Now that February is upon us and love is in the air, I'd like to raise a virtual toast for all self employeds in France. For those who have experienced running their own businesses back in the UK, compared to France things are a lot easier, in terms of set up. I will add here, it is easy to set up a business, but running and maintaining one is another matter, no matter which country you are in.
Battling the bureaucratic brick wall here in France takes skill, stamina, determination, you need a thick skin and patience by the trailer load. The process for getting things done varies from department to department, region to region. When you have taken time out to prepare a dossier, parked up, made your visit, waited your turn to have 'Non' accompanied with the shoulder shrug, this is where patience is really tested. Now this post isn't about being negative about the way things are done here, because we eventually get used to the fact that that's the way things are here. It's not personal but it is extremely frustrating when you get out of bed each morning, navigate through your work, promote yourself, plough your way through post, emails, scams and the latest changes of how another hard earned Euro will slip through your fingers, you kind of wonder why?
Whatever the reasons we non natives have headed to France for, we should be proud of ourselves for doing what we do and supporting our families and our lifestyles. We all seek something different, a better quality of life, something different for our children, a lifestyle change. Being in charge of our own destinies allows us flexibility to enjoy what France has to offer without the confines of the 9 to 5.
Personally, I love being self employed. It was something that I did before moving to France. My husband did too, so it was a natural path for us to take here in France, particularly as my husband has skill that was sort after. My dad was an entrepreneurial sort having had his own business for 30 years in the UK, I fully appreciate his spin on things amidst the wild world of the web.
I love meeting and chatting to fellow self employed people, we all have something to bring to the table; experience, wise words, knowledge and know how and a desire to achieve our own levels of success. Despite the challenges, I think it fair to say that we all love working and living in France.
Stay tuned for the next 14 days as I will be showcasing and sharing some virtual love for 14 businesses here in France.
You might want to read #14daysofbusinesslove2016
Yours socially and self employed!
Micala