The Pickering Family. Cameron, Axel, Heidi, Max & Jethro

Life doesn’t always go as planned, and our journey from South Africa to Costa Rica, and later from Costa Rica to Spain, is a testament to that.

What began as an exciting leap of faith turned into a rollercoaster of challenges, personal growth, and hard-earned lessons. Through every twist and turn, one thing remained constant: my commitment to my family and my determination to thrive in the face of uncertainty.

This blog, Expat Wife Hustle, reflects that journey—the highs, the lows, and all the lessons in between. I hope to inspire others to embrace change, no matter how uncertain the road ahead may seem.

I was born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), but at only a year old, my family fled the country as refugees. We settled in Port St. Johns in the Transkei, where I learned early on how to adapt to constant change. By the time the Transkei was reincorporated into South Africa in 1994, I had already learned the importance of resilience and adaptability—skills that have stayed with me throughout my life.

These early experiences shaped my approach to change and uncertainty. From the political turmoil of Zimbabwe to the remote landscape of the Transkei, I learned that change is inevitable, but growth is a choice. Moving from one uncertain situation to another taught me that thriving isn’t just about survival—it’s about embracing the unknown and evolving with it.  I spend most of my adult life living and working in Durban, South Africa.

Moving abroad can be exhilarating, but it’s also challenging, especially for expat spouses and partners, regardless of gender or maritial status. I quickly realized how many, like myself, struggled to find work and maintain their sense of identity in a new country. That’s why I created Expat Wife Hustle—a platform designed to help expat spouses and partners find employment, prepare for interviews, and navigate life abroad with confidence and purpose.

Whether you’re trying to find work in a country with language barriers, adjusting to new cultural norms, or simply looking for ways to feel more valued, I’m here to help. Through this platform, I aim to guide you toward professional success and personal fulfillment while living as an expat.

Through Expat Wife Hustle, I offer practical advice, guidance, and support to help you:

• Find remote or local job opportunities while living abroad.
• Prepare for job interviews and understand the nuances of applying for work in a foreign country.
• Navigate the complexities of expat life, from dealing with cultural differences to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Build an online career, such as teaching English or freelancing, to create flexibility and financial independence.

Whether you’re just starting your expat journey or looking to take your career to the next level, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

My life has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, each one teaching me valuable lessons about resilience, growth, and adaptation. I created Expat Wife Hustle to share those lessons with you and to help others around the world feel empowered, confident, and capable of achieving their professional and personal goals—no matter where they are.

If you’re ready to overcome the challenges of expat life, take control of your career, and start building a future you’re proud of, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s hustle together!