Working in France

Hi - give us a clue - tell us a little more about yourself age, - qualifications, skills, hobbies etc.

There are enough expats + groups to help you settle, but for a while you might end up being house-husband/partner.

Hi. Thanks for your reply.
I am 34, I have been a warehouse operative for 15 years but I don't mind put my hands to anything. I am worried that because I don't speak French it will be complicated to find a job.
Apart from that, I often go to the cinema, I like good food, going out for a drink, this kind of stuffs.
How long have you been in France for? Do you work there? How do you like it?

Hi - Montauban is a small town -55,000 people but growing as more people move from the north of France for better weather and reasonable job prospects with Airbus + associated industries in Toulouse.

We have been here 30 months and love it - we are older - I took early retirement - my pension is just enough to live on - the idea was that we would live on our savings as necessary - but such is the demand for English teaching that we are earning enough to leave our savings intact. Retirement didn't last long - but at the momemt I'm only teaching 3 hours a week, but my wife is a lot busier. It's also a great way to make friends among the French. This year we must stay up for soup at 5am on Jan 1 - we are considered wimps because we left the New Year's Eve party at 3am last time.

We love France and the French people - Montauban is a "down to earth" town - think Wigan or Preston or Darlington- and there are not many expats, though there are plenty in the neighbouring villages and smaller towns.

Paris for you is a different kettle of fish - I think for work you are really looking at bar jobs - plenty of British style pubs - choose one to drink in regularly, tell the boss you're looking for a job, and if your face fits ....

Teaching English is another option - the major schools look for business experience, but you should get some private pupils - think max 15€ per hour - I've heard of 8€

Other expats in the pub will give you good advice too about work and contacts - but bear in mind that most employers prefer French people, and that unemployment among young people is almost 25%.

But it just depends - some day you will be in the right place place at the right time.

Good luck

Ian

Thanks alot Ian for your words of wisdom. I think I will take your advice. I will visit the bars in Paris  to see if there is any work going. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Andy