Great suggestions and perhaps what I can do is work around the system somewhat with regard to the permit, although I'm not entirely sure it'd work. As part of my working in Information Technology and being self employed, I set up a corporation. I wonder, were I to work teaching English (American English, and yes, I know differences of which you speak) in Rennes, and the businesses wrote a check to my company, and NOT to me, then there'd be no need to show a work permit, or otherwise provide documentation insofar as the French equivalent of a social security number as they'd be writing a check to the corporation and the corporation would be paying me, in the US. Perhaps it's just a bit too 'pie in the sky.' In any event, if money is not my issue (and at present, it's not), I should be able to volunteer teaching English, perhaps build up a client base, through the Institute, and then try going independent....once again, perhaps too 'p..i..t..s.' Just brainstorming outloud here...sorry. In any event, thanks much for all the information and ideas.