Dillemma

I turned down the job offer. 
Although I was very interested in the position and I was willing to go but the area was very particular that didn't suit me and could potentially affect my health - as a result I had to turn down.


On top of that, we like living here in the south. 
We felt relieved not to leave this place, however, I am not sure whether my decision was right.


I felt lucky to make a visit the area before accepting the offer.  Had I not visited the area, I would have accepted the offer not knowing the situation.
I would never known whether I had made the right decision.... my job hunting continues.

Minitel

Minitel is the first home computer like in France before the internet. You'd have Yellow Page or train / flight information and many more.


This is the one my grand mother-in law has in her house, it's been there unused for quite sometimes, as she uses internet now.


I've always wanted to take a photo just to show, as I have never seen the kind before but the contents looks similar to the teletext on TV in the UK. Since the internet has become a norm for sometimes, apparently the Minitel services will be completely closed by the end of June this year... 

Happy new year!

Hope whoever read my blog continue reading it and finds it interesting.

2012's the year of Dragon.

I don't know what it signifies but i hope there won't be any natural disasters this year. And particularly those who'd been affected by the catastrophies, my thoughts are always with you and hope that everyone keep's their chin up and be positive despite the difficulties in lives.

There's always warm spring coming after the harsh cold winter.

My mum often told me this old saying.

Has anyone made this year's resolution? Me, i'd rather not to mention it here but leave it blank so that it reminds me l when I re-read it.

5th year in France this year! I should be proud of myself coping with French people and some systems but I'm beginning to feel much more comfortable here.

Somewhere out there ...Perfect life

This time the job interview in Lyon.

It's a great that i got a few job interviews in a month.

I paid the train tickets via polemploi for 10€ instead of 50€ return. The result was ... yes i've been offerred a good post which seems interesting but it involves a major relocation to a village in the middle of snowy mountains!

For the train ticket supply, looks like there's an annual limit you can use this benefit. It could be the number of time or amount you use but i don't know.  I say this as the consultant checked my account when i asked for second time and said something like 'that's ok you are still eligible'.

If you are mobile within the country, i'd suggest to make most out of this service.

Build a good relationship with the consultant. It's best if you meet the same person at the monthly meeting and show that you are seriously looking. Then they'd give you lots more information. They chose who should benefit as obviously there are many who take advantage of this.

Now, we knew it'd involve a major relocation when i applied in the first place but the question is where to? I need to consider the convenience of my hubby who makes monthly trip to paris and/or nice.

Choice a) a Fairly big city with high speed internet connection but me 1 hour +  trip (2hrs plus return) by car for work.

Choice b) a remote village with extra car to buy as each of us need a car and slow internet connection which may affect my hubby's work. Resulting more expence and the effort  for my hubby's trip. In return i have less time and cost to my commute..

Wonder if there's something in between?

Or something we both feel happy. i'm a bit confused as to what's best for our lives as a couple. Interesting job or good and happy life - can't we get both?

Joyeux Noël!

We're with my mum-in law for x'mas. We'll be going further north for a few days at gran.

We've had a great year as we were healthy and met many lovely people who inspire us alot.

Wish everyone a merry x'mas and a happy new year.

M&S's back in paris!

As I made a brief visit in Paris, I had to go and check the new Marks & Spencer shop on Champs Elyses.

It was smaller than i expected. Apparently the French liked their woman's clothes and food. If you know the UK shops, you'd be surprised to see the strange layout of the shop. All three levels are in woman's clothes and a small section on the ground floor there is a food corner they don't have much selection on food which i was very dissappointed.

But just to enjoy what i missed for ages, i picked a few things which shown on the photo. The scotch eggs! I haven't thought about this could be made at home! Luckly i didn't get caught at the airport security because of the strikes. It was yummy. My hubby who never ate one and seemed like it. All the packagings are in English and there will be more shops in the coming year. Hope they'll open one around cote d'azur.

Pole emploi - if you are prepared to relocate elsewhere...

Job hunting has been even more difficult in certain region if there're not enough posts available. I have discovered that the pole emploi provides the discounted tickets for trains (SNCF) or flights (Air France) for travels for job interviews.

All you have to do, is to bring the job interview confirmation (in French of course) to your registered pole emploi office at earliest time.  They will give you the form and you take it to the local SNCF and ask for the train tickets. 

I've got the TGV tickets return to Paris. I paid surprise surprise 3 euro for the reservation charge only. The special deal for pole emploi for this trip was 55 euro return, that's really low compared to the normal fare, this is charged directly to pole emploi and all I had to pay was the reservation charge for 3 euro! 

That would make everyone to travel for cheap rate, but you must make sure you bring the [proof document ] signed by the job interviewer (or agency) and return to pole emploi after the job interview.

They also have the access to the cheaper accommodation if you ask for it.
This time I didn't but I am interested to find out what's like....
It's a great support to increase your chance to get a job you want.