I (US Citizen) took a job with a reputable organization in France that sponsored my visa. I have a spouse, kids, and 3 pets (pets alone cost $6k to relocate). We sold our belongings in the US and had all just begun to really adjust. However I was notified last week that my employer is actually getting rid of an entire segment of their business which includes my job.
My employment contract does not contain any job loss protections outside of my trial period which was 3 months, which they had originally specified verbally is standard in France and would only end if I failed to pick up on the job.
I realize I have no legal protections as it was my naiveté to not pursue additional contract language regarding job loss during the trial period. I just never imagined this.
I’ve applied to over 50 jobs in a week and have already recieved rejections for most, as most employers won’t sponsor visas for whatever reason.
Not sure the purpose of the post but to say that when relocating, please protect yourself and truly realize how much you’re putting on the line by accepting a job abroad. My husband has not found work either in France so we’re at the point of having to go back to the US, pay all of the travel costs to do so, and have nothing there for us.
I was just thinking the same thing about the Netherlands in particular. Lots of English speaking jobs for highly skilled people. Look around the Hague & Amsterdam. Lots of nice places to live within a commutable distance. From what I noticed Americans seem to love it here and I get the impression that the Dutch quite like Americans. Just give it a try before going all the way back to the US. You can then still enjoy long weekends in France as the train journey to Paris from Rotterdam is only two hours. Good luck.