Finding work in France

I HAVE recently received a couple of emails asking very similar questions, how can I find work in France?

For many people looking to move to France the challenge of earning a living is likely to be high on their list.

So in answer to these questions here is how I replied…

Hi

I won't mess around, I think you will find it very tough.

France is struggling with unemployment around the 10% mark and for under-25s it is around 25% so competition for jobs is fierce.

Developing your French language skills is vitally important, not only for spotting opportunities, but also for general day-to-day business.

The best place for tracking down employment agencies etc. is http://www.pagesjaunes.fr/

Also check out the Chambre de Commerce website for the area you are set to be living in.

And track down English language websites for the region as well, for example:

The Pyrénées-Orientales: http://www.anglophone-direct.com/
The Languedoc: http://www.the-languedoc-page.com/
The Vendee: http://www.inthevendee.com/

If you are looking to set up a business then budget to run it for the first 12 to 18 months off past savings, because even though you may have costed it out you will cross many surprise expenses.

And I think it would be very difficult to secure a position in advance from your home country allowing you to leave one job and start another straight away.

Kind regards

So that was my answer, what advice would you give? Please feel free to post a comment below.

Related articles: Business, work and jobs in France

Comments

[Jack Hughes]

I agree completely with your comments. Unless you will be working for yourself in a tried and tested business which will make money to live on, you'll need to be independently wealthy. Businesses should always be planned properly.
Also, we need to be careful of the Brit business image. A French friend was recently passing an 'English bookshop' (not much of a bookshop, bits of bric a brac, estate agency and desperation), and overheard several English people complaining (loudly of course, les Anglais apparently always point and shout)to each other they can't get credit, they are having cheques bounced by other Brits in the area, they are struggling - except for one or two of them. And between them, when approached in French gave a totally dismal performance. Duh!! France isn't a free ride, and some of us treat it like a theme park apparently. But then some people actually buy 'Old Git' and 'Goats Do Roam' wines. Yours, in a sour mood with my compatriots...