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.
The stuff I’m going to list here is a little more far fetched but just want to put it out there. Not sure what your financial situation is, but look into Portugal as they have some easy to obtain visas like the golden visas and the D-7. They would take some time to get. Spain also has a golden visa as well as a digital nomad visa (though this is not long term as of now). These would at least allow you to expand the job search to something global remote.
I would also look into countries where English is more at a premium and companies want native speakers. Unlike what others are saying, this would not be the Netherlands (nor Scandinavia) as English is not an asset there. But could be again, Portugal, Spain, as well as Czechia (ton of expats in Prague), Poland, etc.
I really hope things turn out for you. I know how stressful facing being removed is firsthand.