Why I Left France | EXPAT DIARIES

[@michelguevara151]

I'm french and came back to france after 30 years. big mistake. just getting my papers in order ate 4 years of my life and burned my life savings. I'm now living in a studio of barely 12m square , I lost everything. no friends, no family, barely understanding people at times. a state that treats you like shit for not coming home rich, that assumes you are lying because well, french leave france if they want to earn decent money, right? I'm 48 and unemployable, all my work and education history means nothing here. all those years I was proud to be french overseas, now I hate my country and will never have the money to leave. I won't get a pension, I would have to work full time until I'm 92.. if some one is prepared to employ me, fat chance. I'm 50 in less than 2 years. saving for a demented party to end it all. my advice to french expats is : do not come home, you *will* regret it.

[@zak7578]

To be fair if you leave any country for 30 years you are no longer considered a resident. You may have the nationality but that's it buddy. You're just experiencing what many immigrants and non European French experience - discrimination. Welcome to the real world. Why did you go back ? I assume you were living in an Anglo-Saxon country (I´m guessing by the overly optimist attitude you had about life here). Even for French people finding a job in France is rarely ever easy. The French are known world over to be cynical, pessimistic and highly critical. You are French. Sorry but you should have known better. Why not just go back to where you were?

[@Rocknrjiii]

Sorry to hear that..I really hope things get better for you. And I hope I don't go through this. Coming to france next month(I'm not french)

[@Anonymous-to3ht]

@@zak7578 Soooo!! You're telling me that it's better to don't leave the country even if we are sure that our life will be better in another one? (Specially when it's about english countries like what u just said). For you, french ppl shouldn't leave france is they do it just thinking of a better life outside? That's a real question dude, l'd like to get your pov about that

[@MrRezillo]

@@zak7578 This was a really mean and nasty comment. to make to someone who is having a rough time in life. I see your comment is three years old as I write this, but you should be ashamed of yourself. I hope if you hit a hard spot in your life no one tells you "you should have known better " and "go back where you came from".

[@MrRezillo]

This is an old comment, but my heart goes out to you. I hope tout marche meilleur pour vous maintenant, and you didn't have that "demented party to end it all". I wish I had more to say, but I do wish you well, however things are going for you.

[@xpat73]

France is a fantastic place to go on holiday. My parents have a house in Normandy and I have vacationed many times in Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Provence, Paris and the Loire valley. I just love it. But people should not confuse vacation with living and working there. I would not want to live there.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

Hard disagree! In France there's a huge demand for construction-related jobs. You can get a career without even asking. I can't say the same for Canada 😤.

[@chezruss]

Absolutely agree - I wish someone had told me that before I came here and sunk most of my savings here...

[@YouPeasant888]

Hi Regan. French guy here. I'm sad to hear that this experience was so disappointing for you, but I can understand it. All our administrative procedures are a headache, employment of young people is an issue, unemployment in its globality is a serious problem. Prices are high compared to US (especially hi-tech products) and wages are not exciting (mainly because of ~21% charges). I'm just starting to earn for a comfortable living at... 42. If you don't have a network or don't know the right person in the right corporation then it's very difficult to succeed professionally. I personally disagree with the way how the state uses the money from our (huge) taxes. You were born in a different culture, so I understand "We are young healthy, working adults and are paying sooo many charges and taxes for those who are not" because there are A LOT of these "who are not". This, and our health care system, are a huge money pit until... you become one of these "who are not". Please don't be mistaken on my words : I'm not answering you angrily, I'm just saying that I slightly disagree even if I totally understand you. We just cannot throw out all these people, and dealing with them is another problem. Europe in general is an old and harsh place for young people with lots of ideas and projects. I just think you made a wise choice. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to move to a better place... France is a nice country (at least for spending holidays) and I sincerily hope you'll come back later with a fresher heart. Until then, I wish you the best for all the projects you have in mind. It's a pity that we didn't have the opportunity to know each other. Kind regards and friendship from France. Nico

[@ReganShorter]

Nicolas, thank you for your kind comment!

[@camembertdalembert6323]

On the contrary, France is a paradise for young people. You have free education, you can go to university nearly for free. You don't have to get into debt to pay your studies, like many american students... That is why we have administrative procedures.

[@dragonmartijn]

A paradise, until you want to start an enterprise...

[@camembertdalembert6323]

since 5 years it is more and more simple... and it was under a socialist gouvernment. I know that, I am my own boss.

[@dragonmartijn]

Congratulations. Are you working for one client or more? Do you have staff?

[@emmadinneen9525]

When I moved to Korea for work, I arrived with a job, a provided apartment and my flights paid for, and I still had so many hiccups and meltdowns my first year due to constant confusion and unexpected problems. I can't even imagine how tough it would be to try and build everything from scratch in a new country with a totally different system. You are brave and have accomplished so much! If you ever want to try being immersed in French again but don't want to be so far away from friends and family you can always try Québec! I moved there this year to improve my french and I have loved it. The world is full of options for the future:)

[@cookinginseasons2248]

We've been here 4 years and it's been hard. We talk ALL the time about moving back. We have 4 kids and feel very dug in here but I completely get it.

[@zak7578]

People not living in France tend to see the country through rose-tinted lenses. The government has no idea what it is doing. This year the bac was 80% coursework. University education in France is seen as cheap and shitty unless in a really innovative domain. The fixation with the degree needing to match the desired profession just complicates things. Americans, Australians etc. think France is amazing at first then it's like a huge shock. They assume they just need to learn French. That makes little difference. The Brits know better few of them come here. France wants to have a rich privately educated elite with a communist style low wage, low skilled population living on social welfare. The people who find jobs generally do 1 year at uni or go straight into job specific training after school.

[@fyodorkaramazov2136]

Too bad. In short, you're just like most of the young French these days, starting up in life against the absurd administrations paperwork and the wasted labour market is more than stressful.

[@ReganShorter]

Unemployment is so high for young people as well, that I knew it was unlikely for me to find a salaried position as well... and then going through the work to switch my visa/residency wouldn't be worth it.

[@kotare86]

Regan Shorter It's tough to be an English teacher in most countries in Europe. Salaries would be good in Korea or Japan (in China much lower but you could well there since everything is much cheaper)

[@djamelmeldja5441]

Well done Regan ! You took the right decision. And I am sure that your experience in France will give you more confidence for the future. It's a real asset ! Bonne chance ;-)

[@valerieayla4687]

I think you made the right decision that aligns with you! Thanks for sharing! When there is so much effort and unsatisfactory results it's important to pay attention and check in with yourself and reassess! 🎈🌷

[@knucklehoagies]

Been to france before. It's a nice place to visit but I can't imagine living there. You pay outrageous taxes and have to depend on the government to take care of you. French administration is worse than all the DMVs in the US combined and the country is very behind the times in terms of technology. The country is overrun by immigrants putting further strain on their government to take care of more people coming in. Kudos to you for leaving. France is a hard place to live. Even those born and raised there are constantly dissatisfied with their lives.

[@neilbradley]

We had a similar experience, only it was on the business/financial side. 1700 Square foot office building in a suburb of Paris cost >30K Euro/mo. The business is being moved to Portland, OR with similar size, closer in to town, for $5K/US month. Though I can say that I really found Parisians (and the French) in general as personable, cordial, friendly, etc... and would love to go back to visit. Sorry it didn't work out for you, but what a great experience regardless and I bet you and your boyfriend built quite a few memories!

[@ReganShorter]

Woah, that is a huge price difference! Yea, for what I wanted to do, living in France just didn't work for us. I'm very happy to be back in the states and it was the right choice for us. We almost moved to Portland! I agree about the people being really great. Almost every person I met was really welcoming (unless they were working) and just really kind. How long have you been there for?

[@neilbradley]

I've lived in Portland since I was about 14 months old, so... 48 years? ;-) Nice city, but not without its problems. Traffic here is horrible. Portland (the city itself) has a bad homeless problem, largely due to the prior mayor allowing people to camp on any public land (including parks). But there are plenty of places that are nice. Housing prices are going insane. Lots of restaurants and breweries (sadly, not a beer drinker) and there's plenty to do, especially if you're the outdoorsy type. The Columbia River gorge has all kinds of opportunities for hiking/climbing. Mt. Hood/Bachelor are excellent ski areas. And my personal favorite, we've got a couple of race tracks - one in the city, and another east of the city. Lots of small towns to check out, like Hood River, The Dalles, etc... I think I'm talking myself into staying. ;-)

[@ReganShorter]

Yes! I was pretty surprised by the housing pricing when we were scoping out apartments. I'm glad we ended up moving back to my hometown, because it's so cheap, but has a lot of "city" conveniences. We're also seeing a surge in breweries now that Oklahoma is loosening it's liquor laws. But I'm not a beer drinker either... c'est la vie! It sounds beautiful and I'd love to visit one day!

[@czeliaca2734]

I totally feel what you're saying in the other way around. I had a great salary in france for my age thanks to my studies that allows me to not worry about that - even in France - but my boyfriend was always struggling for work and worrying so much. We moved to Canada and I just feel relieved about that ! Honestly though, the tax thing, I guess in order to understand it you have to understand how the whole system is working. And it can be hard sometimes to see where your money's going.

[@rhythmandacoustics]

Montreal , Pleateau Area?

[@belettedemer4956]

Typical american : young and healthy today, maybe sick tomorrow. I think you didin't fully live in France like us, cause of your visa limitation maybe. For now, I feel damn safe in my country. We dont have less salary than you, we just pay tax for the future of all our society. This is individualism vs socialism. The young french like me are very open to the world : a lot of us speak english (maybe with a lot of mistake) and try to understand other culture. For the stress, i don't really understand why americans seem to have less anxiety than us : look at the situation of the world. Anyway, glad you come to France ! :)

[@Eldyra]

“We’re both young, healthy adults.” Funny how quickly the healthy part may change, even when you’re young. I’m from Germany and I’m also healthy right now. I’m still glad that I won’t have to worry too much about money if I ever get seriously sick or pregnant. I gladly pay more taxes for me and other people to be able to enjoy these benefits...

[@christianmarcel7766]

Totally agree! I’m French and the system is basically similar to the German system. I now live in the US, Boston, but their system is completely crazy. The living conditions can be very low. Many people, especially Europeans who live here, call the US “ the richest third world country”.

[@christianmarcel7766]

Here, people are going bankrupt because of the healthcare system, people can’t pay their student loans and pay a mortgage at the same time and afford a descent car. Let alone saving for their retirement. The system is absolutely crazy and many people have to work until their 75 or even 80 years old. For these reasons and some others, we have decided to move back to France. Their system is not sustainable when you have children. It’s perfect when you are young, healthy and without children, but as soon as you plan ahead and start to have children and have to make plans for their education, make sure their insured, and make sure you won’t depend on them when you retire, the US is just not the right fit.

[@melissamartins5110]

Thank you so much for the honesty

[@Arfabiscuit]

I have lived in France for 7 years it's like living in the stone age compared to London . Which suits me fine as I am an ape man fishing hunting and roaming the hills of les Cevennes .

[@KemmyEm]

Welcome back! I am sorry you had to leave, hopefully, you will get to visit. Keep the videos coming :)

[@EvelynYanguez]

I missed you and your videos! Thanks God you are back :-D ! Thanks for your honesty and openness with all of us. Hugs!

[@ReganShorter]

I was feeling really burnt out and needed to take a step back from KZbin before I could share how I felt without offending people. I'm glad to be back!

[@EvelynYanguez]

Regan Shorter Very wise decision my dear. Very mature attitude ;-).

[@Zehahahaa]

Just say it, Frenh people are famous for being rude and Competitive with their travelers from their country, I understand the whole (French arrogance and hierarchy in society) its still no excuse you can have any type of custom and culture and be nice to others

[@ReganShorter]

This isn't why I left, and I don't find the French to be rude. The people I interacted with were kind and welcoming.

[@jacqueline8559]

They've all been lovely to us in the 5 years we've lived here. Guess because we have respect for them.....

[@timotheemarchese1459]

Same situation here for us. Can't wait to leave France. At this point anywhere woud be an upgrade.

[@ReganShorter]

That's rough, I'm sorry to hear that. Do you know when you're leaving or where you're going next? Even a year later, I still hold the believe that it's a great place to visit, but not somewhere I want to live long term.

[@brietoujours1343]

@@ReganShorter I live in New Mexico and need to move...any suggestions of better places in the United States?

[@ReganShorter]

@@brietoujours1343 Feel free to message me on Instagram for a quicker response! What kind of scenery/places do you tend to like? I love NM, but I also love the desert and smaller cities in general

[@joshchotiner]

What was the deal with the second freelance activity with classes and 250€? I was able to add a second activity as a translator on at the URSSAF with no problem whatsoever, so now I'm worried I haven't crossed all my T's and dotted ai my I's...

[@ReganShorter]

Josh Chotiner Mine would be as an artist and I would have to pay a fee and take the week off classes

[@Gnabasik]

I'm so happy you're back!!!!

[@romanarnaut4384]

Thx for honesty

[@TopG80]

I moved from Vancouver to cannes. Been here 2 years and I feel ya. Difference is I was born in Europe and left when I was small and have my European citizenship so work is easier for me to get than you but it's a nightmare with cdi and cdd bullshit. I'll give it a little bit more cuz the weather is good compared to Vancouver if not onward to Vienna. Lol. Cheers girl

[@justpeachy4393]

Curious what it was like for you to work as an English tutor... I'm thinking of doing something similar (just moved to France a little over a month ago). Did you like it/hate it? And how did you find students? It's not really what I wanted to do but I'm thinking it will be temporary until I can potentially become certified as a life coach and work remotely. My husband is also a grad student here and his program is 2 years.. we'll see what happens after his program ends! I've enjoyed watching your videos and hope that things go well for you!

[@ReganShorter]

I started by working in a local company in my city. They got the students and I planned my classes and tutored one-on-one. However, the schedule would change a lot and the income wasn't very consistent so it was very stressful for me. Plus, I'm not passionate about teaching and it would take me a long time to plan classes. I ended up taking an online job with VIPKID. I like that I don't have to plan classes, so I can work more (which means more money!!). Plus I can choose my hours and they're a lot more consistent. If you're thinking about teaching, I would look into that site! How is the transition going for you?

[@justpeachy4393]

Thanks for the info! It's been going well for me so far. My husband is in grad school but makes some money as a research assistant, and I've been able to save some for the past year I was working in the US, which has helped. We also have a 1-year-old baby, which has been interesting--but he's been happy so far! I totally get the whole 'the hassle isn't worth it' thing. I've had my days too already--it's a lot of bureaucracy to put up with for possibly only staying a couple years. But I think people like you who put out content about how to survive here has actually been super helpful for me at least, so thanks! Or 'Merci', but I'm sure you're tired of hearing French all the time lol :)

[@mansoornahra1560]

is it good traveling to France for visit?

[@ReganShorter]

Yes, absolutely!

[@bozzoh7854]

Bonjour Regan. Je vous écris en Français plutôt qu'en Anglais pour vous rappeler quelques souvenirs ... . J'ai regardé plusieurs de vos vidéos qui sont très intéressantes et sympas. Mais vous voilà rentrée aux Etats-Unis désormais. Je le comprends parfaitement puisque ce sont vos conditions financières qui vous ont amenée à ce choix. Personne n'est à l'aise, ni ne se sent en sécurité, quand on vit à l'étranger avec trop peu d'argent. Obtenir un permis de travail en France semble effectivement difficile pour les citoyens Américains (seuls les citoyens de l'Union Européenne n'en ont pas besoin). Mais l'inverse est aussi vrai pour les jeunes Français voulant travailler aux Etats-Unis. Celà me me semble d'ailleurs aberrant que les US et l'UE soient aussi défiants vis à vis de leurs citoyens respectifs. Vous soulignez avec raison la problématique de la fiscalité et des taxes qui plombent l'économie et l'emploi en France. De fait, vous avez mille fois plus d'opportunités de vous en sortir chez vous. Dommage pour la France de perdre des jeunes gens dynamiques, qui plus est amoureux d'elle, comme vous. Peut-être que lorsque vos finances se seront améliorées vous pourrez revenir nous voir, avec votre famille, et même vos amis. En attendant, profitez de vos retrouvailles. Amitiés.​

[@ReganShorter]

Merci bien, tu es trop sympa! Je reviendra cet été pour les petites vacances!

[@bozzoh7854]

Avec grand plaisir de vous revoir sur notre sol ! A bientôt

[@kazinoor9812]

Visa is a huge problem in France in my personal experince. Thanks for sharing !

[@jacqueline8559]

My husband, myself and 2 grown sons got our permanent residency visas last month, with the aid of a Social worker who knew the system. Yes, bureocracy is huge, but French people are so kind and caring. We kept EVERYTHING, FROM FLIGHT TICKETS INTO FRANCE, PLACES WE'D RENTED, PROOF OF HOUSE PURCHASE, ETC, you name it, keep it. Send it off, got our cards 3 weeks later.!!!! "No problems at all. You have to know the system and follow it to a tee.

[@rickymak7209]

in terms economy, usa is a lot more dynamic. gotta admit, some days france is very difficult.

[@ReganShorter]

I think it will be interesting to see how Macron's ideas affect the economy in France... or if they do at all! I found a lot of his ideas really interesting.

[@rickymak7209]

yeah, i hope things will change here soon, if not i am worried that in ten years France will be like Portugal right now. youth unemployment rate is 25-30 percent, it is insane. so many young people are relying on "Chômage" or other form of Sécurité sociale.

[@ReganShorter]

I was shocked by that statistic as well! That's part of why I chose to teach English, rather than looking for a job in marketing. I knew I'd be able to find word faster, even if it paid less.

[@camembertdalembert6323]

increasing inequalities, that's an interesting idea...

[@califmike2003]

Was it difficult to get a visa for teaching English how did you go about that and how much did it cost you to do that I'm very interested in doing that in France ?

[@ReganShorter]

Peep my video about moving to France. It's a long story!

[@soheilbehdarvandirad9094]

Hello dear Regan and thanks for all the videos and information. I was actually looking for some details about France, Germany and Spain in order to compare them and make a decision affecting my future life when I realized you are an English teacher as well; so I thought maybe I could ask for some help for making up my mind. I live in Iran and did a CELTA course 2 years ago in Berlin and have had one year of experience teaching English (in Iran obviously). I will finish my MA's in TESOL here in two years and then I would apply for a PhD abroad. Learning another language can create opportunities and a lot of changes in my future career but as I said I'm doubtful between those 3 languages. Having the experience of living and teaching in France, what's your advice for an almost-rookie like me. I'd so much appreciate your help.

[@ReganShorter]

To be honest, I would examine why you want to come to these countries to teach. There are a large number of English teachers already. If you are dead set on Western Europe, then go for it! Otherwise, I would suggest looking into other countries that pay better 💕

[@nonmagicmike723]

Makes sense. That's why I'll always prefer low taxes + low government services even though I'm far from rich.

[@clarissenowrouzi5749]

Hi Regan, i like your video , i'm 15 years old , i'm french and i've quite a good level in english i think ( C1 , i should have B1 at my age ) I love your country , your culture , your movies ( well only the old ones from the 40's and 50's ) and i know most of your history including all the names of your presidents since the date of your independance : 4 July ( date of my birthday ) in 1776 . I love also my country France and our culture and our language and actually i say you congratulations for having the courage to learn this language ( la langue de Molière ) it is a very difficult language to learn like all latinian language because of the different tenses and still tofay most of french people have problem with french grammar . Well i don't know if it's a great idea or i become a french teacher in the US in the future now i really hope, i can go to Sorbonne University , you know i have to say that most of people who go in vacation or for living in the US are quite equiped and almost rich. I know how much it coast for you to just come here in France and have you had any security paper ( an equivalent of ESTA for exemple ) because we have to think that the US feel more superior than and other country and always want to dominate the world . I mean you said in one of your previous vidéo that it took for 4 month for you to be eligible for any work . But in the US, you must have a green card if you want to live there . I don't know if Amercan people needs this kind of paper if they want ro live in France . Just tell me if i can one day come and live in your country well i will be a french teacher here or à business woman or a researcher to find new technologies to prevent or to cure people with cancer or desease or i can also work in humain ressources . Just give me some tips please . Thank you in advance and sorry for the grammar mistakes it is due to the french translate who translate and words they didn't recognize. 😊😉

[@ReganShorter]

Hi Clarisse! I wish I could help you more, but I don't have experience with the process of visas or green cards for the US. Maybe there is another youtuber who has done this? I wish I could help!

[@reehji]

You don't need a green card to work/live for the U.S. It depends on country by country cases. At least here in Silicon Valley, most young Indians and Chinese have to spend about 8 years to get a green card (most have masters, and a good amount have phd's). I know for other countries it's quicker. Two other common ways to work and live in America is via company internal transfer, and work visa (H1B). You can also try to apply for USA education in STEM field, and get a job afterward (i think the current time frame is that you need to find a job within a year to stay). However, to go for a master in USA without additional support will cost a lot of money. If you pick the right field (ie: software engineer in SF Bay Area), you can easily land a first job with 100k+ total compensation and most companies will help you sponsor for a green card. It's not free/easy money, as the area is competitive with people working over 50 hours a week, meetings on odd hours (other places around the world), and constant learning outside of work. However, it's a good way until you can look for better opportunities while working and obtain your green card. If you don't have a green card and the company let you go when your H1B status is gone, you must go back and reapply.

[@sandramike5486]

Is it easy to find teaching jobs at international schools or regular school in paris? Do they cover accomodation? I know the salary isn't that high but are there well paid Teaching positions?? Please help! :)

[@ReganShorter]

I've never lived or worked in Paris, so I can't speak for that city. This is a pretty complicated topic, that I'm not sure I can answer in 1 comment. There are many English teachers in France who are from the EU or French, thus they do not need to be sponsored for work visas. Beyond that many language schools (in my experience), do not hire English teachers as salaried employees so they wouldn't sponsor you anyway if you're hired there. You need to find another way to get a work permit. It's much easier for some countries, like Canadians, to get work permits than it is for an American. If you're looking to give it a try, TAPIF might interest you. Otherwise, I would contact your consulate to see what they suggest!

[@amalijarrah1757]

Regan Shorter can I ask why is it easier for Canadians to get work permit the Americans ? Also were you in a holiday visa ? Thanks

[@ReganShorter]

It is easier because of the agreements between the 2 countries. I'm not well-versed in Canadian politics, so I can't tell you much beyond that! I had a visa profession liberale that allowed me to apply for a titre de sejour. You cannot legally work on a holiday visa.

[@sandramike5486]

+Regan Shorter I'm from the EU so visa isn't an issue. But I wonder if getting a full time job is possible at a public french school(they require capes?) or international school preferably? Do u know if int school are strict (do they only accept native english speakers)? I speak english but im not from an english speaking country.

[@amalijarrah1757]

Thank you for the reply ❤️

[@Eumaeus5]

When you say freelance. What exactly do you mean? were you teaching random people in one on one sessions or working for people looking for a teacher for a class?

[@ReganShorter]

I was an registered as an "auto-entrepreneur." I worked with various teaching companies in France and online. You could also do what you are describing where you find your own students and teach them directly!

[@KajileL3]

Regan Shorter How did you get the AE status? (Also, if it was your boyfriend who was in grad school there, what type of visa did you get to stay for a long time and work?) I have been looking into the AE to be an independent English teacher/tutor in France, but it is so confusing and seems super complicated. Did you have to have that as your part of your long-stay visa? If you could make a super detailed, step by step type of video about that, I am sure it would be really popular for years to come, as well as very useful for folks like me! 👍🏽

[@ReganShorter]

@@KajileL3 hey! My partner was on a student visa. My Visa was "profession libérale" and then I applied for AE once I was there. The requirements for this visa weren't consistent from consulate to consulate when I applied. I would suggest contacting your designated consulate to ask about it, and then clarify what is needed for the application. My original visa application was rejected and I put my new file together really quickly in order to leave on time.

[@thehourglassfan3515]

If I had to choose I’d choose USA 1000 times.

[@lamborghinidriver5174]

UK and USA best

[@blossom_rx]

Sounds like self-justification for me. I feel sorry, that this didn't work out well for you, but wouldn't it be worth the risk to pay the registration fee for freelance work?

[@ReganShorter]

I *literally* could not afford to take a week off work to attend the classes and pay the 250 euro fee.

[@gustavoparedes5157]

how long have you been living in france?

[@ReganShorter]

I stayed for a year and a half before leaving :D

[@earlem9771]

Wow enfin tu es de retour...

[@ruthvanhulst7824]

Especially the friends-and-family part would get me too... also the anxiety.. my god i would die

[@marielisec.a.3072]

Oh yeah the job/income insecurity must have been so stressful... o_o We are planning to move for good from Quebec to France with my French partner and that's my main source of stress. Easy for him as he has a double master in mech. engineering from a french grande école and a canadian university so it will be easy to get a job back home but I have a Master in Information Studies... It's not as easy to find a job. So far, I only find internships and in Paris, where we absolutely don't want to live... Crossing my fingers I don't end up as a check out girl at Lidl. Nothing wrong with that but with a Master degree I'd be pretty depressed. Still excited about our plan but trying to moderate my expectations for my career... :/

[@ReganShorter]

I feel your pain! We definitely did not want to live in Paris as well. Hopefully, it will become easier once you get there! I believe it's a long process in general to find a position. Maybe your partner will have some connections that might help as well.

[@bozzoh7854]

Recent graduates with working experience do not have many problems in finding a job in France. I'd say they're the sole working category that companies like to hire. Do not hesitate to ask your, or your partner, extensive network to find a job. It's often very useful.

[@Florence3121]

@ishaannayyar But in Quebec optimism/a positive attitude is everywhere, contrary to France.

[@quest-cequecest217]

To each its own. Perhaps, France was NOT for you. Do what's BEST for you. Continue to be happy.

[@jcben]

Sorry it didn't work out for you.

[@izy-mobile6269]

You hate it so live it its just this simple

[@izy-mobile6269]

@WketDZ it's time to learn to take care of your business, or close your mouth, as you wish.

[@mcilhenny8]

because your american?? Duh...

[@ReganShorter]

There are plenty of Americans who have lived in France for decades.

[@jaytaylor7740]

You're, not your. Thanks.

[@rahulrana5122]

I love u

[@afghancuisine_qbm1274]

U did the very right thing its just weast off time living in here

[@franrivas3219]

Am american goes to China and asks the first guy he encounters: you speak English? Yes, says the Chinese guy. Wow! China is great; they speak English. A Chinese dude goes to the US and asks the first guy he encounters: you speak mandarin? No, says the American; and you’d better learn to speak English if you want to make it here.

[@ReganShorter]

What conclusion do you want me to get from this?

[@Timolucas]

pretty lady

[@zgirl1385]

Socialism vs capitalism. Seems someone learned the difference. Now go tell your friends how good we have it here.

[@ReganShorter]

🙃 you missed the point, but alright.

[@zgirl1385]

@@ReganShorter Actually no. I was raised in France. I get why you came back to the US You are lucky you could. Imagine all the French kids who dream of the chance.