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.

  • DesolationAnge@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Sorry to hear! I’ve been helping an American friend looking for jobs in Europe and some things that could be useful:

    • every country has a US embassy, which only hires Americans I believe
    • try international schools (lots of American colleges - even in Paris, Greece …). They usually pay very well.
    • in line with the schools above: try schools in general. There’s a huge lack of teachers countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, France … to a point where they are willing to hire English native speakers who don’t speak the local language. Salaries aren’t crazy good but they usually hire on the spot and would give you the opportunity to look for something else in the meantime.

    Good luck!

    • OneBackground828@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      The US embassy jobs abroad either are staffed by career foreign service professionals or those who have the legal right to work in that country.