Success Tips for Expat & International Careers

Expat Stories: Big in China's Alan Paul on Blogging and Balancing Passion and Practicality for Success Abroad

Imagine being settled into a comfortable life not too far from New York City. Things are going well for you professionally. You feel secure, confident and in control of your future. All in all life is pretty good. 

Now imagine your spouse being offered a job half way around the world in a country you know little about. A place where you are certain that there would be few local professional prospects given you don't speak the language. A place where you know no one and have no idea what living would really look like. Understandably, you experience a gamut of emotions from excitement to fear and everything in between.

You decide that, despite your fears, you'll embrace the adventure and dive in head first - moving with your spouse and three kids to Beijing, China. 

What follows is the story of Alan Paul, author of Big in China. In his book he writes about moving his family to China when he wife was offered a three year assignment as the Wall Street Journal's China Bureau Chief. Alan shares about his experiences in becoming a stay-at-home dad and a successful expat blogger, as well as connecting with the local community and building a band that went on to win "Best Band in Beijing".  

Given what  Alan has accomplished, I'd say the man is a true rock star in many senses of the word. Alan serves as a great example of what is possible when you can fully engage in the expat experience and don't let your fears hold you back from pursuing your passions overseas.   

Expat Stories: Acclaimed Author & Fine Art Photographer Living 'As the Romans Do'

Photography by Diane Epstein

Diane and Alan Epstein are both great examples of what is possible when you commit to facing whatever obstacles you encounter head on in order to realize your dream of living and working abroad. They went from owning a business in San Francisco to living in Rome as an acclaimed author and fine art photographer that exhibits her work worldwide.

I first met Diane during a creativity workshop she was running in the Roman countryside about 6 years ago. Her passion for creative expression and photography was obvious even then. I recall speaking with her at the workshop about her struggle with the choices she had to make to resolve her creative interests, her passion for photography and her work and training as a therapist. Fast forward to today and Diane has since gotten clear about her true passions - she is doing what she loves to do in the country she loves to do it in. 

I've been fortunate to come to know both Alan and Diane over the years. Their passion for ideas, for Italy and enjoying the richness of life in all its forms - be it through word or image - is contagious. Who they are, how they live and the life and careers they've built for themselves always remind me how much we can achieve if we truly commit to making our dreams a reality.

Diane has graciously agreed to share about her and Alan's story. So without further ado, I give you Diane...