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switzerland - near GEneva. Job advert? young family...

4 replies

worriednow1 · 27/12/2014 12:30

2 kids primary school age ( just the beginning of primary). the jobs advert is really appealing. Pros: 1. kids could go to international school in Switzerland, 2. good move for me in career. Cons: 1. what to do with my husband job ( earns 24,000 a year, 5 min from our home - so really really convenient) 3. good country for family life ( but! expensive). The reason for change 1. I need to change the job, fed up at my present job politics etc and constant undermining ( I am getting ill from this situation and lost my confidence ) 2. kids could be in an international school. Biffest problem I guess my hb's job? could I go myself initially and see how it goes ( My hb can deal with childcare + parental support - parents live min away from our home)? Or go with children and my husband later? please help me with ideas. sorry for chaotic post

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Pippidoeswhatshewants · 27/12/2014 12:35

We were near Geneva for 3 years, so here's my initial thoughts:
Does your salary/package include international school fees?
Cost of living is much, much higher than in the UK. Is this reflected in your package?
Would your dh be happy as a SAHD? I have met many unhappy "trailing spouses".
How good is your French?
Have you had a look at englishforum.ch? Gives you a pretty good insight into the expat community there.

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worriednow1 · 27/12/2014 12:37

we both have just English... my husband woudl be very unhappy SAHD...would it be a good idea for him to write a letter of interest in teh same company... he is not a high earner... so mayb could fit in? the advert does not specify school fees or salary - will ask after winter break...

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Pippidoeswhatshewants · 27/12/2014 13:15

I think it would be a good idea for you to look at what kind of salary you will need:
Moving cost
International school fees
Rent (comparis.ch is the Swiss rightmove)
Health insurance for all of you, including children
Income tax
Maybe do a trial grocery shop (migros.ch)

Is your move to be permanent or temporary? it might be a good idea for your dh to start job hunting now. Read up on work visas, I think things have changed since we were there.

You will need to learn some French. Without it there is no chance that you would ever integrate into Swiss society. The expat community is big and friendly, but it is like living in a different world.

Don't be seduced by the pay only, living and working in CH comes with its own cultural challenges. Having said all that, we really enjoyed our time in CH.

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Bisous · 05/01/2015 18:01

Been here 22 years and think the quality of life is great. PP has covered all the really important points. You can come for a few years, live in the expat bubble and have fun or learn the lingo and integrate into Geneva (this is NOT switzerland- it is its own entity ;-) ) but with so many Brits here now it is hard to do and you'll have to work hard if you want to avoid the expat bubble!! Don't move here in Autumn/winter, adjustment is hard but if it is cold, dark and everyone's off skiing every weekend it'll be harder!!!

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