Saturday 20 March 2010

Going to France next week...

Some of you who follow me on twitter might know this already, but I have recently been made redundant. I have to be honest, it was a bit of a shock! I've worked for the company for 4 years, the longest I've ever had a job by far, and I actually really enjoy it. I've gone from part time to full time to part time after having my son, so the thought of leaving doesn't fill me with joy, especially as I feel like I know my job really well. I mean, don't get me wrong it isn't my dream job, but I like it, and it doesn't bore me to complete tears every day, so I kind of feel like I should hang onto it. Plus I like everyone here. So I feel sad.

Anyway...I've been given a reprieve. A relocation offer, with a small pay rise, to our offices in Bordeaux. Yes, Bordeaux with the wine. And the weather. And the being in France.

Right now is such a complicated time for me. I could take my redundancy pay, which as the company isn't actually going into administration, just moving offices, is quite generous. Or I could leave this horrible little town and build a new life in a new country. I've known about this for months but I currently have three weeks to make a decision. I'm going over there next week (if I can get over my horrible fear of flying) with a friend from the office to work for a week. Obviously, I would need to think about my son and what is best for him, not just myself. I'm just so confused and don't know what to do. Clearly I can't make a decision until I've been out there. I just thought I would make a little post about what was happening in my life...

By the way, my partner has made it clear he would not want to go with me.

Anyone have a magic solution?

6 comments:

Confessions of crafty mummy said...

No magic solution - I think what you have to ask youself is are you likely to be in the same place and same situation in 5 years time, and if so are you going to be happy with that? If not why not take this chance to change things?

Bigbluebed said...

I have no answers for you.

But it is an opportunity that might not come again. And what an expereince for you and your son.

It is a hard decision to make and I do not envy you.

Kate said...

Oh wow.

The only reason I can see from your post that you wouldn't want to go is because your partner doesn't want to go. Isn't he also unemployed? Some of your tweets don't make him sound like the most supportive guy in the world. Obviously we don't know all the details of your relationship and why he doesn't want to move but from what you've said in the past, I would hate to see him hold you back from this amazing opportunity unless there's a very good reason.

Will the company help with childcare if you move by yourself? France has a pretty generous welfare system so perhaps you can look into state-run nurseries etc. France is an amazing country, and it's not a million miles away from the UK - from the south of England it's easier to get to than Scotland! See how you feel after your visit next week - and trust your gut instinct - it's normally right.

Christals Creations said...

I can't offer you the answer but I can tell you from my short experience of life that you get one chance. . . just ONE. . . please don't screw it up over a man there are many of them on this earth and if he is the only reason you are not sure of going then perhaps it's time to take the plunge and go it without him.
France is a beautiful country, it's close to the UK and relatively cheap to travel to/from for visiting home.
See how you feel after a week there and then make up your mind based on what you want for you and your son.
Good Luck.

Unknown said...

It's your chance... take it. THe UK is full of scrat bags, Jeremy Kyle, bad food, alcoholism, etc. France has a fantastic quality of life. It doesn't have to be forever. Gosh, tough. I was in a similar situation three years ago and I sacked my partner and have never looked back. The opportunities that presented themselves since I got rid of someone who, although I loved. drained me of my creativity and drive... I'm glad I took the opportunity. Sometimes you have to think about number 1, plus, your son would have a better quality of life in France..

... stressful times xx

Violetstone said...

Hi, what a dilemma, I have no solutions either, in the end you have to decide and whatever decision you make will be the right one. It does sound like the relationship is the only thing holding you back so you only have to chose between him or France. Only!!

Are any of your workmates going too? Do you think they would be supportive? on your own in a foreign country with a small child could be very stressful but then again, France..I wanted to live in France a few years back and it is lovely..

Hard choices

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