A long story short - does anyone have experience in. Single parenting in Paris? We were supposed to relocate to Paris a couple of years ago for DC's father's new job. He ended up dumping me and DC and moving there by himself.
He is not in regular contact with us and doesn't appear particularly interested in DC. I have had a tough time both financially and emotionally since, but am now more or less back on my feet. My job is not secure or satisfying but offers v. I have now been offered a position in Paris and am wondering could I survive there as a single mum? Could someone knowledgeable please tell me about general office hours, school hours, cost of living and other practicalities I should consider?
I have pretty much put my life on hold since my ex left us and am very tempted to be selfish in terms of both both career advancement and the pay but also very nervous about the impact this would have on DC who despite being half French don't speak the language and if I could make this work alone. On one hand I am very unhappy at my current job, no career prospects and only just make the ends meet but have a good support network.
On the other hand, I don't know that many people in Paris, worry about potential long hours or is it 35h per week for everyone? We should live somewhere in the south-western part of the city for an easy commute. I guess I'd be interested to hear if the idea of relocating for a new job is crazy. I know from experience that working full time in London and being a single mum was just not possible at my pay level.
Could I make it work in Paris? How old are your children? My initial thought was that a good support network is worth more than its weight in gold. I think you'd struggle without one, I know I do, and I'm not a single parent, nor do I live in Paris, where working hours are long. Not much difference between there and London, IMO. I might make it dependent upon whether your dc are young enough to slot into French school or better perhaps French state bilingual school. Otherwise you will have to pay for international schools.
