An American in Provence

For a day.

So yesterday was my last day of work for the place that I started in March 2007. I start next Monday at my new position in Aix en Provence.
I am extremely grateful that they (my first job) took a chance on me, who had never worked before in France and only spoke French so-so. (and did miserably on my interview by the way). I had interviewed with at least 15 places and had sent out about a hundred resumes, looked for months.

The first few months back in the workforce were a huge adjustment- I hadn't worked for a private company before, and I find the French workplace different- less personal for one. Plus, I had spent over a year NOT working, so getting reused to the 8-6 workday took some time. To make it even better, I kept coming in late due to the SNCF strike(s) and had to take half a day off every other month or so to go to the Prefecture, or the Embassy, or whatever.
And now, I am moving on.

How did I spend my day of unemployment? Slept in until 6:30 (wow!) then went for doctor's appointments in the morning, did some errands and grocery shopping, watched Matrix: Reloaded and remembered those desperate months of sitting at home, surfing internet, wondering When am I ever going to find a job?!

So many expats say it is very difficult for them to find work in France. I quite agree. Take the high unemployment rate in the general French population, throw in a less than 100% perfect French speaker, some paperwork difficulties, special dispensations required for companies to higher non-French (they have to prove you are better than all the other French) and it equals: really hard to find a job as a foreigner. Many people told me that I am very lucky- that it ONLY took me 6 months to find a job. That I found a CDI (permanent position). Just have to not get discouraged and believe that the right thing will come along eventually.