Unskilled work in France
Oct 29th 2014, 6:24 pm
#31
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Originally Posted by EuroTrash
I would say, if you're really fed up then just go for it for 6 months, AS LONG AS you don't think you'd be scuppering your chances of getting your life back together in Scotland if / when you go back and want to pick up where you left off.
As Shirtback says, there are companies like Holidaybreak who take on a lot of UK workers for campsites, I've done several seasons for them and other companies when I was in exactly the same position as you, climbing up the wall with boredom at my job in the UK. It is hard work and you rough it a bit but you don't have to worry about finding accommodation, or food in many cases, and after 5 months in the south of France you really do come back with a more chilled and more positive outlook on life (well it worked for me). And, you might find you appreciate what you have in Scotland a bit more.
It's coming up to time to apply, they start interviewing before Christmas and the places fill up quite fast.
You'd have to bear in mind that you'd be a bit older than most of your colleagues, wouldn't be a problem for them but being around teenagers and students doing what teenagers and students do 24/7, can be a bit trying. However, it's the easiest way of getting sorted with work to do and a place to live and none of the worries of being on your own to figure everything out for yourself.
Could you be an activity instructor, are you into sports, kayaking or anything? Or catering? Or spreadsheets, for admin work? If you can be a bit specialised it's better than spending most of the time cleaning tents and chalets.
But as said, you have to think of what you'll do when your contract ends.
Feel free to PM if you want any more details (not being secretive but don't want to bore other forums with 'a day in the life of a campsite courier'.
As Shirtback says, there are companies like Holidaybreak who take on a lot of UK workers for campsites, I've done several seasons for them and other companies when I was in exactly the same position as you, climbing up the wall with boredom at my job in the UK. It is hard work and you rough it a bit but you don't have to worry about finding accommodation, or food in many cases, and after 5 months in the south of France you really do come back with a more chilled and more positive outlook on life (well it worked for me). And, you might find you appreciate what you have in Scotland a bit more.
It's coming up to time to apply, they start interviewing before Christmas and the places fill up quite fast.
You'd have to bear in mind that you'd be a bit older than most of your colleagues, wouldn't be a problem for them but being around teenagers and students doing what teenagers and students do 24/7, can be a bit trying. However, it's the easiest way of getting sorted with work to do and a place to live and none of the worries of being on your own to figure everything out for yourself.
Could you be an activity instructor, are you into sports, kayaking or anything? Or catering? Or spreadsheets, for admin work? If you can be a bit specialised it's better than spending most of the time cleaning tents and chalets.
But as said, you have to think of what you'll do when your contract ends.
Feel free to PM if you want any more details (not being secretive but don't want to bore other forums with 'a day in the life of a campsite courier'.
My posts (once I read the OP properly) were mainly based on the premise of 6 months or so break, rather than a permanent move.
When I did similar seasonal work in France, many many moons ago, I was several years older than most of my co-workers (gap year students), except for a 39 yr old with a similar situation/attitude to Julia. I very much enjoyed it, & was the only one who had anything more than very basic French. I ended up staying on & entering mainstream employment for several years.
All these many moons later, the then 39 yr old is still in France, managing accommodation/resort services for a well-known UK tour operator. When she originally arrived, she could barely manage a "bonjour".
S
Oct 29th 2014, 10:19 pm
#32
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Well, it just goes to show you what can happen! I should perhaps look seriously into seasonal work. I'm not sporty so that rules out quite a lot, such as instructor, but house keeping or admin work is definitely an option. Something is driving me towards this kind of adventure...I'll be leaving my job here soon so will have time on my hands to research opportunities. Getting settled back here doesn't concern me too much as I am ready for a new direction job wise back here in any case and I can rent my house out. So, thanks for posts.
Oct 29th 2014, 10:22 pm
#33
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Originally Posted by JuliaD
Well, it just goes to show you what can happen! I should perhaps look seriously into seasonal work. I'm not sporty so that rules out quite a lot, such as instructor, but house keeping or admin work is definitely an option. Something is driving me towards this kind of adventure...I'll be leaving my job here soon so will have time on my hands to research opportunities. Getting settled back here doesn't concern me too much as I am ready for a new direction job wise back here in any case and I can rent my house out. So, thanks for posts.
Best of luck.
Oct 30th 2014, 2:45 pm
#34
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 33
Re: Unskilled work in France
JuliaD, just do it! I'm doing it at the moment. Left Oz after 7 years for a change, always wanted to spend some time in France. So left job, sold house, & put everything in a container. Knew that if I didn't do it now it would never happen. Haven't come over with grand illusions of getting a job (knew that would be very hard) however I have got a nice bit of money to fund my jolly. I Want to be here about a year & if opportunities come my way to stay longer then that's great. I've stayed in an out of season holiday let, currently house sitting with more house sits on the way. Have a look at trustedhousesitters.com for plenty of stuff in France. Angloinfo website is good for general info. workaway.com is definitely a possibility for me to. The good thing about having all of these options is that you won't need to stay in one place. I was bored for my first few weeks, feeling guilty about not filling my day with work & other boring chores, but I soon got over it 
Funnily enough, I found a book called How to be free by Tom hodgkinson in the house sit I'm currently at. Definitely worth a read to put life in perspective.
Good luck
Funnily enough, I found a book called How to be free by Tom hodgkinson in the house sit I'm currently at. Definitely worth a read to put life in perspective.
Good luck
Oct 31st 2014, 6:48 pm
#35
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Just do it is good advice in my case! Actually I would be worried about being bored without having something to do each day especially without knowing anyone to meet up with, but learning the language would in itself be a project to spend time on and practice daily to relieve any boredem. Another good option would be starting off at a language school for a few weeks then finding accommodation from there. Anyway lots of options to consider including the various websites that have been recommended to me so I look forward to planning my stay. I have a good feeling about it too And I will take a look at that book thanks!
And I will take a look at that book thanks!
Oct 31st 2014, 7:00 pm
#36
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Originally Posted by JuliaD
knowing anyone to meet up with, but learning the language would in itself be a project to spend time on and practice
Wherever you settle, go to your Mairie for a list of Associations. You're sure to find several with clubs and activities (walking, sports, singing, drama, dancing, painting, crafts, even parlour games in our village) which interest you and you'll consequently meet French people with the same interests, and go on from there....
There's also voluntary work at les Restos du Coeur, Secours Catholique, Croix Rouge, etc... where you can practise your French!
Nov 1st 2014, 8:30 am
#37
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Good luck for your adventure 
Nov 1st 2014, 7:57 pm
#38
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Re: Unskilled work in France
For the record you cannot work just for accommodation, the French system does not allow such arrangements and both you and your 'employer' could get into trouble if caught.
They could also open themselves up to unlimited compensation if you injured yourself whilst in their employ.
Technically you can't even bring a pal over for a free holiday in exchange for a bit of decorating or mixing concrete etc.
That said we all know it goes on all the time but that doesn't make it right or legitimate so you have to have your eyes open to what you are doing.
They could also open themselves up to unlimited compensation if you injured yourself whilst in their employ.
Technically you can't even bring a pal over for a free holiday in exchange for a bit of decorating or mixing concrete etc.
That said we all know it goes on all the time but that doesn't make it right or legitimate so you have to have your eyes open to what you are doing.
Nov 1st 2014, 8:50 pm
#39
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Originally Posted by Im_and_Er
For the record you cannot work just for accommodation, the French system does not allow such arrangements and both you and your 'employer' could get into trouble if caught.
They could also open themselves up to unlimited compensation if you injured yourself whilst in their employ.
Technically you can't even bring a pal over for a free holiday in exchange for a bit of decorating or mixing concrete etc.
That said we all know it goes on all the time but that doesn't make it right or legitimate so you have to have your eyes open to what you are doing.
They could also open themselves up to unlimited compensation if you injured yourself whilst in their employ.
Technically you can't even bring a pal over for a free holiday in exchange for a bit of decorating or mixing concrete etc.
That said we all know it goes on all the time but that doesn't make it right or legitimate so you have to have your eyes open to what you are doing.
May 4th 2015, 11:23 am
#40
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Hi Julia
I read your thread, did you manage to find a job in France?
I hope so
I read your thread, did you manage to find a job in France?
I hope so
May 21st 2015, 2:30 pm
#41
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Hi im paul also looking to move to france i am a builder. If you know any companies would be great cheers. Paul.
Last edited by Jerseygirl; May 21st 2015 at 4:29 pm. Reason: Email address removed. Plse read the Site Rules
May 21st 2015, 2:37 pm
#42
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Re: Unskilled work in France
Originally Posted by paulbuilder30
Hi im paul also looking to move to france i am a builder. If you know any companies would be great cheers. Paul.
Last edited by Jerseygirl; May 21st 2015 at 4:30 pm. Reason: Edit to quote
May 21st 2015, 2:40 pm
#43
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Re: Unskilled work in France
In both your posts.
May 22nd 2015, 1:17 pm
#44
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Re: Unskilled work in France
All really good advice. Everything I could add is already added.
I hope the people in question are successful.
I hope the people in question are successful.
