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01/03/2009, 11:55 Daniel5791 Joined on 19/07/2007 Posts 24 Conditions in France - 2009?? Hi all, Just a generic question really.....It's always interesting to hear of the doom and gloom reported locally(Australia in this case)about the world economy and how awful things have become. Here things I think are really quite ok, and the only thing that will put us in the toilet is if we panic and lose the plot. We seem to be good at talking ourselves into recession because it's fashionable to do so! :) Our government has just given us all nearly $1000 AUD each to spend and be happy, so that should keep our casinos busy for another few weeks! ;) So I am asking....how are things generally in France today? My French friends at work say that unemployment is becoming a major issue and the economy of not only France but the whole of Europe really is in trouble. This bothers me personally as I still have dreams of my little farmhouse in the countryside being almost self sufficient with my dogs and  a little work on the side doing anything that appeals. (wine taster springs to mind) I am interested in hearing from anyone living in various parts of France about how life is generally and for those who are expats from the UK or anywhere really, are you planning on staying or do you feel the need to return home to ride out the storm? Thanks Daniel    Report

01/03/2009, 14:29 NormanH Joined on 10/04/2008 Posts 1,967 Re: Conditions in France - 2009??  Daniel5791 wrote: Hi all, So I am asking....how are things generally in France today? My French friends at work say that unemployment is becoming a major issue and the economy of not only France but the whole of Europe really is in trouble. This bothers me personally as I still have dreams of my little farmhouse in the countryside being almost self sufficient with my dogs and  a little work on the side doing anything that appeals. Thanks Daniel You might be interested in this map showing economic figures  at the end of 2008 across Europe    Report

01/03/2009, 15:38 5-element Joined on 28/10/2006 Languedoc Posts 1,495 Re: Conditions in France - 2009??  Daniel5791 wrote: My French friends at work say that unemployment is becoming a major issue and the economy of not only France but the whole of Europe really is in trouble. This bothers me personally as I still have dreams of my little farmhouse in the countryside being almost self sufficient with my dogs and  a little work on the side doing anything that appeals. (wine taster springs to mind) Just on the unemployment figures: 2 days ago, we got the news that newly unemployed in January 2009, were over double the figure of the preceding month (December 2008). From over 45,000, to over 90,000 in one month. That is a lot. As for your dreams of "a little work on the side doing anything that appeals", good luck, you will need it. There are plenty of people with Bac+5 who cannot find work even packing carrots.    Report

01/03/2009, 18:00 NormanH Joined on 10/04/2008 Posts 1,967 Re: Conditions in France - 2009?? Be fair 5-element! Sarkozy has created at least two jobs ...see here    Report

01/03/2009, 18:28 5-element Joined on 28/10/2006 Languedoc Posts 1,495 Re: Conditions in France - 2009?? Humph!    Report

01/03/2009, 23:35 Sprogster Joined on 23/08/2004 Var & C.I. Posts 662 Re: Conditions in France - 2009?? Daniel, you are in a much better position in Australia and if was younger I would seriously consider emigrating your way, so appreciate what you have as believe me in this situation the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence!    Report

02/03/2009, 0:11 Pads Joined on 24/05/2006 Cornwall/ Montagne Noir Posts 3,718 Re: Conditions in France - 2009??  Sprogster wrote: Daniel, you are in a much better position in Australia and if was younger I would seriously consider emigrating your way, so appreciate what you have as believe me in this situation the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence!   The most sensible answer to this query ..... I totally agree Dirty Tom =^..^= Where ever I lay my paw thats my home    Report

02/03/2009, 0:55 Daniel5791 Joined on 19/07/2007 Posts 24 Re: Conditions in France - 2009?? Thanks for the replies! Well naturally my comment about being a wine taster was meant as a bit of a joke........ I am in absolutely no position to make a move anywhere right now or in the immediate future, so for what it's worth I am staying here for a while anyway...I was really just curious about how the media reports and stats translate into what life has become in "these times" in real terms. Seems like the question has been answered.....:( Daniel    Report

12/04/2009, 12:51 The P's Joined on 29/12/2007 Languedoc Posts 100 Re: Conditions in France - 2009?? From January to April this year we have had a 5 fold increase in client enquiries and business is going well.  It is not all doom and gloom in France.   Though it is tough you just have to try harder, focus on your client needs and back it up with good service. I find it hard to listen to the doom merchants but understand that there is a real recession out there and people are suffering.   I just can't help feeling though that there are many who would prefer to talk things down than up and that things become self fulfilling prophecies; especially in the media.   John Plowright mandmhottubs    Report

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