The Update/Die Aktualisierung

What I try to live by. "Life is beautiful, you must have the right perspective."

Sometimes I question my motives and reasoning behind the things I do. Most of the time I react to these impulsive intuitions. Don't think, just do. It's very un-German of me. Back in the States I thought I was so ambitious and courageous for deciding to pick up my life and my dog and head back to Germany in search of a job, apartment, and new beginnings. I didn't have the standard five year plan that most Germans live by, but I had a plan! My plan was a little more unconventional than the stereotypical "Lebensplan/Life Plan."



Julie's Plan:
1. Move to Heidelberg, Germany
2. Find an apartment
3. Find a job
4. Makes tons of friends and live happily ever after!

This is how my plan ended up:
1. I made way more friends than job connections.
2. Stayed in Heidelberg for one month, then packed up my stuff and moved to Berlin.
3. Found an apartment and great room mate within two days of being in Berlin.
4. Social life is better than ever.
5. Still jobless.

Now it's not like I am trying to abuse the system in any way. I actually want to contribute to the German government and pay taxes, but Germany just doesn't make it easy for people like me. After being encouraged by my friends in the south to move to Berlin, "City of Art and Culture" and "Creative Opportunities" I thought I would have better luck in this internationally creative and diverse city. The problem is, Berlin's unemployment rate is so high. Jobs are scarce. Even for someone like me who has two degrees, work experience, and has lived in Germany before, it's still a major obstacle to find a job. The main reason for the slow process is due to visa requirements. It's a total Catch 22. In order for companies to interview you, they prefer that you already live in Germany. So I did that. I moved to Germany so it would be easier to interview and find work, while actually living in the country. The second dilemma, once you actually have an interview (which I have had plenty) the employer asks if you already have a work visa. Well no, because you need to have a proposal from the employer stating they will hire you before you can obtain a working visa. The process is a slow arduous joke that tends to wear on you emotionally. Finding a job is a full time job itself, and it's 100 times harder when you are a foreigner. My heart goes out to anyone who follows their dreams and actually makes an effort to try something difficult. Rejection is the name of the game and it tears you apart emotionally. But hey, who doesn't need a good ego adjustment from time to time?!

My advice to those daring enough to move abroad, prepare yourself for a struggle. Who knows, you might be lucky and have no problems. But don't count on that! If you move to Germany without a job, take these steps:

1. Find a place to live.
2. With your new address and consent/sublease contract (Untermietvertrag) from your landlord, register (Anmeldung) at your local Rathaus or Einwohnermeldeamt. You need this registration to apply for an extension on your visa or when you apply for a work permit.
3. Searching for work is a long process, apply for an extension on your visa right away. You do this at the Auslaenderbehoerde. I've always read horror stories about this place, and they are all TRUE. It's a terrible place to go to. Have the proper paperwork filled out before hand, but no matter what you do right or wrong, be prepared to be yelled at.
4. Bring everything with you: diploma, certificates, bank statement, proof of German health insurance, portfolio, and any documentation of  job offers or proposals.
5. Be prepared to wait forever on everything dealing with the Auslaenderbehoerde. Everything in Germany is a process.
6. Keep searching for a job, don't give up!

Keep on keeping on!

My goal was to start a new life and I did. I've met some of the most amazing people on this journey and connected with many of my wonderful friends from the past. I'm proud to say that I didn't know a single soul before I moved to Berlin, and now I have a great circle of friends. Their encouragement and belief in me, gives me the motivation to continue this journey of self discovery and employment. I've learned a lot about myself as well as others on this adventure. The people new to my life, along with my parents, have been remarkably involved, supportive, and helpful throughout this process. It makes you look at friendship in a new way. Nevertheless, without friends and family I would be nothing. I wouldn't survive life. I am fortunate to have come into contact with so many different people-coming from diverse backgrounds and cultures-that have given me so many perspectives and outlooks on life. In the end, I can say this is a learning process, in which I am learning that nothing comes easily. If you really want it, you have to work hard for it.