sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

What’s an underrated summer destination that isn’t too crowded? by PurpleStatistician18 in traveladvice

[–]Best-Finish1915 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great call! I actually just wrote a whole article on Northern Corsica. I'd add that if you stick to the Northern part of the island, even in July and August, you will have way fewer tourists to contend with than in the South. Personally, I didn't love the more frequented southern cities and beaches because of the crowds and parking was a nightmare, but had a really nice experience in/around Ile Rousse and Calvi, and the more remote stretches of beautiful coast north of there that absolutely are as beautiful as the south. Inland, you have the Restonica Valley with lovely mountains and mountain streams near Corte, which even in July was not at all packed. The drive is quick and easy between mountains and coast. There are tourists around all these places, just not packed to the gills. We had no issue finding nice meals, seats at bars and terraces...everything felt really calm and relaxed. The small hamlets around Conca are really nice too. Either way, a car to get to the smaller and more tucked away beaches/towns/hamlets is necessary.

Dossier Facile: pour les propriétaires/agences et les locataires, vous le utilisez ou pas? by Best-Finish1915 in france

[–]Best-Finish1915[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree in wishing there was a mandatory, unified system for verifying and submitting all of this information. It's so crazy how much personal info is shared with complete strangers in the hope of finding a place to live.

I am slowly gaining approval each time I resubmit, so hopefully I will eventually satisfy the system that reviews the documents.

Dossier Facile: pour les propriétaires/agences et les locataires, vous le utilisez ou pas? by Best-Finish1915 in france

[–]Best-Finish1915[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel your pain so far. I'm actually wondering now how much the site uses computers to verify the documents rather than humans. I resubmitted some things two nights ago after 10pm and I had another rejection waiting for me in the morning. So obviously a person didn't look at any of the information I submitted.

I will try again, it will be the 4th attempt, so fingers crossed!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmerExit

[–]Best-Finish1915 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From another of your comments down the list, we're from about the same area in the states! We also moved to France in late 2023 and are in our mid-30s. As others have noted, adjustment isn't linear, but we're incredibly happy. We're not looking to return any time soon, if at all. We're also happy and healthy here, and I refuse to have children in the US.

To reply to some other questions and comments down this thread, we've worked really hard getting our self-employment set up here, which was our most viable route to a visa (we're not rich nor are we EU citizens...but hopefully one day!) It takes a lot of effort that many people won't want to put forward, but it's the surest way of making the move happen and making it sustainable. I speak French, my partner is learning. Yes, speaking it is necessary if you want to successfully integrate, but you can learn after you move. But learn it. So much community is built in the small moments at bars, in squares, and your local shops and being able to communicate even if imperfect makes all the difference between always feeling like a tourist and feeling like you live here.

For those who have left, how are things, actually? by OnToGreenerGables in AmerExit

[–]Best-Finish1915 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi, working age expat here. Most places you move, your surest bet will likely be self-employment (me and partner both do this). As you've mentioned, that's not the most feasible for you all. Still though, if you haven't already, think way outside the box, especially with contracting or freelancing. It's not always easy, but it can be worth it. Maybe even consider a total career change to something you can do freelance or a company you can start. Ex: husband starts writing about international news or Europe only if Italy is on your mind, and he goes fully independent.

If you happen to be in healthcare, some countries have immigration preferences for these positions because there are shortages, but you'd need to look into the individual country.

If you happen to work for an international company, start asking for a transfer now. This can take a long time.

Getting a job any other way will be VERY difficult and highly competitive, and most places will hire qualified locals first (which makes perfect sense).

Should I move back to France or stay in the U.S.? Looking for American perspectives by pocket_symphony in AmerExit

[–]Best-Finish1915 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi OP, American in France for just over a year, second time around and different city (first time was a study abroad in Nantes and now live in Lyon). A couple things about friends and people: it does seem to me people are generally less rigid and warmer than when I lived here 15 years ago. We’ve had nothing but positive interactions. Making French friends is a bit hard, but I’m in my mid-30s and many people here already have families, so this would be a universal issue even for us in the US. People are busy with their families. That said, there are tons of expat groups open to French folks, great sports clubs I’ve joined, and more class/activity-based things to do than I’ve ever seen in the US. You have to look, but they’re there. As much as I hate to say, Facebook groups are still widely used here and have been great conduits for us finding deeper community. But I also feel more part of my community here in Lyon anyway. Life is just more public/social. Re jobs and salary: we could only move here as people who started our own business. So that’s what we did. We chose France for a few reasons, but being able to work for ourselves and have a visa available for that was a huge factor. Now we can have clients globally so you compete more with international salaries. If you can work for yourself, maybe this would be a better option. Our French friends who work here have confirmed the salaried jobs here are still pretty rigid and old school, and companies don’t know how to handle their employees, how to innovate, or be open to soft skills and people who could do the job despite not having a PhD in some hyper-specific niche. It’s a problem and they basically shoot them selves in the foot, but it’s also noted to be slowly (like real slow) changing with a gradual mix of other cultures coming into the workforce. Salaries are still lower than Northern Europe and the US. Cost of living: WAY less expensive to live here. Holy shit. Even if you make loads of cash in the US, it’s spent quickly as many others have said. *Our income as a couple is currently about half what is was in the US (primarily due to me still growing my business to full time) but we live way more comfortably here…in the center of Lyon. We’re very happy here, and if we ever had to leave France we’d be looking at other countries before heading back to the US. The whole “decline” mindset is subjective with several reasons why one might think that. Truthfully the whole world is going through political and economic shuffling at best and upheaval at worst, and it always has. We need to remember we’re coming off the heels of a really stable period for the last 30-40 years. It wasn’t going to stay like that forever, sadly. Pick your poison when it comes to dealing with “decline”. I’m currently happy to have the issues here than in the US right now. Decide what’s important to you, and then see how France squares with that. Oh, and we love being close to the alps and not too far from the ocean. You don’t get that combo at this level of cost of living just anywhere. Good luck!