In the latest episode, Hayley welcomes Katie McWilliams, who reflects on the challenges of redefining her identity as a trailing spouse in Luxembourg.
Mom Life in Luxembourg is a new parenting podcast made for all English speaking parents here in Luxembourg. From crèches to crémant, we'll cover everything you need to know about raising kids and living your best life in the Grand Duchy.
Please note that even though the podcast is called Mom Life, dad's are absolutely welcome!
My second guest on the show is Katie McWilliams. She is the mom of two boys, originally from Philadelphia, USA, and moved to Luxembourg about two years ago. Katie’s story of expat life actually begins with her marriage to her husband, Ian, who grew up a third culture kid.
Dutch mom, American dad, raised between the UK, USA and the Netherlands – it sounds wild but is actually pretty typical here in Luxembourg!
She was always impressed by his extensive travel experience, and the way he looked at the world from a global lens. She thought moving abroad would be a great opportunity for her kids if they ever had the chance. When the chance presented itself shortly after Covid with a work opportunity for her husband, they packed up their bags and left. And then the adventure began!
For Katie's entire adult life, she was first and foremost a professional business woman, defining much of her identity by her career successes. Moving here, however, she found herself with a new title of 'trailing spouse,' and, not being an EU national, was actually not allowed to work!
This was a monumental shift in her life and that, compounded by a 'Big Birthday,' brought up some big feelings. This episode is all about how Katie was able to redefine who she is by going back to her roots of volunteerism and finding her tribe through giving back to the community.
Katie is currently the Head of Membership at the American Women's Club of Luxembourg. The American Women's Club is an English speaking social club with over 200 members from around the world.
Fun fact: you don't actually have to be American to join. Their mission is to foster and encourage social, educational, cultural and philanthropic activities among their members.
In addition to Katie's Luxembourg story, we also chat about the club and What’s On for the holiday season. Spoiler alert: The Halloween party for kids, 'Trunk or Treat' is happening 19 October! We talk about giving back and what it was like bringing gifts to underprivileged children in Luxembourg through the AWCL's major philanthropic effort, 'Gifts for Kids.'
I do hope you can find a moment to listen, and that you enjoy the show! If you like this episode, please leave a comment. Or even better, please share it with a friend. If there's a topic you'd like to see covered, or you're interested in being a guest on the show, please email me at momlife@rtl.lu.
Let's build this village everyone says we need but nobody can actually find, together!
Now what are you waiting for – listen on RTL Play, iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
