With nine border countries, France's geographic position is a boon for all those who want to change the air, without leaving their home. For cross-border workers, professional life is on one side, and personal life on the other. Switzerland remains the number one destination, with almost 180,000 workers, followed by Luxembourg (20.6%), Germany (12.2%), Belgium (9.7%) and Monaco (7, 1%). "The economic dynamism of certain neighboring countries, which are easily accessible, attracts workers living in France," explain the authors of the INSEE study. The wage level is higher and unemployment low. In addition, cultural and linguistic exchanges are appreciated. The inconvenients ? "The contracts are generally 40 hours per week, tempers Julien Dauer, legal officer of the Association Frontaliers Grand Est. And the difficult transport conditions, sources of stress and fatigue". But, we have nothing without nothing, philosophize our four witnesses! * Source: INSEE, 2015; ** borderiers-grandest.eu
"I am well paid": Isabelle, 48, Lexy (54), works in Belgium
After I separated from my partner, I found a job in an emergency chocolate factory in Belgium. Less than 10km from the Belgian border, 70% of the inhabitants of my commune work on the other side because the wages are more generous. For 3 years, I’ve been there seasonally, from January to March to prepare Easter and then from June to October, for the production of Christmas. My salary is around € 1,700 net. The other months, I touch unemployment, or € 1,200 net. So I am paid well, even if the work is not exciting. Besides, it's only a 15 minute drive from my house. Belgians are very good living, the atmosphere is friendly.
"Barely graduated, I was hired": Nadia, 42, Metz (57), works in Luxembourg
I have worked in aesthetics for 15 years. Not finding an internship near my home, I applied to Luxembourg where many jobs in services are filled by foreigners. As soon as I graduated, I was hired! I took English and Luxembourgish lessons which allowed me to quickly climb the ladder. I am now a manager. I love this small country, quiet and very respectful of the rules. I also appreciate that my clients come from all over the world. From Metz where I live, I take more than an hour by car to get to work. It's tiring! But impossible to live on the spot, the rents are much too high. On the salary side, it's worth the cost, even if I work 40 hours a week: I earn € 2,300 net.
"I feel better considered than in France": Emilie, 39, Annecy (74) works in Switzerland
In my last job, I was commercial, traveling 150 km per day. When my contract ended, even if I spent a lot of time in the car, I looked for work in Switzerland. Geneva is only 40 km away, even if I spend almost two hours in traffic … No regrets, because I found an interesting job as development manager where I feel better regarded than in France. My salary is three times higher, before deducting the 8% health insurance. Unemployment in Switzerland is almost zero, there is not enough manpower and French people are welcome. However, labor law has nothing to do with it. Employees are less protected than in France. You can get fired overnight. And unemployment is less generous. You also have to invest a lot in your job. As for vacation, we are entitled to 4 weeks of vacation and RTT does not exist!
"The Germans complain less than we do!": Martine, 62, Strasbourg (67) works in Germany
After my studies, I worked in Germany where I met my German husband. Managing Director of the European Consumer Center in Germany, I work in the small town of Kehl, which touches Strasbourg, and I live on the French side. I missed the tricolor lifestyle, the cultural offer, the gastronomy. In Germany, employees start early, around 7:30 a.m. and finish by 5 p.m. at the latest: it’s very nice to have time at the end of the day. At the office, they have a great sense of collective and groan less than we do! Salaries are more attractive but you have to work 40 hours a week, without RTT. And the taxes have to be deducted: net, it's the same. The big difference? Retirement pensions, very low (25% of my salary) and the obligation to work until age 67!