Another difficult topic. This varies from country to country and from corporation to corporation. If you're thinking of working as an expat spouse you'll have to do lots of research before you can figure out if it will be possible. All I can tell you is that it is possible but it won't be easy. So where do we get started?
First and foremost you have to find out what kind of visa you're getting. Many countries limit the amount of work visas. You will probably get the family visa. Governments don't want foreign companies bringing an unlimited number of employees to take the job of their local people. Therefore they will only allow one work visa per household. If you apply for a permanent visa the rules may change. But most companies will aply for a temporary work visa for its employee and the family will have the visa by association. It is easier to get the visa this way and it's also cheaper. If your spouse is on an expat assignment long enough you may qualify for a work visa.
That being said, some companies have policies that support working expat spouses and will hire good lawyers to try to get them the work visa. If there is this possibility in the country you're moving to. And if this is agreed up front.
If you want to open your own business and invest in that particular country your chances of getting a work visa will improve a lot. Lots of countries welcome foreign investment and will reward the investors with the visa. But be prepared to deal with all the bureaucracy to open the business and to get the visa. I know this is not easy in Brazil and in Mexico. Not only there is the bureaucracy but there's also the corruption. And you can find yourself in a catch 22: If you give in to corruption you may risk not opening the business, if you get caught you won't get the visa. And if you don't pay off you risk not opening the business. I know for a fact that this is not easy.
Another option: you can work illegally. But once agin, you're taking a big risk. And this one can also cost your spouse his or her visa. Not likely, but a possibility. One way to succeed this way is if you're a photographer, a tutor, a personal trainer or have any kind of job that doesn't require an employer. This could be something to consider. You can work for other expats and locals without the need to establish a company or provide receipts. I am not advising anyone to take the illegal route, I am just keeping it real. I have a friend who's a great cook and she started catering dinners to friends. It is working out really well.
Or you can keep you job abroad. I have another friend who's a journalist and she kept her job. But she has to split her time between 2 countries and she spends a lot of time away from her family. This is not the best solution if you have small children. But this is not her case. Still, she's very happy with her decision and travel schedule. She talked to her boss and they agreed on the flexible schedule. And she also gets to do some work as a correspondent when she's in Brazil.
Maybe you can get your employer to transfer you. This would qualify you for a work visa. If you think your company would do it, this would be your best bet. But this is expensive for the company and many employers won't agree to do it. The problem is not only the cost of the visa but also all the labor laws in foreign countries. But I've seen this happen. It it worked out really well not only for the companies but also for the couples.
And you can also consider a sabbatical. It may not be too bad. Or do some volunteer work. There's a lot to choose from. The Newcomer's Club and The American Society can help you find a volunteer opportunity.
The bottom line is, if you want to work abroad you will need to do your homework before you agree with your husband to take the expat assignment. Talk to HR of your company and of your husband's and find out if they will help you. Get this answer in writing. Go to the embassy or consulate of the country you're considering and ask questions. Talk to your colleagues working in that country. Talk to your husband. Ask everyone what can be done. Find out who can help you. Decide what you really want. This will avoid lots of frustration later on. And if you're a reader of this blog you know there'll be plenty of frustrating times...
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