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.
Sadly finance at the moment has been quite rocky. UBS and many other financial institutions are struggling to keep afloat and although they undoubtedly will survive or bailed out, it’s like 2008 all over again. Many jobs imho will be lost in the months ahead. Now having said this you also know that this opens opportunities. Hedgefunds and corporate raiders are desperately seeking talent to analyse potential investments. London is the place to be!
It is rocky. Seeing big 4 companies do pay freezes is quite unsettling. I’ve applied for many jobs in london but no luck so far due to unwillingness to hire from outside the UK. Frustrating but maybe something will come up