Jannie Aasted Skov-Hansen, based in Copenhagen, lived for seven years in Asia. Today, she navigates and advances opportunities for accompanying partners to keep their professional identity abroad.
Photographs: Céline Martin-Pedersen
Text: Natalia Sepitkova
Jannie’s story is unique yet similar to the life journeys of internationals in Denmark. It is not only inspiring but also addresses issues that many internationals encounter after arriving in the country. Despite being Danish, Jannie experienced firsthand what life is like in a foreign country and the challenges that internationals face at the beginning of their journey. After arriving in Denmark, she chose to assist foreigners in navigating their new environment.
Jannie studied Organisation Psychology and Danish studies at Roskilde University and had her first child, Linus, during her studies when she was 26 years old. At that time, her husband (also a Dane) was offered a job in Nepal, and they decided to take the leap and move to the southern part of Nepal to do development work. She continued her studies long distances and pursued opportunities to develop professionally, including interning at UNICEF and working part-time in a consulting company. “When in Nepal, we had our daughter, Malika. We came back to Denmark in 2007, and I wrote my thesis alongside working part-time for Novo Nordisk in international HR on a global project,” Jannie says. “Just after having my third child, Sophia, my husband Thomas again asked me if I was ready for yet another adventure: A new expatriation to Central Asia. I had never heard of Kyrgyzstan, and it took me a little while to say YES to this opportunity. Eventually, I quit my job, and we moved together as a family of five. And I never regretted my decision to move to this wonderful place, full of lovely people and beautiful nature.”
Jannie raised her children in an environment and culture that was diametrically different from the one she was used to in Denmark. How did she cope with it? “I cherish the time I spent with all my children and that I could be attentive and present with them during their early years,” she admits. “We were lucky to have nannies in Nepal and Kyrgyzstan, which allowed me to fill my cup with activities outside the home. If I were to point out one challenge, it would be the health care and support that was somehow different from those in Denmark. Still, this would never outweigh the immense joy it has been for all of our three children to experience living in a new country. Being part of an international community is a wonderful experience, and we still keep in contact with Nepalese and Kyrgyz friends today.”
Life in Nepal and Kyrgyzstan
Although she boldly decided to follow her husband to Asia twice, which also meant starting from scratch in a foreign country, with every move, she had initial plans for her professional development. At the same time, she also remained open to new opportunities. “I truly believe in the power of networking, being curious and finding meaningful ways to engage locally. In Nepal, I learned the language and was given the opportunity to work part-time on communication projects. In Kyrgyzstan, I got the same opportunity, and my feeling of identity loss decreased because I had something ‘to put on my business card’,” Jannie says.
During her adventure abroad, she got a brilliant mix of experiences because she had been quite strategic in developing herself. She had learned the Russian language to a basic level, worked for the NGO DanChurchAid, taught at a university and was Chair of the Board at an international school. In addition to her career, she also developed her inner life. “I liked the more soulful, religious aspects of both countries. I explored yoga in both places and stayed balanced and playful because of the many inspiring and supportive people I met.” Jannie also confirms that life and culture in Central and South Asia differed from Denmark's. “And I enjoyed the more fluid ways of interacting socially. When living abroad, we are not bound by our calendars and traditional activities during the year in the same way. We got to spend Christmas and New Year skiing with friends. We travelled and basically became closer as a family.” But, in general, she thinks we all share the passion for creating meaning and doing the best for our family. It doesn't matter what part of the world we come from.
"It took time for me to adjust to the social life in Denmark again and reestablish a connection to my friends. You, of course, become a bit out of mind when you have been out of sight for many years. Being a “Repat” is indeed the most challenging part of moving internationally."
Expats’ dual careers
Despite all that, she was anxious about her job and future career in Kyrgyzstan. She was aware of the problem many internationals face when they move with their partner abroad, even though they give up their well-established careers back home. “This is how I got the idea to create Here We Are Global in 2016,” explains Jannie. “With my recruitment know-how, my lived experience and inspiration from a range of inspiring people crossing my path, I ventured out to design a new solution to the dual career challenge: Companies face difficulties in sending employees abroad when the partner also has a work life that matters to them. Instead, we talk about the dual career opportunity: That we can find meaningful engagement and grow our skills and competencies – also when a paid job is not possible right away.”
For accompanying partners, for example, this means they can develop their skills through learning new languages or requalification of their education. Volunteer work also can contribute positively and sustain a professional identity while abroad. Jannie supports and helps advance opportunities. “With Here We Are Global, we offer online inspiration, 1:1 support and workshops for travelling partners and dual-career couples. We have developed the Here We Are Competency Matrix as a resource for anyone to see their global career from a fresh perspective. When a job is not possible, we can still expand personally and professionally. We can create projects, develop network groups and events and make an impact. With our community, we are that global backing group you sometimes need when you feel lost in transition. So, the mix of career advice and existential psychology is what makes our solutions holistic and unique.”
Jannie also co-authored a book with Paul Vanderbroeck - Here We Are: The International Career Couple Handbook, which is for international career couples who wish to create a strategy for a meaningful life together. The word together is significant because the decision to start a new life in a foreign country should always be the decision of both partners. And it's important to talk about it together, especially when both partners have professional careers. The book guides you to carefully consider your values, dreams and non-negotiables so you can say yes or no to new opportunities.
How is it in Denmark?
Is Denmark helping enough expats’ spouses? I asked Jannie. “I certainly see improvements in how, e.g., companies and Danish municipalities now pay much more attention to the well-being of families. Many small entrepreneurs have their heart in supporting internationals and families. I truly wish to see even stronger collaboration between established organisations and the brilliant people who work tirelessly to put dual careers and the well-being of internationals on the agenda and create solutions for the actual pain that many expat partners face when they are not able to pursue their purpose in life in a new country. I believe in the mix of support and a person’s initiative to create meaningful lives on the move.”
Jannie has seen numerous people succeed and find their way in Denmark because they actively chose to stay curious and bring their skills into play. They received rejections and had disappointing experiences in the job-seeking process. Yet, they persevered and crafted their own story of making it into a Danish job market that is not easy to navigate. “My advice would be to connect and show that you are trusted already by someone in your new country. Engage and contribute and do things that you love to do. While applying for jobs, engage yourself and have people vouch for you. This is often when opportunities occur, and life takes interesting turns.”
Hidden migrant
During the interview with Jannie, we also discussed another topic that is no less important for those who decide to live outside their homeland. Some fully integrate into a foreign country, acquire citizenship of that country and never return home. However, some return to their homeland after a few years of living abroad. “There is a phenomenon called hidden migrant. When coming back to your home country, you tend to see your own culture with fresh eyes and start to wonder why we do things as we do,” explains Jannie, who came back to Denmark in 2016 and was lucky to get a job in the same company she was working before her journey abroad.
“It took time for me to adjust to the social life in Denmark again and reestablish a connection to my friends. You, of course, become a bit out of mind when you have been out of sight for many years. Being a “Repat” is indeed the most challenging part of moving internationally. Mostly because we do not prepare for it. We think it is like driving your car into the garage. But it also takes a lot of effort and energy for the entire family.”
Jannie’s portfolio career
In 2020, she decided to become an independent consultant and pursue her passion for developing Here We Are Global. She also conducted leadership development and took the first steps toward becoming a change management instructor. During the pandemic, she accepted an exciting job offer: to be the Project Manager for establishing the first public international school in Maribo, Lolland, which opened its doors in 2021.
At the beginning of 2022, she started full-time doing change management training and coaching of leaders and talents. “I run a portfolio career and enjoy creating value in different arenas. With Kamp & Co., I support leaders, employees and teams to grow through a strength-based approach. This gives me immense joy, coaching people and growing a new company with my very experienced and wise colleagues, Morten and Camilla. I also do online and physical training in change management and consult on projects within HR, organisational development and change leadership,” she describes her current work.
“With Globally Local, I am specifically helping with a new project: establishing the next public international school in Kalundborg with Thomas Mulhern and his great team. The mix of international and local students in a bi-lingual school is a fantastic way to help international integration into Danish society. The challenge is often to feel settled enough to stay in Denmark. More bi-lingual schools might help with this.”
If you're interested in purchasing the book Here We Are: The Relational Career Couple Handbook or learning more about Jannie's company, visit her website: www.hereweareglobal.com
