Making space for connection with Sim Khandaker

If you’ve been in the Foreign Service long, you see the same questions asked again and again in Facebook and Reddit groups. At some point, you stop answering, roll your eyes, and scroll on. But if you’re new to this nomadic life, these questions are so important!In this episode, we address some of the most-asked questions and share our top tips for Foreign Service life.We’d love to hear from you. What questions do you hear again and again? And what's your best advice?Schedule a quick interview on this topic or on our previous topic — things you love that others hate (or vice versa). https://availableworldwide.net/be-a-guest-on-our-show/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Lauren interviews Lisa Crawford about her Likes and Dislikes as part of the current series. Learn about some of the unique challenges of the Southern Hemisphere's seasons that Lisa wasn't expecting when she was assigned to Wellington, New Zealand. Lisa reveals her distaste for ______, even though everyone else in her family adores it and the convenience and variety available in New Zealand. Then find out why she loves a food that's frequently cited as "meh," and her specific preparation methods to help skeptics enjoy it. Find out what fabulous new appliance has changed life in Lauren's household and share our experiences of adjusting to the cooking challenges of unfamiliar kitchens.Find recipes similar to Lisa's at: Crispy Dipping Fingers (for Air Fryer or Convection Oven)Tofeta This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

It's time for a new topic! What do you love that everyone else hates? What do you hate that everyone else loves? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Are you ready to share your nostalgias and “missing outs” with us? In our next few episodes we’d love to hear what you “Value More Now that it’s Gone.” You can sign up for an interview time at the “Be A Guest on our Show” tab at availableworldwide.net In this episode, you’ll hear from Steph and Lauren about some of the things they value now that they don’t have them in their lives. I’m pretty sure you won’t guess the first one Lauren shares. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

After years of living apart, Tracy Huang joined her partner at a post where she was able to keep her job. Now at a micro-post where she’s not allowed to work, Tracy is discovering life as a “real” EFM for the first time and is thankful for the community she’s found during the journey. GUEST BIOTracy Huang is currently based in Samoa, where she’s exploring painting, online facilitation, and aerial yoga while on extended parental leave from her communications and strat ops job in tech. When not figuring out life and chauffeuring her two boys to fire knife classes (without fire...so far), she enjoys snorkeling, accidental gardening, and editing YouTube videos to convince friends to visit her Polynesian home.Check out Tracy’s videos at https://youtube.com/@islander_travels Connect with Tracy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracythuang This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

With 22 years an Eligible Family Member (EFM) Carla Gray has a lot of people to be grateful for. One thing they all have in common? They've recognized her strengths and boosted her confidence to try new things. In this episode, she shares a few of those stories. She has paid their support forward by helping others recognize their own strengths and skills, even if they have a "patchy work history." Carla's BioCarla Gray is originally from Oklahoma and has stayed true to her roots, pioneering her way through seven tours across four continents to live to tell the tales of medical evacuations, unaccompanied tours, and political unrest. She is a resume writer, career care coach, poet, graphic designer, florist, and amateur painter. She believes there is no greater adventure than learning a new skill. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

As a first-time Foreign Service accompanying partner, Sim Khandaker was surprised and saddened when all his new friends PCSed and left post. But he’s since found community through chili cook-offs and game nights. And he’s made connections across continents, including with our very own Lauren Steed. Sim is offering his coaching services to community colleagues through a free workshop on how to bounce back strategically from layoffs. Register today: https://balancedatlast.com/workshop/Guest Bio:Sim Khandaker is a relationship counselor turned executive & career coach with 15+ years of experience and a background in corporate Fortune 100, education, and global 100 companies. His work focuses on building a balanced life for individuals, repairing relationships (couples, teams, family), and supporting career development from college students to the C-suite. Sim is the owner of Balanced at Last, where he provides FREE monthly workshops and 1:1 coaching to help clients gain professional clarity, build strategies, and create action plans to start living a more balanced life. In Oct 2025, Sim launched a podcast to address the psychology behind professional development, including the mental and emotional barriers to professional success. * Learn more at https://balancedatlast.com/* Connect with Sim at https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhandaker This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Perhaps predictably for November, we’d like to show a little gratitude for some of the many kind things EFMs have done for us. 🙏 In this episode, Lauren and Steph share a few personal anecdotes to kick off the conversation. We want to hear from you!Share a short story about a time another EFM has done something great for you. Schedule a short interview on our calendar: https://availableworldwide.net/be-a-guest-on-our-show/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Unlike many State Department EFMs, Chris’s experiences are shaped by her husband’s role with DOJ. How did she break out of her comfort zone and find a community that is worth retiring into?Chris Lang has been an EFM at four posts now, and at her current age of 61, she has figured out how to settle in, connect with others, and be happy wherever she is. She knows the importance of doing what you love and finding like-minded people. She enjoys being active (through hiking, biking, walking, and pickleball), working with refugees, playing Mahjong, cooking, reading, and hanging out with friends. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Guest Bio: Emily Cornell, ACC is a storyteller, strategist, and coach helping women navigate change. A fourth-tour EFM, she’s also dedicated to uplifting Foreign Service accompanying partners. Her coaching combines intuition with a co-creative process, always remaining grounded in strategy. Through her relatable approach, she strives to create space for clients to tap into their courage, creativity, and strength. Whether one-on-one or in groups, she fosters community and resilience, helping women thrive on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Emily is committed to creating a trauma-informed space, is credentialed by the International Coaching Federation, and is a Certified Designing Your Life coach.Learn more about Emily’s work as a Change Coach for Women: https://www.emilycornell.com/Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilycornell/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com