Hi there.

I'm a 29 year old guy, currently unemployed here in the UK having lost my position to a guy from India on half my old salary. Previously in IT management and before that in front line and second line support and ran my own consultancy business for four years (networks, hardware and software troubleshooting, servers, web design etc etc etc). I also used to live on a narrow boat and have a strong affinity with boats and water craft and some practical knowledge of their maintenance and application. Before all that I was a motorcycle (long distance) courier and have a good understanding of motorcycles and motorcycle maintenance. As if that isn't diverse enough, I also have a degree in furniture restoration but haven't done that for many years.

I am not IT qualified, which is partly why I am in such a mess career wise, I foolishly did not get myself the Microsoft certificates while the going was good and consequently find myself losing out to guys off the boat who will work for less.

I'm planning to try and join la legion etrangere in the new year (2010) but would like to work and reside in France pior to really master conversational French and enhance my fitness to give myself the best possible shot at it.

In short: I'm looking for work. Work AND accomodation would be excellent but I'll take just plain old work if its going.

Anything considered from labouring through to IT (my forte). If you run a small business, own a string of gites, have taken on property in France and need someone to move mounds of Earth or just help out with any aspect of your day to day life, or house-sit or provide additional presense etc etc etc please consider dropping me a line!

I have already investigated as many formal employment oppertunities as I can but not currently being francophone in conjunction with the economic downturn and the French disposition toward not taking on new employees lightly, particularly foreigners, has seen my enquiries (understandably) hit more than a few brick walls.

I even tried getting seasonal agricultural work, but that has been snaffled up by guys on the ground by and large. Many companies did not even reply alas ..

I'm a smart, motivated, educated, sociable/well adjusted, fit and healthy middle class guy and I have no dodgey friends or dodgey past issues etc. No gf, no kids, no criminal convicitons or mental health issues etc.

Willing to travel anywhere in France, although I will eventually be heading down to Aubagne in Marseilles region to try for the Legion, I do have my own transport so anywhere is fine.

Ideally looking to work for or with expats who speak French and/or are mature adults with some genuine work and who could maybe help me pick up some French!

CV and references can all be supplied if you have a vacancy or would like to know more about where I have been and what I have been doing etc.

I should add I am not looking for mega bucks. Frankly anything that will feed me and put a roof over my head is fine! Intellectual stimulation or a role in which I can make good use of my technological and organizational skills is preferred but not required, I'd be just as happy mowing grass.

If I don't find any work before leaving England, I'll still be leaving England. The prospect of starting again here on a pittance and struggling to pay inflated rents and taxes etc or re-training doesn't appeal to me frankly. I'd rather start again somewhere new and with fresh challenges ..

- Dave