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Freelance France: The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Living and Working in France

Freelance France: The Freelance Writer's Guide to Living and Working


Freelance France: The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Living and Working in France

With nearly 5 million people in France working after emigrating from abroad, many people have taken the world of freelancing as an excuse to go somewhere new. IF you’re one of the many people trying to freelance in France from somewhere else, there are a lot of clever ways to ensure that you do it successfully. Freelancing is hard and doing so from another country takes some know-how.

Here are five things to keep in mine when freelancing in France.

1. Start Paperwork Early

Many people from across the world love the kinds of social benefits, support, and funding that European countries give to all kinds of enterprises. Whether it’s healthcare, small businesses, or the arts, European countries are the vanguard in supporting ideas from other places. However, the two costs of this grand environment of support are the costs paid through taxes and through the bureaucracy.

Your patience and your knowledge of obscure French words will be put to the test when you consider becoming a full-time French freelancer. Acceptance is the first step in dealing with French bureaucracy. The sooner you get started, the easier it’ll be to handle your taxes and other responsibilities of French work life.

If you want to ensure that you don’t get slammed with a huge tax bill at the end of the year, start monthly payments now. If you send the French government a little bit of money each month, you’ll offset your tax bill at the end of the year. And if you overpay, you’ll be returned that money after you file.

Many freelancers work outside of the system because the government can be cold. However, they’ll take note if you’re trying your best. Just know that if they’re asking you to do something, you should do it as soon as possible. Check out this useful guide for pronouncing those difficult bureaucratic terms over the phone.

2. Join a Co-op

France has an auto-entrepreneur setup to help self-employed people to get started. Lots of writers and freelancers start out in this way, but then move on to join a worker’s cooperative. It’s the best way to help ensure you start up your own business properly.

When you’re a freelancer, you are your own business. In many tax schemes, you’re a contractor to the companies you’re writing for or else you’re a temporary worker. You need to know how you’d like to file your taxes at the end of the year.

The best way to do that is to get involved in a worker’s cooperative where you can ask questions to people who are already doing the work.

Paying out ten percent of your earning to a cooperative is typical, but in exchange, they protect you as a writer. They’ll ensure that you get what you’re owed from non-paying clients and they’ll handle all of your accounting. You can get payslips and get a permanent contract, proving you have steady employment.

These services are essential when setting up your life in France or even trying to get your own apartment.

3. Communicate Professionally At All Times

While you might use a personal email or texting for lots of your communication, keep your communication professional at all times. When you use your personal likes for business, you need to know how to shift your tone. If you fail to set the tone right at the start of your communication, you’ll struggle to backpedal into something more professional later.

When you start out as a freelancer, people might not show you the respect you deserve but once you get the hang of it, you’ll make the shift easily. You’ll quickly learn how the French handle their work communication. Much of their contact is very formal, so expect to use proper nouns and professional terminology for everything.

Steer away from slang, any kind of overexcited language, or comments you wouldn’t want to associate with your professional career. You can be casual, so long as you know how to be firm all along the way. You need to keep your initial contacts very formal to ensure that you are taken seriously from the start of your working relationship with someone.

4. Turn Into a Networking Machine

Someone who is good at networking can spin gold out of any situation in a matter of a few conversations. However, for most people who aren’t French natives, becoming a freelance writer in France is a challenge. You don’t have those lifelong connections that other people have or even the connections they make in college.

Send out CVs and make phone calls like there’s no tomorrow, but be sure that you put yourself in the right situations. You need to be places where you’ll find and meet people to work with.

If you’re a parent, you might be able to find a group of parents who are also from where you’re from, interested in socializing. If you don’t mind being in a circle that’s limited to your native tongue, this isn’t so bad. However, if you’re trying to stay sharp with your French, you’ll need to seek out other connections.

Let your friends know if you are able to work as a translator. You can make more connections if you just tell the people in your circle what you’re able to do.

5. Keep an Updated Website

It’s vital to have a good website when you’re out meeting people. Get your URL printed on your card. Include a photo on the front of your site so that people who meet you remember who you are.

Hire a designer if possible to ensure that your site looks great and is translated properly.

Let people know that you’re located in France right now. While it’s nice if people come by to offer you work in New York or London, if you’re not around, it’s just an added frustration.

Freelance in France and Live Your Dreams

As anyone who’s ever lived abroad can tell you, living in another country is much different than visiting. You’ll have a different lifestyle when you freelance in France than if you go there on vacation. Moving somewhere new is hard, but if you have flexible work, you’ll be better off.

To improve the experiences your customers have with you, check out our latest guide.

Entertainment

10 Cities You Need to Visit on Your Trip to France

10 Cities You Need to Visit on Your Trip to


10 Cities You Need to Visit on Your Trip to France

Did you know that France is the most visited country in the world?

France is a magical and romantic place, full of lush plains, snowy mountains, and beautiful coastlines.

As spoken by Ernest Hemingway: “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast”.

In truth, almost anywhere in France will leave a grand impression on your for the rest of your life, from Paris to villas in Saint-Tropez.

The country of France is full to the brim with cities to discover, and an entirely unique culture to enjoy.

In planning a trip to France, consider including some cities besides Paris to your list. With a diverse geography of 248,573 square miles, you won’t get disappointed.

Read on to learn ten destinations in France that may surprise you with their beauty.

1. Nice

This coastal town is well-known, and once was a hot-spot for British aristocrats. Its location on Cote d’Azur makes it ideal for a beach getaway.

Be sure to soak up the sunshine in this temperant environment, perhaps before taking a dip in the clear blue sea.

Nice also occurs delicious seafood cuisine, nightlife, and a charming old-town full of history, and is reason enough to take a trip to France.

2. Champagne

The name of this lovely town says it all. It is in fact, known for some of the best champagne in the world.

In France, the only sparkling wines allowed to hold the label “Champagne” must be from this region, by law.

That said, France takes this beverage seriously. Come to sample this historic beverage, and stay to enjoy the quaint towns in this region.

3. Marseille

The city of Marseille, known as a casual and interesting city, with history at every corner.

But, take notice the more modern, hip additions like street performers and artistic exhibitions during your trip to France.

This city is also known as a melting pot, and as such has a multiculturalism about it. Enjoy the museums, architecture, and the cuisine in this picturesque city.

4. Lyon

If you or someone you are traveling with is a foodie, you must go to Lyon. Lyon, considered the unofficial foodie capital of France, is heaven for your taste buds.

The city also offers a light festival, museums, churches, Roman ruins, and plenty of shopping to keep up with the French Fashionistas.

It is the perfect destination to get a taste a France. As a tip for your stay, learn to slow down. The French are notorious for living slowly, and with pleasure in each moment.

5. Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a quaint little seaside town, full of villas in Saint-Tropez and cobblestone streets.

The location is perfect to explore the coastal scenery and hop from beach to beach. In addition, make sure you explore the various fishing villages in the area, as it is hard to find fresher seafood.

Consider looking into villas in Saint-Tropez when planning the trip, as this luxurious destination is not one to miss.

6. Riquewihr

A charming village nestled on the eastern side of France that is the setting that inspired the creation of Beauty and the Beast.

The age of the city is quickly realized as you wander the cobblestone streets, surrounded by 15th-century structures.

Better yet, take the time to notice the different colored buildings, as legend says this represented the type of business long ago.

7. Chamonix

The city of Chamonix is truly a winter wonderland, perfect for snuggly nights by the fire with hot chocolate and French wine.

It is ideal for those interested in skiing and was even the site of the first winter Olympics in 1924.

From hiking to skiing to mountain climbing, it is a nature-lovers heaven. However, don’t fret about isolation, the neighboring areas are bustling with life and French cuisine.

8. Carcassonne

The ancient town of Carcassonne looks like a fortress from a mystical tale. It is a completely fortified town, complete with an entire city within it.

However, inside it is fairly modern, but with ancient and medieval history at every corner.

Be sure to check out both La Cit? and the lower city, Ville Basse. The two towns, connected by Pont-Neuf and Pont-Vieux bridges, are a must visit.

9. Normandy

Normandy is in the Northern part of France and is often remarked to be housing two different places in one.

It’s lush green countrysides on one side and rough, choppy water of the English Channel on the other make it seem otherworldly.

The region has plenty to do, including food, history, and architecture. Be sure to check out Mont Saint Michel and the D-Day Beaches.

The chalk cliffs are another noteworthy sight to see. As well, don’t forget to sample Norman cheese and clams during your trip to France.

10.Toulouse

Toulouse is one of the most popular destinations for students, and is also known as the “Pink City” or Ville rose in French.

There are many different squares in the town, and it is perfect for drinking and laughing with fellow travelers.

There is also a well-known Japanese Garden near the city center, which can help soothe you during your stay in this robust city.

The Key to Having the Best Trip to France

The country of France is beautiful as a whole, and your trip is maximized if you visit cities outside of Paris.

In addition, the villas in Saint-Tropez provide the most luxurious lifestyle you can imagine, which is only increased by the quaint atmosphere.

Take your time to savor the fresh seafood, relish every sip of fabled wine, and laugh often.

The French are many things, good and bad, but more than anything they truly understand the power of pleasure.

If you are saving for a trip to France, be sure to check out our post on content marketing to boost your sales long term and take that dream vacation.