Finding any job that will offer sponsorship & a work permit, what actually worked for you?
Hoping to get some real-world advice from people who've done this.
My situation: French national, been living in Bangkok for a while now. Native French, German and English, conversational Thai. My background is in the fragrance industry in France (lab work at one maison in Grasse, then brand ambassador at another, mostly VIP clients and high-value sales). Since moving here I've been working in customer support to stay afloat, but that role can't sponsor me long term.
I've been applying seriously for about 6 months. Tailored CVs, cover letters, direct outreach to hiring managers, recruiters. Result so far: basically zero legitimate callbacks. Mostly silence, plus the occasional scam "opportunity."
I know the usual answers: teach English, work remotely, marry a Thai. I'm asking specifically about sponsored employment. For those of you who actually landed a job here with a work permit as a non-teacher:
What industry or type of company hired you, and did your languages matter?
Did you get further applying online or through people you met in person?
Is there anything you'd do differently if you had to start over?
Any honest input is appreciated, including "it took me 2 years" type answers. I'd rather hear the truth than encouragement.
Thanks.