i lost my job in Paris.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2024
- Not clickbait... A kind of big update video for you guys on my life right now in Paris.
I hope you are excited to come on this new adventure with me.
Arielle
Music :
Édith Piaf - La Vie en Rose (DeliFB Lofi Remix)
Job security in France is a whole new level. I'm an American expat living near Paris. A while ago, a French colleague of mine had a nervous breakdown at work. I don't know what triggered it, I just know he had just finished a phone call and suddenly he was yelling and tossing stuff. He smashed his computer and put several dents into his desk. As an American, I was thinking the guy was going to get fired on the spot. Instead, a doctor gave him a four week break paid by the French healthcare system and none of my French colleagues expressed any negative feelings about the ordeal. They just concluded he had a bad day. Our company paid for the damages and my colleague kept his job. A few months later he did leave but only because he had chosen to. I was simply flabbergasted.
A buddy of mine, entry level IT guy, was put on paid leave "arrêt maladie" because he had a bad breakup with his GF back in 2021, and he sort of went drunk.
I mean, his doctor wrote him an "ordonnance" for it, so it's all square with social security, but 4 years later he's still getting paid 50% of his salary and spent most of his time at home buying computer parts and really cool wine collection. I think he's considering looking for a new job right now, but he's unsure.
And we're talking about a public $100 billion household insurance company with 150k employees paying him off, not some crazy VC funded ping-pong table startup. d
So he's obviously replaceable, but I'm guessing its more cost-efficient to just keep in on payroll than firing him.
Nervous or mental breakdowns were taboo topics right until covid. It is still the case to a certain degree but people talk more about it now and colleagues simply rationalize the reasons. French are not really used to show their emotions or express the way they really feel at work (and in life in general). By the time they have had enough, it is usually too late because they have crossed the breaking point so many times that their mind is already in pieces. Everybody knows that in the work space. So there is simply no need to add to the dramatic situation since everybody can experience it. Time and healthcare are given to heal and life goes on. The employee goes back to work and decides how he wanna write the next chapter of his life with the implicit support of his colleagues.
In the US, employers require you to give 2 weeks notice to quit a job. On the flip side, employers terminate employees without notice. As soon as you are notified, if you are in the office physically, security will escort you out the door immediately. It's double standard.
wrong. States have different rules. At will states you can be fired and quit at any time. 2 weeks is a courtesy most do but not required by all states.
@@Tennischamp10 I feel like you’re quibbling over peanuts - the point stands. Companies fire at will (pretty much) but expect notice if you want to leave. Screw them. Employees have pretty poor protections in America and thank god people have finally woken up and are now unionising.
@@veronicamaine3813You sound like a paycheck to paycheck worker who is angry they dont own anything LOL BUM
@@veronicamaine3813 I disagree. People are clueless that companies are just going to raise prices. Look at California Mcdonalds. People think employees will win. never. That is politician talk
That is not required. Giving two weeks is to leave on good terms with an employer recommendation to a new job. You can quit and leave ANYTIME
As someone who has experienced serious employment struggles in the US, this sounds completely unbelievable to me 😭 the level of support is unreal. Best of luck on your TH-cam channel! 💜
I was thinking the same thing!
Right! The support they are providing is unreal.
in most European countries it is like that
The support is wonderful, but also the reason that France was on the verge of financial collapse because of these programs. This is why they were rioting in the streets when government officials raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, which was required to continue to fund such programs.
@@doubleservings2890Aren't these programs covered by taxes? In the U.S. I've never been unemployed for so long that I came close to exhausting my unemployment bebefits And the amount of the check was always enough to cover basic expenses. Yes, the perks don't compare to what she's talking about here, but somebody must be paying for that?
As an American...getting laid off in France comparatively sounds like a great opportunity 😂. I'm glad you were able to take advantage of it
I worked at a doctors office for 30 years and they laid me off without notice at the start of covid. They said that they could legally do this because they had less than 50 employees and I was so devastated I never even looked to see if this was legal😞 I wish there had been a union to protect me.
I am so sorry this happened to you.
Reach out to your local EEOC. If you are owed wages, they may be able to help
I’m sorry this happened but would you really have wanted to stay with an employer would treated you this way.
You must live in a ‘Right to Work’ state. *Remember to thoroughly examine anything being promoted by the republican party. They have a tendency to protect the monied over the masses; a business/corporation over the workers/individual.
See if the office is listed in dun and Bradstreet to find out some information.
Call the department of labor to see if they can help.
Thank you ! We in France are used to complaining about everything and it's good to hear you show gratitude! It puts things into perspective. Je vous souhaite le meilleur pour la suite de votre route !
For sure we do, but that's probably the reason why we have all those rights and avantages.
As a Swiss entrpreneur, I would never move my company to France because its too dangerous. You may face adversity in your business like losing a major contract, then you find you can't lower the headcount fast to protect the business, and you go bankrupt and everybody loses, even the employees who would have otherwise remained on board. France as a country attractive to investment has been completely sabotaged by the socialists who just cannot understand, because they don't have the mental flexibility, that by making it easy for an entrepreneur to fire, you make it equally easy for them to open a new job and hire, because there is less risks. But because its to hard to fire, you think twice before opening new positions or you move the workplaces abroad.
@@Jungleman707I am French and I totally agree with your analysis. No wonder we have high unemployment rate and finding a job here is a mission. Highly qualified people have to often get a no or low qualification required job to earn some kind of living. The whole process has to be « re thinked «
Will always be proud of my country and its commitment to protecting workers. It will never fail to astound me how greedy and selfish higher ups will be to keep their inflated salaries and leave the hard workers in the dirt
It's also a massive impediment to global companies employing in France...
If your a startup or business wanting to try something new, you wouldn't do it in France.
So its a great thing for people already employed. It's an impediment for those trying to get a job.
I'm also a dual citizen, and also worked in Europe. But the pay is usually terrible compared to in the US, unless you get lucky and find a generous company. Then it's not so easy to find a job either, because it being so difficult to fire or lay people off, companies are very cautious with hiring. Of course the vacation allowances are better, where one often receives 4-6 weeks off a year in most European countries (by law). But it can be difficult to climb the career ladder, with jobs often static; one has little room to advance their position within the company. And changing jobs takes more time/effort in Europe. So in my opinion there are positives and minuses, and we can't say the European social net is all good, as it has definite drawbacks.
This video was a bit of an eye-opener for me - I knew Europe had good "social security", so to speak, but didn't realize how good. Let me tell you, Arielle, my story. I live in the US. After getting a university degree in Engineering I became gainfully employed. Very long story short, in 14 years in the high tech industry I was laid off 3 times - basically every 4 years. The first time I was only 25 yrs old and that experience, and the other 2, left me w/PTSD. In the US you can lose your job for any reason or no reason. I was not given any notice of these lay-offs and got either 2 weeks pay or, in one case, 30 days pay. After 14 yrs of this torture and living in fear, I decided, like you , to start my own business. I became a self-employed massage therapist and I had to go to school and get certified. I had to pay for the school myself and also for the certification. No help from ex-employer nor the govt. I took a 63% pay cut to take a job that would help me gain experience in massage/healthcare. I had to sell my house, at a loss, and lived off what was left of my down payment because the salary I was making was not liveable. I was fortunate to have a friend who let me live with him for a fairly inexpensive rate. When the downpayment money was gone, I had to live off my 401K. When that was exhausted I had to file bankruptcy. This was all until I was able to finish school, start my business, and build my clientele to the point I could make a living wage. That took years. Mine is not a rare story. There are others who have much worse stories. The USA is the greatest country in the world?? Really?? There's a lot that Americans say about Europe and about "Socialism", but at least there is some actual "social security" in Europe. Yes, Europe has very high taxes, but you get what you pay for. We have high taxes too, but still do not have the services nor any "social security". I too have been thinking about getting a European passport through my husband's Italian lineage. Best of wishes to you, Arielle, you are an inspiration! This video also made me realize I wasn't a subscriber to your channel even though I've watched many of your videos. I'm a subscriber now! I'm so looking forward to your adventures and would appreciate more explanation of how you obtained your European passport and costs associated with that and more content on life as an ex-pat. Thank you! :)
boo hooo...you want a nanny state move....good grief..its up to YOU to care for yoruself..not the tax payer
I really loved your story. You are so strong and amazing. All the best.
Thank you!@@BVeronica100
US maybe used to be the greatest country in the world because of the opportunities it offered. Nowadays, far from it. It's so sad.
@@dlady4 socialism is NOT the answer..never will be...the US was built for the INDIVIDUAL to make themselves in and through this life..not for uncle gov to interject nor stop anyone from living...the freeloaders can and should depart for Europe
WOW - wish we had all those benefits when under threat of redundancy in the UK! Absolutely brilliant - well done, France. Kudos to you for grabbing Life by the throat and running with it: trust me, that's how people get the most out of life (ie not just waiting for it to happen). Good luck in all you do and I send you positive vibes and the wish that you receive everything you are heading towards. x
So glad that you landed on your feet after months of going through decisions and uncertainty. I believe I've been watching you for @3 years. I'm probably not your target audience. I'm a 74yr old married white woman living in Houston. I've been to Paris one time 10/2022, but do hope to return. I will definitely pull up your tours of the city if we do get to return.
Good luck in your new business venture, I'll be waiting to see what you're going to do!
Living in the U.S. I have never even heard of how other countries handle these kinds of things. We are told to fear and hate the "socialism" of European countries. Thank you for sharing, I hope more of us here begin to learn what else is possible and reasonably successful. congratulations on making your life dream happen.
That's shocking. Europe is great, I love it. England is particularly great, zero medical debt, employment rights and heaps less gun violence.
LOL, in Europe we are told to fear the capitalism of the US 😂 Socialism… what a joke ! It’s called caring, not being a socialist ! Trust me, we don’t have many socialist governements in Europe ! Defo happy to be from Europe and from France !
@@Sypeth Even if we had, it wouldn't be that bad. Americans see socialism like and angry guy with a knife between his teeth.
Yeaaaah. Wonder why we’re told that? So companies won’t be forced to take care of their people, maybe? Greed reigns supreme in the United Corporations of America, but I sense a rebellion in the wind. 😝
Arielle, you are doing us all such a service. Not only in learning about and the enjoyment of being in Paris, but in demonstrating how it looks to simply move forward in life under duress and disappointment. Being grateful is key. One thing I'd like to share is that the colorway you are sporting today is so flattering, both in makeup and the pink sweater. You look fabulous. You look natural, relaxed, soft and beautiful. So happy to be on this journey with you. ❤
What an amazing plan that France has for people who are being laid off! I've never heard of that before. In my state, Washington, employment is considered "at will". This means that an employee or employer can terminate employment without a reason. Now, if you belong to a union, that's the "sticking point". I belong to the teacher union and I'd have to do something pretty bad to be fired. Best of luck on your business journey! I enjoy your videos!
American living in Germany, similar strict system of labour protection. Strong Unions, Baby! Love'em (and wish my folks at home had'em too!)
I was laid off here in the USA in the past after the company I was working for went through a merger. I truly wish there would have been those types of supports available at that time. Congratulations to you on taking steps to make this channel a fun and successful employment. I truly enjoy learning about France through you and Paris is just so magical. Best of luck!!!
Guaranteed they discussed the "synergies" during the merger talks.
Those synergies are which company's employee in that position makes less
Thank you for sharing this and I am absolutely gobsmacked by the amount of support and resources in France that you outlined . How amazing! That would NEVER happen in the U.S. Here it's just kind of , "well sucks for you", and the person is typically left with very little in terms of compensation and resources and usually feels an immediate financial and psychological hardship. Arielle, your cheerful curiosity and effervescent spirit is what provides enjoyment to us viewers having a little glimpse into your experiences and life in France and abroad. You are clearly such a warm hearted and compassionate person and I know you'll excel in whatever path you choose as a content creator or otherwise. Wonderful as well to have such support from family and friends and your partner. As a psychotherapist who is self-employed, it is my greatest joy to see people follow their passion and see their dreams come to fruition! Keep it up! 😁
yes well...thats what a Constitutional REpublic is...go read our founding documents...ITS THE INDIVIDUAL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEMSELVES! Good grief!
The troll found me. 😮
Wow I’m impressed by the support France gives to its people❣️I know only to well the financial hardship caused by loosing a job in the states. Especially if you are 50 years old and up. It is almost impossible to get a job. You can have an impeccable resume and references, but 50 or older dead in the water! For some reason corporations feel you have nothing to offer. Very sad. I’m glad you did not have to experience this and that you received the emotional and financial support to guide you along your way🎉
That’s a sad mindset you have about being in your 50s and dead in the water when it comes to getting employment. Just not true. Maybe turn your mindset around. My husband got a new job at 53. We’ve known plenty of others who are in their 50s who’ve gotten jobs in their chosen field. It may be that you could have a better attitude at an interview. I of course don’t know you but something to think about.
@@vickyb9918 when you send your resume out to multiple companies with no response over the course of a year and not even one interviews that’s a sign. My husband has two degrees and impeccable references. I’m just telling you it happens even before you have the opportunity to walk through the corporate door. Happy you husband found work.
So sorry to hear what you've been going through but really excited for the new content! I've been really into your videos after I found your channel and I can't wait to see more! I always felt like you were making such good quality content, regardless the amount of subs you had at the time 🥰
Thank you for sharing this video explanation regarding your employment change. Congratulations on having the courage of taking on this new job and phase of your life. This is your next stepping stone in reaching what you are so good at doing. I was afraid at first that you were going to announce the end of your posting. Now I am so happy that you are letting us know that you will be sharing more projects that we will get to experience with you. God bless you on your new adventure. You are blessed to have a wonderful family and Jean to support you through this process. I look forward to each one of your postings/vlogs (?) because I get to see and live virtually through your actual presence. Thank you so much.
I’m excited for you and for us! I LOVED your videos of the arrondissement tours and love your cooking ones too! I can’t wait to see you continue to excel! Wishing you the best!
You are so authentic and refreshing! I am excited for your new adventure. Thanks for taking us along! :)
Often times, the hard times are blessings in disguise!! So happy you had lots of support to help you through all the necessary things you had to do to prepare for this new job! Glad you got through it all and now you can begin your new career well-prepared, knowledgeable, and full-focused! You are going to do a fabulous job…so exciting! It’s going to be fun to watch your business grow!!! May God bless you richly every step of the way!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Good for you!!! How exciting!!! I'm glad to be on this adventure with you. What a wonderful opportunity to live your dream & best life - in Paris! Congratulations!
CONGRATULATIONS Arielle! You’re awesome🙌🏽!! So much courage and strength! Definitely not a quitter in the face of adversity! I CANNOT WAIT to see the next chapter … Staying glued to my seat, chica!!🤗
Well done, I'm so pleased you have taken this opportunity and used it to do something you really want to do. It's so nice seeing a young women taking a leap of faith and thriving! We need more positive roles models in the social media space and you defiantly fill that hole.
I wish you can do a presentation on this to all of the owners of Amazon and Walmart!😊 This is incredible how they are helping you in all this. But again, I am sorry that you’re going through this. Keep us updated.
I found you through TH-cam when I was researching where to start with my own visa a few years ago, and I’ve just loved following you ever since!! You have my screen time support for this next chapter, et bonne courage !!
Sorry to hear about your job but I think you will be fine moving forward with this new path! Hope all goes well and I will continue to watch your updates and adventures. ❤
I came running as soon as I saw the title, I'm so glad you're doing okay and I'm happy that you've decided to follow your passion! ❤ and might I say, you look STUNNING, I love your makeup nd this color looks so pretty on you. So happy for you, I've been following you for a while and it's been endearing in a way to see your channel grow, I look forward to seeing you succeed! 🥰
Proud of you for the courage you are exhibiting in this new endeavor and so happy you have support of so many people❤
YEA! Congratulations! I have shared your channel with others who are traveling to Paris. I cannot wait to see where this takes you.
I love watching your videos. You're so honest and down to earth ❤
Arielle you seem happy!! Congratulations!!
I’ll be here to support you!
Congratulations on transitioning to turning your hobby into your career!! 🎉🎉 Bravo Paris for taking care of your people.
Fascinating as always!! Cannot wait to follow along with your next chapter!!
Good luck with your new adventure.
Cant wait to see what you do 🎉
Congratulations and mazel tov! Thank you for this information about the French employment system. I'm excited for you and looking forward to upcoming videos. Best wishes!
Good luck for your new adventure on officially focusing on TH-cam! Cannot wait to see new content! Hopefully you'll also be able to make videos of other cities of this beautiful country! There is so much more to discover and to show around! 😌
This is amazing!! Glad to have ran across your channel!! For this reason, I’m going back to school to learn how to run a business and living in France sounds wonderful. The world is literally my oyster when I’m done. I guess I’ll go for my masters there too!!
Good for you! I’m excited to see you grow your channel. 🎉
Congrats! Thanks for the wealth of information you've given. Can't wait to see your coming videos 😍
I’m so excited for you in your new adventure! I’ve enjoyed watching your videos since the Covid lockdown. They are always so interesting and informative no matter what you talk about. I was laid off from banking so decided to start my own coffee shop in my town. It was hard work but I enjoyed it so much. It was nice to make my own decisions for my business. I will continue to watch your videos and can’t wait to see what’s next!
I moved to France from Canada 4yr ago on my UK passport and the BREXIT. My world was turned upside down.... It took me 3yr and to get my Irish citizenship and then my Irish passport. Those 3yr were filled with anxiety and never knowing how long I was actually going to be able to stay. I owe my new life to my grandfather who was born and raised in Ireland and moved to Canada to give his family a better life, which then allowed me this opportunity to live and move anywhere in the EU. I can understand your struggle. I wish you all the best. Life living abroad is very rewarding but equally stressful and very difficult to navigate at times.
Did they not have right to stay for people already there? Like the UK did for EU Citizens already established?
@@nicolad8822 dealing with prefectures and paper work here can be a daunting and challenging….. It took me almost 1yr for a bank to accept me even though I had all the correct paperwork….. I literally went to every bank in the city I live in and was rejected and my French boyfriend had us go back to the last one and he pushed the matter and I was told I only got it due to him. Even though I met all the requirements and called head office to make sure I had all the correct paperwork to be able to open a bank account. It’s hard here.
Wishing you the best! I love watching your videos. Keep up the good work❤️
I love your videos so glad to hear of your choice to continue making them ❤
So sorry for the job loss but CONGRATULATIONS on this new chapter! Best of luck to you!
Amazing! You’re going to do great. As they say when one door closes another one opens. Claim your path and fill it with positive energy. 🎉
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🌺🌺🌺 Motivating and touched to hear the process you went through. Thank you 🙏🏽🙇🏻♀️
Excited for all the new content you’ll create ! ❤
All the best to you as you move into this new chapter of your life and career!
Always loved your content ❤. I have literally seen the beauty of Paris and experienced the lifestyle through your arrondissement videos. Looking forward to seeing much more such fun and informative content on your channel. More power to you
❤ I’m happy that you are now doing content full-time, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for u
Watching this as an American with my jaw absolutely on the floor.
such a moving story. and so well told. thank you!
It’s strange how things in life that can seem so awful turn out to be the catalyst for something amazing! I love your video’s & am looking forward to what you do in the future now that you have time to focus solely on it. You are right about the support you received there, here in the U.S. they can lay you off with no assistance. It’s unkind & I am glad you had a better experience. Keep doing what you are doing. You are fun to watch & you show interesting content. I think your channel will explode.
keep going Arielle! i love watching your videos. You're such a positive person and so sweet :) I hope the next chapter in your life goes well, best wishes :)
You popped up on my feed and I’m so happy. Paris is one of my favorite places and my husband and I often remark that we need to go back and really take time to tour as we were on a mission the first trip. It’s such a magical place and I’m so intrigued by your new career. Happy to see they treat employees with such dignity. I’m on this journey with you now. Will be fun!!
Girl! You had me worried with that thumbnail! Nicely done. 😉
Congratulations on this new chapter. I’ll definitely be watching and liking. ❤️
You are doing an excellent job for us - I really enjoy your videos.
Hi Arielle! It had been a while since I had seen your videos. I'm so proud of you for betting on yourself! It was so interesting hearing about Paris layoffs. It's so interesting! Can't wait to see you grow even more. xoxo
Woohoo! You are really good at turning unfortunate events in to something positive and that’s truly a gift to share with your subscribers!!! Best wishes to you! Excited to see where life takes you next ❤
Great information thank you for sharing your life with us!❤
Very informative! You look amazing in that color, too... best wishes for your new venture.
Whew!! You scared me for a minute! I love living vicariously through you. Keep living the dream 😊
Good luck on your new path ❤
Very excited to see all your Upcoming videos--PS Please keep sharing your Thrifting with us too. Much love Arielle.💖💖🥰
Wishing you continued success!❤🎉😊
So sorry about your job loss but you will find something better…I’m 100% sure of it! That color looks amazing on you btw!
What a great video! I think I've been following you for about a year and I noticed your videos ramping up. In Australia we have pretty good labor laws but France sounds like it does so much better. Good on you for taking the leap being so determined to succeed. I'm 55 and just studied for the past five years to start a new career so I know how hard it can be and what it takes. Congratulations. I'm looking forward to more content xx
Congratulations on starting something new. I’m 56. I dislike when people in their 50s say they’re too old to start or do something new. That’s nonsense to me. Can you tell me what your new career will be?
@@vickyb9918 It is such nonsense isn't it! I''ve been studying professional writing and editing. I do some freelance writing but for the past year I've been working at a university doing communications and event management for the philanthropy department. I also had my first article published in The Guardian Australia last week and I'm so proud of myself. I graduate in December.
@@lindyralph8792 wow that’s fantastic! Congratulations!
Tous mes vœux de réussite dans cette nouvelle aventure!
Congratulations on your new chapter! I’ve just subscribed. Can’t wait for the next video.
Thank you for sharing. I wish you all the very best life has to offer in this new direction. Hope to see you soon. Take care
You have a new subscriber! Looking forward to watching your videos. Good luck with the new venture!
That's a good deal for employees in France that you just don't let go. Here in the US you barley get anything. My company gave me 1 month of pay. Unemployment is $380 per week (some people get less if their salary was not as high at their job) and you only get up to $10,000. Additionally, all the unemployment you receive is taxable. In most states the less than $1,600 is not even enough to pay your rent.
It's so good that you got your visa situation solved. I wish you the best of lucks for this new chapter in your life!
Absolutely Amazing Thank You For Sharing The Full Story. You are such a Shinning Bright Light For All Of Us!
Incredible story! Best of luck to you on your upcoming adventure.
Everything happens for a reason. Good luck!💛
Good luck in whatever you do next! Everything will be alright.
Arielle - It is so exciting the direction of your life. You are so engaging, bright and articulate. And, you will do so well with your TH-cam channel. I'm here for the long haul. xo
Well done 👏🤗
Thank you so much for your inspiring video 💕💕💕
Good luck! I enjoy your videos.
Your Paris videos are the best. They are just waiting to he found by many more. Your videos feel like mini vacations.
i am glad you're ok. best of luck in your adventures!
I wish you all the best in this exciting adventure!
So smart of you were to fix being able to stay in Paris if you want to without the job you had! The French labor laws seem to put people's lives first which you dont see happening in Canada with layoffs very stressful life changing time for people. You have great detail in your vlogs & I am sure you have lots of great content coming out way. Happy you can work at something you enjoy!
You will do great 🎉 Thank you for sharing your journey with us and the reminder to check your heritage in case it may help getting a second citizenship ❤
Wow this turned out to be extremely inspiring. I’m sorry you lost your job.. but wow.. it’s almost like it was just a sign for you to just go for it.. you could have gone back home.. but you didn’t.. your gonna do sooo great!
If your ever in the Netherlands.. we definitely need to collab and get margaritas!
I moved here about 3 years ago from Los Angeles.. and just love it here in Europe.
Congrats amazing so pleased for you .
So Happy for You !!
Good luck ❤ I want to support you any way I can!
Great video, thank you for the information. Take care yourself. Greetings from Philadelphia 🎄
Girl, you just popped up on my feed. I felt compelled to click on this video… and I subscribed! You’re a great storyteller and I look forward to your new adventure!
Same here! 😁
AH thank you for si ça a kind comment 🥹🫶
Them algorithms, yo!
Just 'randomly' showed up on mine… Gotta say, well worth the click.
and thumbs up!
Congratulations!❤
Well done in hanging in there, new begins. All the best. X Jan from Australia
Wishing you the best. Onward and upward.
Your videos are educational and informative. A lot of people need information about culture and understanding the nuisances of living abroad. I know you will continue to bring new information and helpful tips on living or traveling to France .
Congratulations ! 💖
Way to go! Good on you. There is nothing like being self-employed. Back you 100%. You have the style and professionalism to make it a success!