I moved from New York to France for my wife's career. Her life has changed, but I'm surprised how little mine has.
Business Insider
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pablo Andreu moved from New York to Versailles with his wife so she could attend a prestigious graduate program in perfumery. Despite the glamorous setting—living just steps from the Palace of Versailles and working as an American writer outside Paris—the author found little change in his daily routine, which remained centered around writing in isolation. Initially, he thought the move would spark a more exciting lifestyle, but the reality was mundane, with routine work and minimal cultural immersion.
While living in France, Andreu realized that as a remote worker, he often felt insulated from local culture due to his apartment-bound life. He spent most of his time writing in English, ordering baguettes, and navigating minor French challenges like deciphering labels on spices. The novelty of the location faded into the background, leaving him with little connection to his new surroundings.
To break isolation, Andreu took proactive steps to connect with others. He joined expat writer communities, attended events, and met fellow English-speaking writers in Paris. These efforts helped him build a network and feel more integrated. However, he also reflected on how remote work can lead to similar feelings of isolation regardless of location. While his daily routine remained consistent, he began to appreciate the importance of seeking out community.
The author’s experience highlights lessons relevant to business professionals: adaptability, proactiveness in networking, and recognizing that opportunities don’t arrive passively. Whether in New York or Versailles, building a fulfilling life often requires initiative and engagement with one's surroundings. Andreu concludes that while routine can feel repetitive, it also provides stability—and the real challenge is finding ways to enrich it through connections and experiences.
This story underscores the importance of mindset and effort in navigating new environments, whether for work or personal life, emphasizing how taking initiative can transform even the most ordinary routines into opportunities for growth and connection.
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Business Insider on 2/20/2026