Job search

These days, I'm in a turmoil, because half of me is preparing to leave Paris, and the other half telling me that I shouldn't go, once I leave, there's near impossibility to be back (in a status different than that of a tourist). With the days counting down to the end of my student residency permit, friends here have been advising that I sign up some language course, to continue my student status, that I can still come back to Asia for a visit, but at least I can come back to Paris on surer grounds.

At the same time I've been asking around in Thailand for a job. Chiva Som said no, I just asked the Evason, so let's see how it goes. In SG, I've been writing to the HR lady of Boulud since last October (where they advertised a walk-in interview in Singapore, but because I'm here, I couldn't attend), but have not got a reply from her. No number to call either. Some of you may know that I spoke on the phone with the chef of Boulud in Beijing a few times before, while I was in BKK, but since I had no email reply from him for a while, I figure I might give him a call.

I had a contact for Mosimann's in London but that was a no as well.

Through the job posted online (not many!) on the LCB alumni website, I sent my resume through to a club in Florida, but the job description sounds a little better than a sandwich maker - I'm a commis in Hediard as well, but I think I have a lot more responsibilities.

Even if I succeed in renewing my student pass, I'll still come back to SG/BKK for a visit, (and apply for my work visa - not paying anything yet, until approved from France's side). Part I: Visa works out, I'm back here again. Part II: Visa doesn't work out. Scenario A, I come back to Paris on my student pass, surprise Hediard and work part time, while looking for a better restaurant to move to, which by Sept 2010, I will have my employment pass. Scenario B, I find something good in Asia and stay on. How long should my search be? 3 months? More, less?

If I don't have my student pass, I should forget about coming back to Paris again to ask for a job. (Unless this time I take a course for 1 year). Cos' the 'new employer' will have to make the same request to the Dept de Travail, and we're back to square 1. What didn't work with Hediard prob won't work for the 'new employer' as well.

I should have given the student pass a more serious thought. I've less than 10 days before its expiry. Amongst packing up, making a short trip to Lisbon (yes!), and flying out to SG by 26 Feb.