Working internationally can be an exciting next step in private service. It may mean supporting a family across several homes, travelling with them, relocating overseas or working in a role connected to a yacht. But the opportunity is about more than the destination.
International roles can bring variety, responsibility and the chance to build lasting relationships with a family. They can also involve changing plans, long journeys, unfamiliar surroundings and time away from the people and routines that matter to you.
Before deciding whether this kind of work is right for you, consider what you want your day-to-day life to look like.
Are you comfortable travelling at short notice? How do you feel about working across time zones or adapting to a family’s changing plans? Would you enjoy relocating, or would you prefer a role that involves travel but keeps a home base? There is no single right answer. The important thing is to understand what each particular position involves.
The details matter. Ask where the family spends most of its time, how much travel is expected, what the usual schedule looks like and how time off works when you are away. Find out who you will report to, what support will be available and whether the role is based in one home, across several residences or aboard a yacht.
Travel expectations deserve particular clarity. I recently spoke with a candidate who had accepted roles after being told there would be extensive travel, only to find that little or none took place. Family plans can change, of course, but it helps to distinguish between travel that is a regular part of the job and travel that may happen occasionally—or may not happen at all. That gives everyone a more realistic picture from the start.
It is also worth discussing practical arrangements early, including the proposed contract, accommodation, travel costs, insurance and any right-to-work or visa requirements relevant to the role. These are part of understanding the opportunity, not awkward questions to leave until the last moment.
International experience is not only about speaking several languages or having lived abroad. It also calls for curiosity, discretion, sound judgement and the ability to adapt while remaining dependable. Just as importantly, it requires an honest understanding of your own priorities and boundaries.
A role may sound remarkable on paper and still not suit the life you want. Equally, an opportunity you had not previously considered may be a very good fit once you understand how it works in practice.
A thoughtful conversation before accepting a position helps both the family and the professional make a confident decision. The best international appointments are built on clear expectations, mutual respect and a realistic picture of the life the role will involve.
Written by Debbie Willmott, Co-Founder of The Family Concierge Collective