A New Chapter in the French Countryside
Anna Britten, a 49-year-old single mother from Nottingham, made a bold decision to leave her high-pressure teaching job in the UK for a quieter life in the French countryside. She now lives with her two teenagers in France, where she believes their future holds more opportunities than it would have in Nottingham.
Anna’s previous role as an assistant head teacher in the UK was extremely demanding. She often worked 45-hour weeks without taking lunch breaks, which left her feeling constantly stressed. Despite her love for France, which she had visited since childhood, she put her dream of moving abroad on hold while raising her sons, aged 14 and 16.
The pandemic was a turning point for Anna. It made her reflect on her life and led her to consider a change. She began searching for jobs in France and found a perfect teaching position near Nemours. She moved there in August 2024, bringing her two sons and their four cats with her.
One of the main reasons Anna chose France was the work-life balance. French labor laws limit teachers to a 35-hour workweek, and she only has to attend school for the lessons she teaches. There are no tutor groups, assemblies, or administrative tasks, which were common in the UK. This shift allowed her to focus more on teaching and less on stress.
Her sons have also benefited from the move. They no longer have to wear uniforms and enjoy at least an hour for lunch each day. The smaller class sizes—only 14 students compared to 30 in the UK—have helped them thrive academically. While Anna took a pay cut, she says the quality of life is worth it.
Anna emphasized the cultural differences between the UK and France. She said people in France take time to enjoy life, especially during meals. In the UK, she never had a proper lunch break, but here, stopping for a meal is a norm. She finds this lifestyle much more relaxed and fulfilling.
Despite the challenges of moving countries, including the complicated visa process, Anna and her children have adapted well. Her youngest son is particularly happy, and her eldest was able to escape the pressures of GCSEs. The family is becoming bilingual, and they’re gaining an international perspective through their education.
The school schedule in France is also different. Classes start at 8:20 am and end at 5:30 pm, but students have a long lunch break of at least an hour. Anna appreciates the balance between work and personal time, and she feels more in control of her schedule.
In terms of cost, Anna hasn’t noticed a huge difference. She rents a four-bedroom house an hour outside Paris for €1,300 a month, which is slightly more expensive than what she paid in Nottingham. However, eating out is cheaper, and the proximity to Paris offers a wealth of cultural experiences that she values.
Anna hopes her story inspires others to make big life changes, regardless of their age. She encourages people to face their fears and pursue what makes them happy. As she puts it, “As I’ve got older I’ve got braver. If fear is the reason you’re not doing it – ignore the fear.”
For those interested in learning more about her journey, Anna shares her experiences on TikTok under the handle @franceinflipflops.
