You’ve made it. After years of living and working overseas, you’re finally back on home soil. The sun’s out, the flat whites are great, and you’ve finally stopped converting everything back to pounds or US dollars.
The lifestyle decision feels right. The family’s happy. You’re loving (re)discovering local haunts and reconnecting with old friends.
But the job? Well… it’s not bad. But it’s not exactly lighting you up either.
When I returned and found myself navigating the same sense of uncertainty, I clearly remember one of my fellow expat-repat friends saying – with brutal honesty – “At the end of the day you’re going to have to choose: is it the money or the sun?” And by “money,” he wasn’t just referring simply to salary – he meant career momentum, opportunity, and the high-energy, high-stakes environments we’d become accustomed to overseas.
That comment stuck with me. Lying on the beach not long after, I found myself asking: how do I redefine my career purpose? While arriving at a career crossroads is something many of us face – expat or not – I believe expat-repats feel a particularly strong pull to find meaningful ways to continue drawing on our international experience, knowledge, and networks once we return home. Not just because it’s our most current and relevant currency, but because we’ve seen firsthand how valuable that perspective can be to others.
This situation is more common than you think – especially for returned expats who thrived in roles that were diverse, rich in challenge and deeply engaging. Now, back on home soil, many are searching for the kind of meaning and impact they once took for granted. And wondering what to do with their international knowledge, skillsets and network
Interestingly this was one of our biggest cohort of enquirers with the InSync Club. Many have secured their next role, but are now asking: What do I want from this next chapter of my career? How do I create meaning and impact in this new context?
If any of this sounds familiar – you are far from alone.
Why It Feels This Way
When you’ve thrived in global roles filled with diversity, complexity, and constant learning, it can be jarring to return to a more narrowly defined role or smaller market. Many returnees find that while they’re glad to be home, their professional identity feels underused or unfulfilled.
And despite bringing valuable international experience, networks, and strategic insights, the Australian job market doesn’t always know how to absorb or fully value these attributes straight away.
The reality? One role simply can’t provide it all.
It’s Not About Leaving — It’s About Expanding
Before you jump to ‘I need to find a new job,’ consider a different question: How can I use what I know beyond the boundaries of my current role?
In other words, it’s not about abandoning what you have – it’s about expanding your definition of contribution. There’s untapped potential in exploring adjacent opportunities that build on your global insights, leadership experience, and strategic thinking.
There are multiple ways to apply your experience and energy beyond the 9-to-5.
Four Powerful Pathways
- Advisory and Board Roles
Your international perspective is a real asset – particularly for scaling businesses and emerging sectors. Advisory boards (such as those supported by the Advisory Board Centre) offer an opportunity to contribute strategically, stay commercially sharp, and broaden your professional influence. - Mentoring Startups and Scaleups
Startups are hungry for experienced voices who have navigated global complexity. Business leaders such as Trena Blair from FD Global Connections, champion the power of mentoring in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Offering guidance – formally or informally – often gives you as much as you give. - Academic or Industry Affiliations
Affiliating with universities, research centres, or professional bodies helps you stay connected to emerging ideas, develop talent, and remain intellectually stretched – through guest lecturing, advisory groups, or partnerships. - Panel Participation and Guest Speaker Roles
Sharing your insights through panels and guest speaking opportunities not only builds your personal brand but helps shape industry dialogue and keeps you at the forefront of trends.
The Hidden Upside
Building a broader portfolio of engagements does more than restore a sense of meaning – it:
- Builds your personal brand and visibility as a strategic leader
- Diversifies your opportunities and future pathways (whether within your current organisation or beyond)
- Expands your network in ways that support your next career chapter, not just your last one
And crucially, when the next big opportunity does come – you’ll already be prepared, connected, and informed on what great looks like …for you.
You Haven’t Made a Mistake — You’re Just Not Done Growing
If you’re feeling underwhelmed or uncertain, don’t panic. This is a normal phase of repatriation. You’ve made the right choice for your life – now it’s time to creatively shape the next chapter of your career.
You don’t need to rewrite your whole story. Start by expanding the chapter you’re in.
Because no – this isn’t it. You’re just not done growing yet.
Wondering what’s next and how to use everything you’ve learned abroad and at home? The InSync Club is a professional community full of people who’ve been there – come join the conversation.
