In this video, I’m getting really honest about the trade-offs I’ve experienced after more than 17 years living in France. I moved from the US to Dijon in 2008, and while I’m grateful for the life I’ve built here, I don’t sugarcoat what you give up to get it. I talk about the realities of lower salaries and how that can change your day-to-day decisions, especially if you’re coming from an American income mindset. But I also explain what I’ve gained—and why, for me, it’s been worth it: a work-life balance that’s actually protected, a culture that’s more family-focused, and healthcare that’s far more affordable than what I was used to in the US. If you’re considering a move to France, I want you to go in with your eyes open: not just chasing a fantasy, but understanding the real costs and benefits so you can decide what matters most to you.