Global mobility and the career of the stay-at-home partner

Abstract

Purpose Contemporary global mobility and dual careers are two key features of working life today. Little is known, however, about where they intersect, where one partner travels for their career, while the other partner is left behind, caring for the family and attempting to manage their own career. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the partner’s career is impacted by the traveller’s absence, and the strategies employed to enable their continued career development. Design/methodology/approach The paper employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on semi-structured interviews with the partners of international yachtsmen. Findings The findings highlight the prioritisation of the traveller’s career, for reasons of finance and their passion for their career. The implications of this could be detrimental to the partner’s career. Personalised, flexible working arrangements are essential in order for the partner to achieve a sustainable career of their own. Research limitations/implications The gendered nature of the sample provides an opportunity for further research examining the implications of the female being the traveller and the male the stay at home partner. Practical implications The paper examines a range of alternative strategies for maintaining or developing the career when also faced with additional family responsibilities. Originality/value This paper gives consideration to the career of the stay at home partner. A new dual-career strategy is identified – the entrepreneurial secondary career strategy, which has the potential to deliver the flexibility required to manage both work and family demands, and allow partners to enact their authentic career.