From someone who lived in Paris and left: Paris is not as glamorous as I thought. Also, the French are making way less than I expected. I came thinking they made more than us (Canadians). I think for entry level, it is comparable. But as you move up, it would be way less. A friend said for the same job, at her Montreal office the salary would be 2x.
The diversity is nowhere near London/NYC. It's pretty racist and the worst thing is how rude Parisians are. I cry every time I leave Paris because of how nice people in other countries are. I love Paris the city. But it is hard to love Parisians.
Paris is also hard to find a community and work on personal growth. The expat community is a lot more corporate compared to a city like Lisbon. The vibe is just not there.
Great for short term. Long term for me it was a struggle. I felt like I grew backward there.
I think if I didn't lived in NYC and London, my time in Paris would be much better. I was too eccentric for the French even like me. I am too American for them to like me ( and I am not even American lol) So my time was worse.
Especially I was disabled half of the time I was there. Lesson learned - people don't like people with disabilities.
Paris is great when you are in yours 20s. 30s it is so much harder.
I don't get why they would unsubscribe. You are so nice.
One of the most useful posts I've read on substack. Interested in your views on Madrid!
Thanks for the kind words @tom Arnold I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I’ve been to Spain a lot but never Madrid. I’ll be going there and San Sébastien in a few months, perhaps I’ll need to update this article after.
Very insightful! Would love to read your thoughts about London, Amsterdam and Stockholm!
You forgot New York City ;)
From someone who lived in Paris and left: Paris is not as glamorous as I thought. Also, the French are making way less than I expected. I came thinking they made more than us (Canadians). I think for entry level, it is comparable. But as you move up, it would be way less. A friend said for the same job, at her Montreal office the salary would be 2x.
The diversity is nowhere near London/NYC. It's pretty racist and the worst thing is how rude Parisians are. I cry every time I leave Paris because of how nice people in other countries are. I love Paris the city. But it is hard to love Parisians.
Paris is also hard to find a community and work on personal growth. The expat community is a lot more corporate compared to a city like Lisbon. The vibe is just not there.
Great for short term. Long term for me it was a struggle. I felt like I grew backward there.
I visit quite often but it would be tough for a full time move. My 6 month stint was great but would not repeat.
This post lost me some Parisian Subscribers but hopefully eventually they’ll be back!
I think if I didn't lived in NYC and London, my time in Paris would be much better. I was too eccentric for the French even like me. I am too American for them to like me ( and I am not even American lol) So my time was worse.
Especially I was disabled half of the time I was there. Lesson learned - people don't like people with disabilities.
Paris is great when you are in yours 20s. 30s it is so much harder.
I don't get why they would unsubscribe. You are so nice.
They felt I provided insufficient attention and praise to their great art scene beyond museums but that’s okay, im sure they’ll be back.
haha, so french.
Where’s Flint, Michigan?
had to save that one for part X
(Apologies to the fine people of Flint, Michigan)