An Interesting Assigment
By Carolyn Scott
In the Spring of '98, as President of the FSCA, I was very involved with the issue and process of Spousal Employment within DFAIT. The background and related issues had been well articulated by the hard work and considered views of people like Judith Gould and Kate Preston. The Spousal Employment database and website were being prepared by Leanne Ray-MacKenzie and many others. The Committee Heads, Frances Dawson and Judy Meyer, were forging ahead with plans. The Executive members were eager and excited. Nancy Fraser and her Bulletin staff were full of ideas for successful presentation. We had a good working relationship with Management. The Conference lay before us as a blank - but expectant - canvas. Few people realize how many others it took to make things happen! But they were exciting times!
I am so very pleased with the enthusiasm, support and outcomes of the Conference in November 1998. I remember, most happily, the meeting in September '97, with Louise Aubin, Jane Cook and two women from the French Embassy in Ottawa when the 'germ' of this conference was first planted.
In the autumn of 1996, when Leanne and Frances and Penny Irwin (Vice President of the FSCA '97-'98) and I, - as it happened - were participants in a Spousal Employment Workshop sponsored by DFAIT, at which the objectives were to develop skills in finding paid work within - and without - the department.
In the spring of '98, both Penny and I were called and found contract work which was interesting - and which ultimately led both of us "into the system" where our particular interests and expertise - after more than thirty years in the 'service' - were recognized as valuable.
My particular background as a former Real Estate Agent in Ottawa, was useful as the property- information aspect of my contract unfolded. As I realized that the next step in the work I would be asked to complete was coinciding with my husband's posting abroad, I examined more closely the whole process, and concluded that the work might just as well be done from abroad.
I wrote a proposal - which, in effect, became the basis of my contract. I continue to work with the Physical Resources Division in improving information about DFAIT properties abroad.
Because of our peripatetic lifestyle, my supervisor and I recognized that I would be unable to work full-time upon landing in a new city. Being further challenged with finding new accommodations, and obtaining new fittings and furnishings, I am still not able to work a 37.5 hour week. However, through the marvels of electronics, I am in direct communication by telephone, fax and e-mail with the people I need to know, and equipped with the information I need to have, and all from a work station here in the Consulate in Munich. The work continues apace.
I enjoy the contract very much because it brings together many elements of MY foreign service.
They include the life I've shared with my husband for over 30 years and seven overseas assignments. My previous real estate expertise, the contacts with other posts - known and unknown. Finally there is the opportunity to have my previous knowledge, my experience and my expertise recognized.
I encourage DFAIT, the FSCA and rotational spouses to be creative and determined to find more opportunities like this. Spouses, with an accumulation of foreign service experience and talents, can - and should - be employed abroad as Canada-based staff, and in Ottawa wherever and however possible. The FSCA spousal employment database provides a wonderful venue for advertising opportunities - both ways.
Where/how can spouses be employed - at home and abroad:
We need:
- Surveys and studies as outcomes of the Human Resources Strategies
- Analyses of personnel, technical and financial information
My personal experience makes me positive about these opportunities. Don't be afraid.
Jump into the employment pool. Advertise and market your skills, experience and knowledge.
Best of luck - and best regards to all.
Carolyn