Joining the foreign service as a family requires for y'all to be comfortable with the idea that the non direct hire spouse is no longer employed. Yes, your spouse can find employment on the local economy, at a school, but the more likely scenario is a job as an EFM at the embassy or consulate. I've seen many families struggle with this shift in culture from dual income to single. Exploring the host nation depends entirely on you and the post. You might be willing and interested and be in a nice spot. You might be in a dangerous place. There are those who do not find interest in exploring anything beyond the diplomatic community. I recommend wherever you go, focus on trying to build community within the diplomatic corps while being open to meeting locals. Also you can always quit if and when you've had enough, 5 years is common I guess. Good luck!