results confirmed that I was not the only one struggling with my new identity.

Within a few months, I decided to launch INSPIRED with a clear mission: to be the life & career transition support for expat partners in Beijing.