Q & A

Subject: Seriously considering relocating to France.

Question: I'm seriously considering relocating to France after the completion of my MBA (2003) here in California – I lived in Germany during my teens and absolutely love Europe – I don’t speak French, however I am planning to start taking classes – I guess in a nutshell I’m looking for someone to help ease some of the many fears I have about pulling up my roots and going to France – Is it hard to find jobs? are the wages comparable? What is your experience? What do you think are the biggest advantages of living in France over America? I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Answer: Speaking from experience, I would say that it is hard, harder than in the states, to find a job in France(See Q & A, Working in Paris). Part of my problem is that my degree, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, is not understood by potential French employers. I have been told that a MBA is understandable by the French. Also not being French, even though I speak English, is a draw back in Alsace, that might be different in Paris or other parts of France.
As for pay, take home is generally lower than in the states. This is for a couple of reasons, more paid holidays and vacation days, lower living expenses and a very complete national health care system. In other words you get some of your pay not in money put in what Americans call “benefits”.
Personally I feel that the quality of life is better in France than in the states. The way I see it is that the French work to live whereas Americans live to work. The French are much more into living life to its fullest, eating good food and traveling for example, as opposed to accumulating material health. Yes, France has social problems, as was manifested in the vote for Le Pen. But I would say that if you can find a job and stand living in a country that dose not speak the language you think in, then France is the place for you!

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