I had a corporate job in Paris. The French work norms and office culture felt so different from what I saw in the US.

I left the US and started my first corporate job in Paris when I was 23.

Although I was in a new country, I figured office conversations and workplace dynamics would resemble those back home, just with different accents and the added benefit of better work-life balance.

Turns out, I was wrong about the workplaces feeling similar (although I was right about the accents and balance).

The corporate culture and attitude around work in Paris felt quite different, and it took me a while to adjust during the two years I worked in France.

The French work hard, but they do so differently — and take breaks seriously

There’s a common stereotype that the French don’t work as hard as Americans. It only took a few weeks to see how inaccurate that was, especially in Paris.

My French coworkers regularly worked late, responded to emails on weekends, and went above and beyond just like my former American colleagues.

The bigger difference wasn’t the hours they worked but the energy around them. In the US, overtime tends to come with stress and the expectation of financial reward, like a raise or promotion.

In Paris, I regularly saw people calmly working beyond their scheduled hours. They still took lunch breaks, shared jokes with coworkers, and maintained a steady pace.

There also seemed to be more of a team-first mentality. Advancement wasn’t as individual-focused, but the emphasis was on collective success.

That said, one stereotype that does feel true is how seriously the French take their time off. Many people here really do fully unplug on vacation or maternity leave, and sick days feel very respected.

In France, it’s common to take three weeks or even all of August off. However, when people return, it’s business as usual.

French workplaces run on relationships, not just performance

Back in the US, I was used to friendly yet professional office interactions with clear boundaries.

Paris was different. Workplace relationships felt far more personal.

I got to know colleagues’ families, partners, and even their flatmates. No topic felt entirely off-limits as managers casually asked about dating, family planning, and even political views.

This openness felt like it came with the expectation that workers would generally handle disagreements or miscommunications themselves without relying too much on HR.

As an American, that level of autonomy can feel either refreshing or frustrating, depending on the situation.

Once you’re in, you’re in

I attribute France’s more relaxed work environment to the strong job security. Landing a CDI (contrat à durée indéterminée) is a big deal.

It comes with stability, benefits, and protections that most Americans only dream of. And yes, it’s also pretty hard to get fired.

Most CDIs start with a trial period during which either side can walk away with minimal notice. It’s the closest the French system comes to the US model of at-will employment.

I remember when my trial period ended, my coworkers congratulated me. At first, it felt strange, like I was applauded for not getting fired.

But by the end of my time at the company, I understood what that moment meant for both them and me.

It feels harder to grow and to quit

In the US, job-hopping in your 20s or 30s is common, especially if you don’t get the raise or promotion you were hoping for. In France, that kind of movement is less expected and not as simple.

Many employees feel lucky to have a stable CDI, so asking for a raise can seem taboo.

I also saw firsthand how different the quitting process is when I left my job in Paris. In the US, two weeks’ notice is standard, but in France, notice periods often stretch to three months or more.

Even after I’d transitioned my responsibilities and my role was filled, I was expected to stay, which felt a bit unnecessary from my American perspective.

Looking back, I wish I’d known a few of these things before starting to work in Paris

There are a few things I’d tell any other expat looking to work in France.

First of all, try to choose a role or industry you can see yourself sticking with in the long term. Sometimes, your job can end up being a lifelong commitment.

Negotiating your salary upfront feels even more important in France, as raises can feel rare and tough to ask for.

Although it’s important to read any contract carefully before signing it, it’s especially crucial to do so with job offers in France. Details like trial periods and notice terms matter.

Lastly, I wish I knew sooner that I didn’t need to be afraid of connecting with colleagues on a deeper personal level — here, it’s just part of the culture.

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