I became a trailing spouse when I moved to Europe for my husband. I don't regret putting my family before my career.

• Fen pivoted her career from acting to writing.
• Fen allowed her husband to become her provider, and doesn’t regret putting family over her career.

I don’t regret choosing family over my career

Ultimately, I’ve prioritized my family over my profession, which has been very rewarding. I’m learning to view my husband’s success as mine, and he’s responded with the same excitement for my writing milestones, such as the 2026 launch of my debut picture book.

Moving to Prague and Zurich with my husband and becoming a “trailing spouse,” a term I both love and hate, has taught me about letting go, shedding the identity and pride I had as an actor. It’s challenged me to reinvent myself and persevere in new spaces. In gradually switching from stage to page, I’ve had to show up, do the work, and be ready for opportunities when they arrive. 

And although I spent my 20s and 30s with an ambitious, career-driven mindset, I’ve now made peace with letting go of the relentless pursuit of success, at least the kind that is defined by cars, cash, and careers.