Podcast Summary

Little Talk in Slow French – Episode: Les Français à la quête de sens au travail

Host: Nagisa Morimoto
Date: December 20, 2022

Main Theme Overview

In this episode, Nagisa explores the growing movement among French people—especially youth—to seek more meaning in their work. This trend, similar to the "Great Resignation" in the United States, is characterized by increasing numbers of French workers and students questioning their careers, values, and the societal and environmental impact of their jobs.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Recent Trend: The Great Resignation in France and Abroad

• Nagisa introduces the topic by drawing parallels between the "Great Resignation" in the United States, where 20 million workers quit their jobs in 2021, and a similar phenomenon in France, known as “la grande démission” (04:15).
• Causes include the abrupt post-pandemic economic restart and a surge in job market opportunities.
• Quote:

  "Aux Etats-Unis, il y a eu The Big Quit ou The Great Resignation. Dans le pays, en 2021, il y a eu 20 millions de personnes qui ont démissionné de leur travail." — Nagisa (03:15)

2. A Larger Shift in Attitude Toward Work

• Many people have begun "remettre en question leur vision du travail" (question their view of work), seeking fulfillment and ethical alignment.
• This is especially acute among students and young professionals who refuse to work for companies harmful to society or the environment (08:12).
• Quote:

  "De plus en plus de jeunes Français veulent trouver un sens à leur travail...refusent de travailler pour des entreprises qui sont néfastes pour l'environnement." — Nagisa (08:45)

3. Understanding the French Educational Context: Les Grandes Écoles

• Nagisa explains the unique French pathway through “prépa” (preparatory classes) after high school, leading to “les grandes écoles”—elite higher education institutions for fields like engineering, business, and research (10:10).
• Entry is through highly selective exams after two rigorous years of preparation.
• Quote:

  "En France, on peut aller à l'université après l'école, mais on peut aussi aller en prépa...une formation de deux ans très intense où on se prépare aux examens des grandes écoles." — Nagisa (10:28)

4. Rising Environmental and Social Consciousness Among Students

• Recent surveys show climate change is the top concern for French youth, surpassing even unemployment (13:30).
• Young graduates are increasingly turning down careers at companies seen as unethical or ecologically damaging.
• Quote:

  "Les sondages récents ont montré que le changement climatique est en tête des préoccupations chez les jeunes français." — Nagisa (13:51)
  "Beaucoup de jeunes français sont plus préoccupés par le changement climatique que par le chômage." — Nagisa (14:45)

5. The AgroParisTech Graduation Speech: A Pivotal Moment

• Nagisa highlights a notable event: a group of students from the renowned engineering school AgroParisTech gave a bold speech at their graduation, denouncing certain career paths and calling for systemic change (15:40).
• Student’s quote from the speech:

  "AgroParisTech forme chaque année des centaines d'élèves à travailler pour l'industrie de diverses manières, trafiquer en labo des plantes pour des multinationales qui renforcent l'asservissement des agricultrices et des agriculteurs, concevoir des plats préparés et ensuite des chimiothérapies pour soigner les maladies causées." — AgroParisTech graduate (16:32)

• The speech went viral in France, sparking widespread debate among media and the public.
• Nagisa’s reflection:

  "Ce discours a fait pas mal de bruit. En France, il a été très visionné sur YouTube et les médias en ont pas mal parlé." — Nagisa (17:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nagisa explains ‘to quit’ in French:

  "Démissionner de son travail, c'est donc 'to quit one's job'..." (02:40)

• AgroParisTech graduate, bold and critical:

  "Ces jobs sont destructeurs et les choisir c'est nuire en servant les intérêts de quelques-uns." (19:20)

• Nagisa on the potential impact:

  "Le choix de ces jeunes étudiants peut avoir beaucoup d'impact sur la société...cette remise en question du travail chez les jeunes étudiants peut pousser les entreprises à réduire leur impact sur l'environnement." (19:40)

Important Timestamps

• Main phenomenon introduction: 03:00 – 05:30
• Questioning the meaning of work and ethics: 06:50 – 09:30
• Grandes Écoles and the French education system: 10:00 – 13:00
• Students’ environmental priorities and survey results: 13:30 – 15:00
• AgroParisTech graduation speech and discussion: 15:40 – 18:00
• Reflection on the impact of this youth movement: 19:30 – 20:21

Tone and Language

Nagisa keeps a friendly, encouraging, and explanatory tone, carefully translating French concepts and vocabulary for learners. She also shares casual asides (like her cat’s talkativeness) for an approachable atmosphere.

Concluding Points

This episode shines a light on the shifting landscape of work in France, particularly among young people who are now prioritizing meaning, ethics, and environmental impact in their career choices. The wave of resignations and the outspoken stance of student groups like those from AgroParisTech suggest a significant transformation in French professional culture. Nagisa wraps up by inviting listeners to consider these changes and their possible wider societal effects.