Dreamchaser

Finding a job is not easy, finding a job in Paris is even more difficult. When I first arrived here my goal was just to find a job, any job in fact. After two months of searching I finally found a position as an English trainer, and I have to say it was pretty interesting. I had previously only had experience teaching children, however this was a refreshing change, teaching English to French professionals.

I learned alot, for one thing getting around Ile-de-France, I taught in all of the different arrondisements and nearby suburbs including Villejuif, Aulnay Sous Bois, Putueax to name a few. In addition I also got to learn more about the mindset of these Frenchies, as often I would encourage them to speak by discussing current events as opposed to just going over basic grammar.

However I quickly realized that contracts (something which does not exist in the U.S.) can make or break you in France. Meaning that if you dont have a permanent contract you are not taken seriously. So even though I had an income it wasnt being looked at when we started searching for an apt. So I realized I had to get a permanent contract (C.D.I.) and get one fast. I looked for about one year before finally finding one. I sometimes laugh and say I can give a course on how to go on interviews since I have done so many.

I guess it does kind of reflect my spirit, I never give up and dont like to take no for an answer. While I really liked the job I found the salary began to be an obstacle. Already salaries are way lower in France then in the U.S. but when you add the cost of living, especially with a child, and then add taxes to the mix I felt that I was left with nothing at all. Its true that during this time I have taken quite a few vacations (à la francaise)in anycase I just didnt feel like I could save the way a person working full time should be saving. So once again I went on the search for something with a more appropriate salary in the beginning I was searching for everything and anything. But as the search went on, I found more and more positions which I actually found interesting and weren't just "jobs".

Every since I was a little girl I have been obsessed with magazines, marketing, etc. In my household it wasnt looked at as a reliable career with job security, etc. So I went on the education route. Fast foward to right now, and I see myself working more and more in communications "going back to my roots". And I want to stay on this path.

It's funny how your dreams can chase you...my mother always said "you will be who you ought to be" and it could not be truer.

Remember This???

Lipsmackers remind me so much of when I was 13 and would read Seventeen magazine, acting as if I could relate to what the articles were about (boys, and such). Are these even sold anymore? Its funny how one symbol can represent so much for a person and can show you have fast time goes by!

R.I.P. Whitney Houston

"My love is your love it would take an eternity to break us...If I should die this very day, don't cry because on earth we wasn't meant to stay and no matter what the people say, I'll be waiting for you after the judgement day"

Fearless

Im getting ready to embark on some new adventures, and its funny I have been asked if I am scared to pursue this journey and the answer is an astounding no!

I am a pretty low key person and would never describe myself as an adventurous person, at least in the traditional sense of the word (am super scared of heights, animals, rollercoasters, etc) but I am not afraid of taking chances.

The past few years have proven that more than ever, I am always up for a new challenge, I dont take no for an answer, and will keep on keeping on until I reach my goals.

As I get older and take more ownership of myself, I realize that these are my strengths.

In the words of Jay -Z " I will not lose"...

Color Me Badd

After I recent trip to Morocco I came to a realization....why is it that that some cities lack color (cough, cough NYC (except for their brownstones mostly in Brooklyn and certain areas of Manhattan), Paris (with the exception of Montmarte) while others are full of it, especially in Latin America and Africa.

Colored buildings just give off such a positive aura for me, and makes the surroundings so much more visually pleasing, here are some examples:

Lotus Flower Bomb

This is the kind of video that makes me sing like Im a video girl :) No but seriously this song has been on repeat, dont know if Im late on discovering this song since Im in France but anyway Im feeling it! :) Especially with Miguel who is my new favorite artist!

Shhhh....Lets Play Taboo

In France they are notoriously secretive about money, it is not something which is to be spoken about publicly. Rich people try to avoid showing that they are rich, and this is actually something I appreciate, however for me the ish hits the fan with companies who are secretive when I my opinion this subject should be completely transparent.

Often job opportunities are posted and under the salary section it is posted:

Salary to be negociated....Uhhhhh......

In addition often during interviews they often ask what your current salary is, in my opinion as a test to see what is the minimum salary they can get away with offering a potential candidate. This is completely different from my experience in the U.S. where employers tend to be as transparent as possible. Honesty is the best policy because this can avoid potential candidates wasting their time....