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Embracing Change: Being employed and an entrepreneur at the same time, how is it possible? First-hand advice for navigating Dual Careers as a Female Expat in Germany
Many talented international women decide for this option in order to fully develop their potential: They work in a part-time job and are their own boss as German law makes this possible. However, it can be challenging focusing on two careers at the same time. In this blog, I will delve into 5 powerful strategies that can pave your way for success in managing two careers concurrently. Through firsthand accounts from international women who are navigating this journey, I will uncover valuable insights.
“Change is hard at the beginning, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end. Robin Sharma”
Introduction:
Change in life is hard, particularly for expat women navigating unfamiliar environments and career landscapes. The realization that career trajectory may differ from your home country’s norms or be disrupted by external factors can be unsettling. In today’s dynamic landscape, where traditional career paths are evolving, many female expats including myself start/ed to explore alternative career models. With the flexibility provided by German law, it is possible, with some restrictions, to be an employee and an entrepreneur at the same time. Changing for a dual career is seen as an opportunity for growth rather than a hurdle to overcome. Nevertheless, „Change is hard at the beginning, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end,” states already the famous author Robin Sharme, and for sure, opting for dual careers presents its challenges. At the same time, it is increasingly appealing. Embracing this change and starting to implement these 5 key powerful strategies brings you a step further towards being a successful manager of your dual career.
Strategy 1: Establishing Clear Goals and Boundaries and communicating them
One of the primary challenges of balancing dual careers is establishing clear goals and maintaining a healthy boundary between the two. First, define clear goals for each career path for eg. becoming an expert in the field of your profession and being an entrepreneur in your field where clients reach out for you with ease. Once having defined such broad goals, it is very helpful in breaking them down into small steps defining for yourself what are the measures that bring you there and what are the daily tasks you need to implement in order to head step by step in the direction of your bigger goals. Second, set up clear boundaries in order to organize yourself when you want to do these tasks on a daily basis and the time you allocate for your employment and entrepreneurship. Setting clear boundaries is not always easy, particularly when it comes to „saying NO“ for example to additional appointments or on-site meetings that are too time consuming as you need to calculate as well the commuting time to get there. Thus, it could be a good alternative proposing to meet online, instead. Of course, it depends on the particular situation, sometimes the additional effort to meet in person is necessary to reach your goal, too.
Maria, juggling a part-time job and her entrepreneurial venture, emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries. “I designate specific hours for my job and dedicate separate blocks of time for my business,” she shares. “This separation allows me to fully focus on each role without feeling overwhelmed and stressed. My secret tip is to communicate these boundaries clearly with your employers and clients to manage expectations effectively.”
We can learn from Maria, setting clear boundaries by organizing your time and communicating this with the key stakeholders involved such as your family members, your boss, colleagueas, clients and your network contacts is very crucial in order to be able to fulfill the tasks in each role. It is essential avoiding overlap and key for your work-life balance and personal well-being.
Strategy 2: Building a Support Network
Navigating dual careers can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Building a robust support network comprising family, mentors, peers, and community groups can provide invaluable guidance, encouragement, and resources. Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges of balancing multiple career roles can offer support, inspiration and motivation as well as endurance in challenging times. Collaborate in co-working space or creating a support group with other entrepreneurs sharing similar goals and aspirations and meeting them on a regular basis, can boost your creativity and motivation in challenging times.
Sahar, another female international in Berlin, emphasizes the significance of support networks in her dual career pursuit. “Having a supportive community for my employment career and a different one for my entrepreneurship has been key in my journey,” she asserts. “Whether it’s seeking advice, sharing experiences, or simply receiving moral support how to deal with a particular challenge or setback has been immensely reassuring. It`s sometimes just about knowing that I’m not alone in this endeavor. Additionally, wheter in my employment career or in my entrepreneurship, it has been vital for me as well to get professional support from a business and entrepreneurship coach and a mentor. „Both supported and still support me in my dual career aspirations. „My secret tip is to actively engage with different networking events and on- and offlineline communities tailored to female professionals and international entrepreneurs.”
These insights from Sahar show that a broad support network in each of your career with peers, groups, coaches and mentors can give you not only advice but as well the necessary motivation for the next step in reaching a specific goal.
Strategy 3: Embracing Flexibility and Adaptability
To successfully navigate dual careers as an expat woman in Germany while juggling part-time employment and entrepreneurship, setting boundaries is as important as embracing flexibility and adaptability as your guiding principles. Recognize that each day may present unique challenges and opportunities, requiring you to pivot and adjust your plans accordingly. Be open to reevaluating priorities and schedules, allowing room for spontaneity and innovation. Embrace the ebb and flow of both professional pursuits, understanding that flexibility is key to achieving balance and success in both realms. Cultivate a mindset of resilience is key, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. Adaptability will be your greatest asset on this journey.
Aisha, an international woman facing the dual challenges of career transition and entrepreneurship, underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability. “Be prepared to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances,” she advises. “Flexibility is key to navigating the unpredictable nature of dual careers. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. My secret tip is to cultivate a growth mindset and view setbacks as learning experiences.”
Strategy 4: Cultivating Patience and Resilience
Success in managing dual careers doesn’t happen overnight—it requires patience, perseverance, and resilience. Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities and maintaining a positive mindset are crucial for long-term sustainability. Recognizing that progress may be gradual and nonlinear empowers individuals to stay focused on their goals despite inevitable challenges. Cultivating patience involves trusting the process, understanding that achievements unfold at their own pace. Small steps over a longer period of time such as 1, 2 or even 3 years can as well lead you in the right direction of your bigger goal, wheter it is in your part-time job or in your entrepreneurship. Then you have to be aware that for both you have only a defined amount of time, so it is clear, everything you want to achive, takes longer, so it helps practicing patience and celebrating small achievments on a regular basis.
Dual career needs as well a lot of resilience seen as bouncing back stronger from setbacks, viewing them as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. By embodying patience and resilience, expat women in Germany can navigate the complexities of part-time employment and entrepreneurship fulll of energy and determination.
Anna, managing her own business besides a job, underscores the importance of patience and resilience. “There have been moments of frustration and self-doubt along the way,” she admits. “But staying resilient and trusting the process has been key. My secret tip is to celebrate small victories and milestones, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.”
Strategy 5: Clear Communication
Having a part-time job as a Recruiter and my entrepreneurship, I share with you my personal tip emphasising the importance of communication: Clear communiction. Clear communication is paramount in your part-time employment and entrepreneurship. It’s not just about expressing yourself but ensuring that others understand and align with your vision. Articulate your needs, boundaries, and expectations clearly and assertively with employers, clients, and colleagues to ensure mutual understanding and alignment. Open channels of communication—whether through email, group chats, or calendar updates—facilitate prompt addressing of issues, fostering transparency and trust. Regular updates on progress and challenges maintain accountability and manage expectations effectively. Embrace active listening and empathy to navigate cultural nuances, ensuring meaningful connections. Consider documenting important agreements in writing to mitigate misunderstandings, particularly if German isn’t your native language, fostering clear and transparent communication for long-term success.
Conclusion:
In the dynamic work landscape of Germany, managing dual careers as an dedication, expat women like you requires determination, but the rewards are profound. Through clear goal-setting, boundary establishment, and the nurturing of support networks, individuals can carve out their path to success. Embracing flexibility, adaptability, patience, resilience, and empathic communication serves as the cornerstone of this journey. While change may seem daunting, it signifies growth and opens doors to new opportunities. By taking small steps, each one infused with purpose and dedication, expat women can unlock the full potential of their dual careers, thriving in both entrepreneurship and part-time employment in Germany.