What you'll learn from Andrew's story
Meet Andrew
Name has been changed to protect their privacy
I’m 35 years old and originally from Ireland. I've lived in the UK, the Netherlands, the US, and now reside in France. My job is completely online and the organisation I work for operates across multiple countries so as long as my team is aware of where I am, I’m able to move around and explore new cultures with my partner.
What I do for work
I work as a researcher in international politics and technology for a nonprofit organisation, with a focus on artificial intelligence. I’d say there are two sides to my role, the first being administrative duties where I look at the operations behind the work of our team. There’s also a large research side to it. I conduct desk research and some primary research on the intersection of human rights and technology.
In a good week it’s 9 - 5 but it varies significantly depending on deliverables. On average, I work about eight hours a day, but it can extend to 10 hours during busy periods. The additional hours are often self-inflicted and voluntary, depending on the avenue I want to go down with the work.
My current job is fully remote, but my organisation has offices in the US and several affiliate groups worldwide. So there are official spaces to work for staff in certain locations, but for some individuals like me there is a responsibility to find a suitable working or co-working space.
Salary transparency
Regarding salary, in my industry and at my level it varies widely, depending on the organisation, experience, and additional responsibilities. The range is roughly between €23,000 and €45,000 annually.
Join me for a typical work day
Before coming to France I researched a bunch of places I could possibly work from, ideally for free or at a minimal rate, and then improvised once I got there, finding a few more places that were suitable.
A typical day starts with coffee at one of my favourite spots in Paris, such as Residence Kann near Canal Saint Martin or L'Arbre à Café in the 2nd arrondissement. Afterwards, I’ll work from either hotel lobbies, libraries, cafes or terraces outside of cafes. In the early afternoon I head home, often stopping for fresh bread and then cooking some lunch. After that I continue working from home for another 2 - 3 hours until let's say 5 or 6pm on average and then since I’m at home it’s easy to just get ready and go out for the evening. Evenings are reserved for socialising or relaxing.
My life outside of work
Weekends and free time involve exploring Paris, researching the best places to eat and drink, and enjoying the city's communal spaces. Since I recently moved here, I still engage in some of the more tourist activities (the famous galleries and museums, walking tours, and finding out about the city’s history) while also trying to integrate into the local culture. When the weather’s good, it’s all about enjoying the terraces, getting a drink and sitting down by the Seine and that’s one of the nice things about Paris - you don’t need to pay for these experiences. It’s a beautiful city that is very walkable, and the food is amazing. So very normal, everyday things are really enjoyable here. There are countless cinemas and theatres, including some with showings in English. I also think there’s one big benefit to moving to and working remotely in a large city, rather than a ‘digital nomad’ type destination or set-up. You can enjoy it while integrating into routines with locals, rather than being seen as a temporary visitor.
My struggles as a digital nomad
Living and working remotely in Paris definitely has its challenges. It requires effective day planning and discipline to avoid distractions. The lack of daily in-person interaction with my team can be a downside, especially when complex communication is needed. While we do have check-ins, there is a sacrificate in terms of social connection, grabbing coffees with team members etc. Another subtle thing is not being able to call someone over to clarify something, it’s difficult to keep jumping on calls versus just talking to someone across the table.
How I got started
When I was first introduced to remote work, it wasn’t a goal I actively pursued. It seemed appealing in an abstract sense, but I didn’t set out to achieve it intentionally. The shift happened organically due to Covid and the hybrid work environment it necessitated. I transitioned from traditional office settings to remote work as part of my job evolution, rather than through a deliberate search for remote opportunities.
Before the position I’m in now, I had a hybrid model but my manager was quite flexible as they also travelled quite a lot and when the senior team isn’t in the office, they have less of an expectation for you to be there. The nature of my work being quite research based also meant that even if I’m present with other people, I’m usually on a deep dive into something and therefore collaboration wasn’t a priority.
My entry into the remote work world wasn’t an entry-level leap either. I had accumulated a significant professional track record, which played a crucial role in my transition. My current position came about through a previous work contact. She had ties to the organisation I now work for - an NGO where remote work is essential due to different time zones and the global nature of the work.
This organisation inherently supports remote work, so when they were looking for new staff, my contact recommended me. This referral carried the trust and assurance of my reliability, which is vital for a remote position. I think trust in people is a lot more important and looked for by companies when they know they won't be seeing you in the office every day. It wasn't a cold application but rather a warm introduction based on existing relationships and proven dependability. If you’re looking to change jobs I definitely suggest leveraging your existing network.
Given the organisation's global presence, moving wasn’t an issue. Even though it’s a US based organisation, I was actually in the process of leaving the US for visa reasons as I was hired. The flexibility of working across different time zones meant that I could relocate without needing to convince anyone or formally request permission. It was a simple matter of informing my supervisor about my whereabouts for HR purposes but it really was informal. My team is also diverse, with members in North America, Latin America, and Western Europe so I wasn’t just a special case in the sense of being able to relocate.
Overcoming Barriers
Despite the streamlined process, there were logistical challenges too, such as relocation expenses and managing belongings stored in different countries. Socially, moving to a new city like Paris posed challenges, particularly with language barrier and building a new life from scratch. However, I viewed these as opportunities to learn and explore.
Finding accommodation in Paris was another hurdle. I relied on a combination of personal connections and extensive research. Friends provided insights into reliable websites and the best neighbourhoods. Ultimately, I opted for an Airbnb for a short-term lease (called a mobility lease), which allowed flexibility and a chance to get to know the city before committing to a long-term contract. This decision paid off as we now have the opportunity to sublet an apartment from friends we met here who are leaving Paris temporarily.
This journey underscores the importance of flexibility and the value of connections. Remote work might not always be attainable through direct applications, but through building a strong professional network and being open to organic opportunities, it becomes possible.
Living and working in Paris has been a blend of strategic planning and spontaneous adaptation, leading to a fulfilling and dynamic remote work lifestyle.
My message to the world
For those looking to adopt a similar lifestyle, here are some key pieces of advice:
Prioritise Lifestyle: Consider how you want to live, who you want to be around, and the type of city you want to reside in. Think about the kind of work that will support this lifestyle and map out potential jobs and opportunities that align with these preferences - essentially working backwards from what you want.
Network and Research: Identify people who have the work-life balance you desire and study their career paths and skill sets. Building connections and learning from others can provide valuable insights and open doors to remote work opportunities.
Develop Necessary Skills: Simply wanting a remote job isn't enough. Focus on acquiring the skills and experience needed for roles that offer the flexibility you seek. Your career stage can also influence the ease of transitioning to remote work, with more advanced professionals often finding it easier so that’s just something to keep in mind if you’re just starting out in your career.
Communicate Your Value: Don't hesitate to ask for remote work opportunities within your current workplace. Remember that you add value to the company, and it's important to consider your long-term career goals and desired lifestyle.
One of the most rewarding aspects of remote work is the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures. For those from Anglophone countries, the prospect of living in a non-English-speaking country can be intimidating. My advice is to embrace the challenge, learn the local language (even a few words go a long way), and engage with locals rather than just sticking with expatriates. This approach enriches the experience and broadens your perspective.
What’s next for me?
Having lived and worked remotely in Paris for four months, I find myself reflecting on the potential and possibilities of this lifestyle. Remote work offers numerous benefits, making it an appealing way to live. While I greatly enjoy this flexibility, it remains a secondary consideration to the job's fulfilment and the kind of work I want to do.
Looking ahead, I might take a position that requires being more tied down or even return to an office setting at some point. Nevertheless, maintaining a flexible lifestyle will always be in the back of my mind, influencing my future decisions. The goal is to balance job satisfaction with the freedom to work remotely when possible.
Comments