What's wrong with the French mindset? Jealousy, ignorance and expats

I posted a tweet yesterday. 61 comments. 323 likes. 25,000 views. In one day.

The topic? How French people react to what's happening in Dubai.

And what I read in the replies confirmed what I've been observing for years.

The problem

One influencer does something stupid in Dubai. Instead of pointing at that person, the collective reaction is:

People caricature all expats because of one person. They celebrate other people's misfortune.

This isn't justice. It's a toxic cocktail:

→ Jealousy disguised as "justice" — "They earn too much, it's not normal" is the national mantra

→ Projected frustration — those who don't dare leave resent those who did

→ Complete ignorance of reality — most expats are regular workers, not influencers

In France, financial success is suspicious. Moving abroad is seen as betrayal. Entrepreneurship is socially risky before being financially risky.

It's a collective mindset that pushes ambitious people out. And instead of asking why they leave, people celebrate when things go wrong.

I've been living in Bali for years. I left France to build my life differently. Not to dodge taxes. Not to show off on Instagram.

To live on my own terms.

And every time I talk about expatriation, I get the same reactions:

Can France ever celebrate those who try instead of rejoicing when they fail?

Can we separate one clueless influencer from millions of hard-working expats?

I'm asking sincerely. Because this mindset is exactly what holds back innovation, entrepreneurship and ambition in this country.

📩 I talk about this regularly on X — mkc.sh/twitter?utm_source=blog