So as it turns out, and no surprises here, working in Germany without speaking German ain't an easy task! Much to my previous fairytale understanding (given to me by others, not fabricated in my head) that I might be able to get work here easily in my usual line of work, it doesn't seem so much to be the case. Just to disclaimer, I respect that without the language, getting work here is hard. I wouldn't expect anything less in my country, so let me make that very clear.
What I have found interesting is the requirements and relationships that germany have with the workforce.
Requirements:
Germans love their titles (or letters after their names). My interest in forming a 'title' after my name with University vanished when I found out I could earn more money at 18 than doing the degree I got into and would spend 3 years of my life slaving away for and then probably spend another 15 years paying it all off. Not the case in Germany as Uni is free (well, almost, now its €500 a semester - which is very cheap in comparison to other countries), the obsession with finishing a degree is paramount to getting a job here and being respected.
Relationships:
Then once in a job, the work place remains exactly that - work only. People remain completely neutral with each other. Friendships form slowly and professionally, but often do not break away from the conforms of the office walls. Those who have broken the conforms never wish to move job as they fear they may never find these relationships again.
Friday Drinkies:
After work drinks on a Friday to get smashed with colleagues before heading home to respective partners (tradition in Australia, Canada & UK) doesn't seem to be so common, if at all.
So having way less qualifications than Germany requires to work, and my personality having a tad to much social-ness than Germany would ever warrant or require, it seems my ability to pick up work of the 'normal' nature will not happen. I'm currently working as an English teacher, surprisingly enjoying it, yet does not fill that gap in my career path.
Here is me in my usual teaching attire (oh yes, hair up, glasses on, little-to-no makeup or jewellery on, in true form to my transformation into looking like a german) visiting a nazi memorial site after work.
It says its a memorial to all people in the world who lost their lives in war, but the only names, graves and plaques at the site seem to be from soldiers from germany who lost their lives in the WW2… I probably need to find some information in english on this place...
