I Quit My Job to Move to France - The Back Story
Yes, I quit my job the other week to move to France and shared this news with my followers and readers on Thursday and the response has been unprecedented. The outpouring of well wishes, messages of encouragement and congratulations has been extraordinary. Thank you for your heartfelt and beautiful comments.
Many of you thanked me for inspiring you to consider taking the plunge on your next big decision and to passionately follow your own dream. I never anticipated such an outpouring of love and well wishes and I am humbled by everyone's response. So much so, I thought it might be helpful for others thinking of living in France, to know the back story of why I quit my job to move to France and why this is good news for you.
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2009 - The Year We Bought Our House
Many of you know that just over 12 years ago my husband and I, together with our eldest child Emily, jumped on a plane for a three week trip to France, London and New York. This trip was one that would take us back to well known haunts in London, a stay in the heart of Midtown/Times Square, New York, and about 10 days in France to look around for a house to buy. London is a regular city we visit but we had never stayed in New York or been to France before. Strange as that sounds, yes, purchasing property was the main purpose of our trip even though we had literally never stepped foot in France prior to that trip.
Fast forwarding, after a few days in Paris we headed out to the country and we found a sweet village house after viewing about 7 previous properties. We signed the necessary paperwork and then headed back to Australia very happy with ourselves for buying our little slice of French heaven.
Over the last 12 years we've spent lots of school holidays at the house and now that my children are independent and my youngest heading into second semester at university, the time had come to seriously think about a more permanent move to France. We had always planned to spend most of our retirement years in France and transition when we could. We'd envisaged that I'd move first once the children were old enough, probably with a bit of back and forth between the two countries for a few years, and then Paul would relocate when his business projects could be managed remotely.
The Covid Merry-Go-Round
Covid travel restrictions during 2020 and 2021 meant that our home was unoccupied and all our plans to visit were on hold. Like so many other people, our life seemed to be in a never ending holding pattern in some respects, but in other respects, time and events were marching on like never before. Covid reminded us that life is short, life is precious and life can change quickly.
During Covid my husband's business was affected, I moved to a total work from home situation, our youngest completed his final years at school and was accepted in university, and our eldest son ventured into a new career. This meant there was less dependence on me and I could start exploring following my own path. Our sweet dog Angelina suddenly died in December 2021 and while very saddened, we took comfort knowing she had been cherished for the nearly 16 years she lived. This was another responsibility that was now lifted from my shoulders. At this time in December, the Australian borders were just opening up for international travel so we hastily planned a five week trip for February/March 2022 for me to do some much needed maintenance on the house and reacquaint myself with my beloved Paris.
2022 Is The Year
On returning back to Australia in March 2022 I knew it was time to start our relocation to France and that I needed to follow my dream of living in, and writing full time about, the country I love so much. It seemed the universe was talking to me, and freeing me of some responsibilities. There were still elderly parents to consider, family members I would leave behind for some time and I would have to permanently leave my employer.
Be afraid. And then do it anyway - Unknown
What though if I didn't do it now? When would be the best time? Is there ever The Best Time for anything, or is it better to make a start, give it your best and then just run with it wherever it takes you?
So after our years of planning we're going to give it a go. Initially I can only go for three months, but we will be attempting to secure long term visas (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour ) as soon as we can. I am very excited, but nonetheless it brings with it feelings of uncertainty of leaving a secure and wonderful workplace, separation from family and friends and nervousness that what we've planned for so many years, may not live up to its expectations. I've told myself to take the plunge, get on with it and just 'put my big girl pants on'. So far I'm following my own advice!
Getting Organised
As far as getting organised at home, I've swapped some indoor plants for stunning artificial plants, had new fences and gates installed and purchased and programmed an iRobot robotic vacuum to clean all floors regularly and automatically. Dental visits are also up to date, a new passport for my son has been organised, new glasses for my son have been obtained and a few favourite board games have been specially ordered for delivery to the house for when we arrive. Mandatory booster shots have been done and bags are starting to be packed. We are getting organised and counting down the days!
More For You - Membership Options Coming
Over the years A French Collection has significantly grown from a blog of sharing our French adventures mainly with family and friends, to a website with guest writers and diverse articles, a podcast and a boutique tour company. I'm honoured to have had articles published in French Property News, hosted live webinars for the French Media Group, prepared the fall menu for Perfectly Provence, been interviewed numerous times including a series on National Radio and been a guest contributor for many French blogs. The commitment level to A French Collection is now a full time one, and one that I'm excited to embrace now that I've left traditional employment.
The good news about my move to France for you, is that there will be much more for you to experience along with me. Daily activities, adventuring near and far and blog posts direct from France.
To make even more of this available for my close community, I'm super excited to announce that membership options are coming to A French Collection. That way you'll get more of what you love, more personal access to me and become part of a close knit AFC family. Everything that is already available will not change, there will still be weekly blog posts, weekend reading newsletters and monthly newsletters all Free and accessible for everyone - there will just be more for those that want an even more personal connection and regular rewards that come with membership.
There are some technical issues getting sorted as we speak, (I keep telling myself to breath and relax - it will all sort itself out, and hopefully before I leave) but other than that, it's almost ready to launch. Thank you for being a part of what I do and I can't wait for you to come along for this next journey.
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