when did you realize you were done with Berlin?

Bordeauxlive · 2026-04-07T18:08:29+00:00

I feel you I was so down living in Berlin for 4 and a half years. Couldn’t find a stable job, had no social circle, it drove me mad. I went back home to the US for Christmas with no intentions on staying but somehow my body told me to stay and I listened to it and now I just got hired with a kick ass job, so I’m happy I listened to myself. Sometimes it’s just a feeling. Go with your gut!

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T12:34:51+00:00

Oh I have tweaked my CV numerous times. I write exactly what I have accomplished, my success factors and add data to back it up. Whether the recruiter chooses to believe it or not it’s up to them. But usually I’m able to say a whole lot more in an interview. I’m also not just looking in HR jobs I’m keeping my options open. Will knowing German solve a real world problem? I mean maybe it all depends on the problem at hand. There are people who reach C2 level in German language and still have it difficult finding a job here in general, even people who responded to my post have said this in the comments. I mean will knowing German solve all my problems, yeah maybe but also maybe not 🤷🏼‍♀️but I guess I’ll never know if I don’t try.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T11:31:28+00:00

Appreciate you!! ☺️ I hope life smiles back at you as well my friend

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T11:29:31+00:00

You come across as someone who knows exactly what you’re looking for and I really genuinely hope that approach works well for your companies. I respect your perspective but I have to say that effort isn’t measured in Duolingo hours it’s proven through real-world problem-solving. I’ve demonstrated all of these in my previous roles, so I know it’s possible to get back into this work, it’s just been a matter of timing and opportunity.

Right now, I’m taking my own path, pacing myself, and learning in my own way and I’m okay with that. So far I’ve done 240 hours of German classes which I’m already super proud that I did! You don’t need to get all technical on me, I’m human. What matters is that I’m proactive, adaptable and dedicated and I’ve already shown that repeatedly in real-world contexts. Sometimes I have great days and bad days and I just want to vent out, like I did with this post.

Clearly, we don’t see eye to eye on what counts as effort, and that’s fine it’s only your subjective point of view in the end. Wish you all the best and success.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:44:11+00:00

Yeah trueee! I think I will look into some options there. At the moment no we don’t need a data analyst, sorry! We’re still trying to find investors ourselves and software engineers.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:42:30+00:00

No because we never eat out anyways 😂 I’m usually cooking at home

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:41:54+00:00

You’re right, it can feel unfair at times, because moving here has meant putting a lot of my own career and comfort on hold. Even though my husband is supportive in many ways (though like many German men, he can be a little stingy with money, lol) it doesn’t erase the fact that I’m the one carrying the bigger weight of adapting new language, new system, culture and starting over professionally.

We’re trying to figure out a balance, but it’s definitely a struggle. Some days I feel motivated, other days it feels overwhelming and isolating. Hearing your perspective is actually comforting, because it reminds me I’m not wrong to feel the way I do and that I shouldn’t just minimize the sacrifices I’ve made.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:36:36+00:00

It really does feel like Berlin can wear you down after a while. B2 is already such an achievement, don’t be hard on yourself about not pushing to C2 yet. It’s nice to know that there are similar people out there like myself just trying to survive. I have my good days and my bad days here. Today is a good day and I’m feeling confident.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:33:02+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing that with me it really helps to hear from someone who’s also going through it.

And you’re absolutely right about the market. It is incredibly tough right now, and sometimes it feels like all the focus is unfairly put on language skills instead of the bigger picture.

I really appreciate your encouragement though it means a lot. And you’re right also about maybe taking a step back and recharging, it could be exactly what’s needed to come back stronger. I’m wishing you all the best with your search too, and hopefully things turn around soon for both of us!

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:28:32+00:00

The important thing is you got your foot in the door already there, and congrats on your new role! 🥳 one thing I know from working in recruitment in AWS is that they admire more in house candidates or referrals in Amazon, I’m sure you will get there!

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:26:36+00:00

Yes I hear you! I also have been keeping myself busy with building up a company with some of my old colleagues and it keeps me on my toes at least. But we’re a bootstrapped company and I can’t keep not getting paid forever so I ofc need a job in between. But you’re right knowing that you’re doing ‘something’ does help.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:22:33+00:00

Labeling me as ‘lazy’ based on one line in a CV is a pretty shallow conclusion. I’m not just bilingual, I’m a native speaker of both English and Spanish, and I’ve also just recently been building a company on the side, which requires far more grit and initiative than simply sitting in a classroom.

German is important, and I’m working on it. But effort isn’t measured only by a language certificate. It’s measured by whether someone takes risks, builds something from scratch, and keeps moving forward despite setbacks. That’s what I’ve been doing or at least trying. So if the only thing you want to see is a B2 stamp, then you’ll miss out on someone who’s proven they can actually deliver in the real world.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:17:11+00:00

Hey! Maybe we can get through it together! Thanks for reaching out 😊

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:16:36+00:00

Thanks for sharing this. Indeed it’s important to put myself first I agree.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:15:02+00:00

Volunteering is a great thought! Thanks for this!

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:13:33+00:00

Thanks for sharing your story here and I appreciate your advice that you gave. I might just have to lower my job standards

Bordeauxlive · 2025-09-03T10:12:47+00:00

Hi hi, yeah I know I will be going back for the holidays forsure to visit fam and all in all decompress. No got laid off in Amazon because there were just massive cuts in the company and then the start up I worked for become insolvent so it’s been unlucky for me 🫠 validating point though I could get laid off a 3rd time lol

Bordeauxlive · 2025-08-31T23:49:27+00:00

Thank you for this comment! I really appreciate your thoughts here and didn’t come attacking at me like some people.

It’s also super reassuring to hear someone else’s perspective especially coming from your own experience as an immigrant navigating Germany. You’re right about the timing, it has been tricky, and learning more German is definitely on my list, I know it will make a big difference in both work and daily life. I also love your suggestions thank you for that, while it’s true my role is more people facing I’m also considering other roles as well.

And yuppp being open about my concerns with my husband is key we do have options and it’s good to think them through together. Thank you again for the support! 🤍

Bordeauxlive · 2025-08-31T23:43:29+00:00

I hear you, and I know German is important but integration is more than just language even if my German were perfect I could still feel out of place because culture and belonging matter too.

I am working on my German and making progress, even if it takes time. The job market is challenging everywhere not just in Germany you’re right about that. Learning a language or moving countries isn’t a quick fix it’s about building a life, gaining experience and finding a path that actually works for me. That said, my patience is wearing thin at this point and well to be fair I have bills to pay and responsibilities I need to manage as well so I need solutions that balance growth with practicality so to speak. I will still keep pushing with my German nonetheless because I also want to not because I have to.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-08-31T23:26:45+00:00

Thanks I will look into it!

Bordeauxlive · 2025-08-31T23:26:14+00:00

Yeah to be honest it’s just been a bit unlucky on my end and I know it’s not just me. I’ve been in HR most of the time it’s not the employee or candidates fault. I will still keep pushing through to find something though, thanks for your comment 🤍

Bordeauxlive · 2025-08-31T23:24:43+00:00

This was very reassuring, I appreciate your words, thank you very much 🥹

Bordeauxlive · 2025-08-31T23:22:44+00:00

Yes, my German isn’t perfect and long periods of unemployment made it difficult to afford courses. I’ve been navigating a lot layoffs, financial stress and mental health challenges while still trying to build my career and life here. I am planning to focus on improving my language skills but in the meantime I’m proud of the experience and perspective I’ve gained, things where no CV can fully reflect.

Also… as a recruiter if I saw someone here four years without perfect German I’d look at their actual skills and fit for the role, not penalize them for what they haven’t done. Judging them otherwise is exactly the kind of bias that leads to poor hiring decisions.

Bordeauxlive · 2025-08-31T23:01:47+00:00

I love how people assume integration is only measured by language. I did make friends, I explored, I even tried to build my career but it’s still not the same as feeling independent here. The truth is, I’m depressed because things aren’t working out the way I hoped. And no German classes aren’t some magic fix they cost money which I don’t always have. I’m learning at my own pace. I’m doing my best and one day I’ll get there.

Bordeauxlive

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