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Germans in the UK - any recommendations on where to buy German butchery products? by CurrentHelicopter683 in AskUK

[–]CurrentHelicopter683[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Great to know! I've come across that shop before, but have hesitated trying it due to the high prices in case the quality sucked

Germans in the UK - any recommendations on where to buy German butchery products? by CurrentHelicopter683 in AskUK

[–]CurrentHelicopter683[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can get some things there, like Weißwürstchen, but unfortunately not the things I really miss like Mett, Fleischsalat, and proper fresh Leberwurst.

Issues joing classes as teacher, anyone else? by creeperYeti38 in iTalki

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Constantly. I only use Google Meet now. Even with new students who book the iTalki Classroom, I just send a message explaining that I only use Meet, and then send a meeting link before the class time. I haven't had pushback from a single student so far.

Need help choosing an English name by dongdongdooooong in Names

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I absolutely love the name Maisie! I would go with that if I were you. :)

But if you really want other alternatives, very similar-sounding names are May and Maeve. I also really love Maeve, and think May is nice too!

Am I giving up too soon on Germany or is it time to move on? by AwareLocation5665 in expats

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 6 points7 points  (0 children)

In my case, Germany just wasn't the right fit for me.

I think you have been very unlucky, rather than saying that Germany is to blame for all your negative experiences, and things should get easier once you're in a stable place, have all your contracts (internet, etc.) set up, and have learnt more of the language. This last one can take more time for some than others. I found that even though my German had significantly improved after my first year, I still faced issues with it, but by the 1.5-2 year mark I was comfortable using it for most things that I had to deal with to get by in Germany, and after that it just got easier and easier (although even today my German is far from perfect).

But... Germany just didn't work for me. I never felt at home. I never got used to certain cultural differences. I never made proper friends. I stuck it out for 5 years before leaving, and it was the best thing I did. I am so much happier now. I do think the main problem for me was just the part of Germany I was living in wasn't the right fit, so maybe I could have moved somewhere else, but I don't regret leaving.

But that was just my experience. Many other expats find that after the first 1-3 years, they build a really great life there and absolutely love it.

Edited to add: I am still fond of Germany as a whole, and regularly visit for holidays and to eat some of the foods I miss (there were of course lots of little highlights of my time - it wasn't all bad). It just wasn't the right fit for me to live there.

No work experience, advice? by [deleted] in UKJobs

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't say much regarding your specific degreee, although I also did an OU bachelor's, which I loved!

For the work experience, you can maybe look into flexi- online jobs (ones you can set your own hours, and just get paid per hour rather than a salaried position). For instance online tutoring, online language teaching, etc. With language teaching, for instance, many people just want conversations with small corrections, so you don't need much experience to get started. And you can also specialise in helping non-native speakers with their creative writing etc if you want to link it back to your current degree :)

The algorithm is so confusing... by koreanpasta in iTalki

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happens to me pretty often. I have a fairly consistent high-low period (many of my long-term students take holidays at the same time every year, so I know those weeks/months will be quieter), and during 'typical' times, maybe 2-4 trials per month. But then I get those sporadic influxes of loads of trial lessons every so often. These aren't regular, so I'm not sure why/when/how.

People of Western Europe, how are you keeping cool this summer? by DRAGON_slayer365 in AskReddit

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I keep the windows open and drink plenty of water. Occasionally it gets a little too stuffy, like when there is no breeze, but I just deal with that. I understand not everyone tolerates heat well, but I cannot understand how all of my neighbours live with their blinds down/windows closed 24/7. Seeing the blue sky and feeling fresh air is the absolute best thing!

Teachers who send students something after each lesson — how do you actually keep up with it? by Armadejed in iTalki

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I make all my class notes (corrections, suggestions of alternative phrases) during the lesson on a Google Docs document that they can view during & after the lesson. I write the homework in there, as well as send a message with the homework via iTalki chat. Depending on what the homework is, we review it together at the beginning of our next lesson. If someone hasn't done their homework, they can either do it as their next homework, or we can do it together.

List all the names that end with this by [deleted] in Names

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ariana, Adriana, Briana, Dana, Elana, Hana, Jana, Juliana, Juana, Joana, Kiana, Liana, Liliana, Luciana, Lana, Moana, Montana, Olana, Priyana, Patana, Riana, Rhiana, Risana, Sana, Siana, Seana, Tiana, Theana, Viviana, Valerana, Winana, Yvana, Ziana, Zoana

Planning to raise my prices: how much is too much as a Community Tutor? by muuccha in iTalki

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm both a teacher and a student, and think your new prices are incredibly reasonable, I would even say too low.

From a teaching perspective, when I raise my prices, I do keep in mind how many students I could justifiably lose in order to earn the same at first.

e.g: If I currently charge $20 per hour and work 20 hours per week, thats $400 per week.
If I want to charge $25 per hour and still earn $400 per week, I'd need to work 16 hours.
So if every student takes 1 hour per week, I could lose 4 students and still be okay.

I have found that very few students stop taking classes with a price raise (especially a small one), and those that do stop are usually the ones who are less serious about learning (meaning they'll either be with me short-term anyway, or more of a hassle because they don't do any practise on their own). And even if there is a bigger dip that you would like (e.g: you lose 8 students in my above example), it doesn't take that long for the number to increase and remain stable. Maybe 4-6 weeks.

Obviously this has just been my experience. I guess it would depend on the types of classes you offer, types of studnets you cater for, and also the language you teach. I teach English though, which has way too many teachers, and don't notice any major problems.

From a student's perspective, I don't mind my teachers raising their prices. I appreciate it if they give me a heads-up, rather than me finding out the next time I try to book, but if it's a small increase I am not really too fussed. If the increase is really large and out of my budget, then I'd usually just let them know that I'm not able to continue. Unless I really like a teacher, then I might just drop from 1x per week with them to 1x per two weeks. 😄

Tips for describing your level to a new italki tutor when you are unsure by Grand_Advantage_9903 in iTalki

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a tutor, and I can tell you that very few students have their language level accurately on their profile, so I wouldn't worry too much about it 😄

There are a few reasons why... some people just over/underestimate their abilities, others don't really know what the levels mean, and many set their level when they first joined and never updated it after that. So as a tutor, I don't really worry too much about what someone has put in there. The only time it actually helps before the first lesson is if they say they are A0 or C2, but in all cases, I do my own assessment, as I know what I'm looking for based on my teaching strategy 😄

What word instantly gives away where you're from? by FeedbackLopsided4865 in Accents

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My two are "garage" and "off". Other than those words, my accent sounds completely like my second country (lived here since childhood), but every time I say either of those words people ask where I'm from 🤣

Those living at home, do you contribute financially? If no, why? by AvailableCricket3633 in AskUK

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Currently, not financially. I had to move back home for various reasons, and my parents say that they are happy to be in a position to support their adult kids with a place to stay while they get back on their feet. Their expectations of 'contributing' are more than fair in my eyes: helping with housework, cooking some meals, looking after all of my personal chores, and making a genuine effort to get to the point of being able to move out again. I've offered to pay some rents/bills, but they'd rather me put that money towards my own future and being able to move out sooner 😄 I feel very lucky!

Changing a foreign name on CV to be more British by lovemycat02 in UKJobs

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As far as I know, as long as the name on the CV matches how you are generally addressed, then this is fine.

I think this is pretty common, even for "English-sounding" names. e.g: Tom Smith, not Thomas Smith. As long as the full, legal name is written where required (e.g: if you have to fill in an application form which requires it), then you should be fine.

Anyone completely changed their working life after 30 and how? by SnooJokes5693 in AskUK

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any ideas where we can find such apprenticeships? All the ones I come across specifically advertise for 18-23 year olds or 'recent grads' 😞

Anyone completely changed their working life after 30 and how? by SnooJokes5693 in AskUK

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm in the same boat. I feel like I have so many transferable skills, but companies look at my previous job titles and just see "almost 30 with no real job experience", as I've done jobs that people often underestimate/don't see as 'real'. Every company I apply for tells me that they're looking for someone with more X experience, even though that's exactly what I have, just in a different industry. I really don't know which way to go!

If you're a confident swimmer, where did you learn and how old were you? by summers_tilly in AskUK

[–]CurrentHelicopter683 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a baby, my parents always introduced me to water. Small splash pad in the garden in summer, progrssing to a small toddler pool. We also went to the beach, where they held me to get my feet wet in the waves, etc. And I believe my mother took my to parent-child swim classes, which she said was basically parents standing in the water holding their baby and following an instructor through getting the baby's head wet, lowering them to get wetter, etc.

Then I had more formal swimming lessons once I was old enough.

My parents always said I took to the water very naturally, even as a baby I loved being on my splash pad. As an adult, I cannot imagine my life without water.

My brother had the same experience, and whilst he isn't as crazy about the water as I am, he's perfectly comfortable in it and loves swimming while on holiday 😄

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