French People and Work: An Ambivalent Relationship
 

Work naturally holds an important place in French society, but it is not always seen as an end in itself. Many French people consider that working is a necessity, but not the essence of their existence. People work to earn a living, to provide for their needs and those of their families, but the goal is not necessarily to dedicate all their time and energy to it.
 

This is reflected in everyday conversations: in France, it is very common to hear expressions like "We are not on Earth to work" or "Work is health… but doing nothing preserves it". These phrases illustrate well the idea that work is important, but it should not overshadow life’s pleasures.
 

This is also why the French place great importance on paid holidays, public holidays, and more generally on their free time. The idea is that work should fit into life, not the other way around.
 

 

A Historical and Social Heritage
 

This approach to work does not come out of nowhere. It has its roots in France’s social history. Since the 19th century, France has been marked by numerous social struggles that have led to major advances:
 

  • Reduction of working hours, with the 35-hour workweek introduced in 2000.
     
  • The right to paid holidays, dating back to 1936 with the Popular Front.
     
  • A developed social protection system, guaranteeing rights for workers.
     

All these advances have helped create a model where work is not seen as a necessary sacrifice but as one element among others in a balanced life.
 

 

Cultural Differences: Comparison with Other Countries
 

When comparing the French philosophy of work with that of other countries, significant differences emerge.
 

In the United States, for example, professional success is often at the center of life. The number of vacation days is limited, and taking too many holidays is frowned upon. Work is seen as a value in itself, a means of social ascent, and a driver of personal development.
 

In other European countries like Germany or the Netherlands, the balance between work and personal life is also important, but mentalities differ. In Germany, efficiency at work is valued to avoid overtime, while in the Netherlands, part-time work is widely adopted, even among executives.
 

France, on the other hand, cultivates a certain ambivalence: on one side, work is seen as a constraint, but on the other, there is also a culture of debate about work, strikes to defend workers' rights, and a sense of pride in certain professions.
 

 

Recent Evolutions: A New Generation with New Expectations
 

In recent years, a shift in the French relationship with work has been observed. The pandemic accelerated this evolution, and more and more workers are seeking a better balance between professional and personal life.
 

  • Remote work has expanded, and many no longer want to return to a model where they spend all their time at the office.
     
  • The search for meaning has become essential: many employees refuse jobs that do not align with their values or that prevent them from thriving.
     
  • Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly attractive, as it allows people to work at their own pace and choose their projects.
     

Some trends, like "quiet quitting" (doing only what is necessary at work, without over-investing), also show that the new generation rejects the idea of an all-consuming work life.
 

But be careful, this does not mean that the French no longer want to work! They simply want a model that allows them to fully enjoy their free time without sacrificing their well-being for their job.
 

 

So, work to live or live to work? In France, the trend is clear: work should allow people to enjoy life, not define it entirely.
 

Of course, everyone has their own vision of work, and there is no right or wrong answer. Maybe in your country, the relationship with work is different? Maybe you yourself have a different approach to work?
 

And if you want to go further in discovering French culture, join Ohlala la France + for even more resources and interactive exercises.