Organise your life
Eliminate potential problems. A Problem with respect to your family or a conflict situation may exist within your home life, and may need attention prior to your departure. Whatever your reason for wanting to work in Antarctica, it should never be to run away from responsibilities or problems at home. Don't hesitate to seek professional advice if you are worried, or are having difficulty in reaching agreement in an area of conflict.
Discuss issues involving mixing socially with those of the opposite sex. Is your partner concerned that you will be spending time in isolation with other men or women? Has this issue been a problem before? Do you trust each other?
It would be unrealistic to expect either person not to be involved in social activity during separation. Talk about your expectations of each other, establish the guidelines and agree on what is acceptable to each of you.
Keep in mind that each of you may be fearful of the danger of a trauma or crisis occurring at home or in Antarctica, or of someone being injured or dying. Treat this concern with care and be mindful of not brushing aside these fears as being ridiculous-they can be very real, and it is only natural that this fear of death or serious injury is a major worry when people are facing a lengthy separation from loved ones.
Discuss what you would do 'if...'? Who would your partner turn to in the event of a crisis? It is very important to consider how you would both handle a crisis such as death, accidental injury or illness in the family during the separation. Set up a plan to cover these times. Where it is possible, a good back-up of family and friends is a most important aspect of a successful separation. It gives both of you peace of mind and a sense of security.
However, in today's changing society we often find that people do not always have a good depth of supportive back-up or (as was more common in the past) an extended family to turn to. There are many people who live great distances from any family members, and may not have a close friend living nearby to call upon for help during a crisis. The Antarctic Division's Expeditioner Liaison and Training Coordinator (ELTC) would be able to offer assistance during these times, and could arrange for suitable support and back-up. If you are aware that your loved one would be left in this position it is important to inform the ELTC prior to your departure.
It is recommended that you organise your finances so that your dependants are not left with any money problems. If you have arranged a separate allowance for your family we suggest that, in addition, you could consider giving authority to your bank manager to release extra money in the event of an unexpected need.
Attend to legal aspects such as the preparation of a Will and Power of Attorney. It is extremely difficult to undertake some legal matters while you are in Antarctica. Please consult your Solicitor for advice appropriate to your needs.
Consider the role changes which may occur. All of us undertake roles, be it of wife, mother, husband, father, daughter, son... Within these roles we perform tasks, and in the household those tasks are often assigned on that basis. You and your partner must decide now on a redistribution of those tasks.
Those at home will assume new and unfamiliar duties, and will be responsible for extra tasks. This creates new demands and stress. You both need to be aware of the effect that these extra responsibilities may have, and should prepare the task load with thought. Those left at home should not try to take on too much: that will cause stress and, in the long term, resentment. It may be that a gardener may need to be employed, or the neglected family car needs overdue attention or replacement. Ensure that any potential hazards are taken care of.
During this time those involved will start to come to terms with the reality of the separation and what it means. There will be low times, and emotions will be mixed and confused. Although your family may be happy and excited for you, there will be times of sadness, anger, annoyance, restlessness, and a 'cloud of sadness may envelope your normally happy home.
All of these reactions are quite normal under such stressful circumstances, and you should take great care to remain patient and understanding with each other
