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 had a coworker living in a northern city 2 hours away from London paying about £500 per month for rent. My employer asked him to move down to London (because “teamwork” and “work culture”) and he got a room in apartment for about £900 a month and signed a year long contract. After just 2 months, they laid him off and he’s now stuck paying the rest of his apartment in the old city AND the one in London. This is why I never have ANY loyalty towards any company
Omg Fuck these companies. My friend moved to a different country for a job and got laid off 2 days before he was due to start
He had just signed a 1 year lease and 4k upfront for the apartment then had to pay to get out of the apartment and move home
Yep this is why I now work multiple contract/consulting roles, never full-time for any single company anymore. Having a full-time role with benefits is better and easier in so many ways, and sometimes I miss that a lot, but I’ve been burned too many times to ever put my whole security in the hands of one employer ever again. They don’t see us as anything but expendable. Sending good vibes to your coworker!