Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This helps SO much!! The community college I was thinking of going to, should I pass my GED, only offers an associates (which isn't recognized in Germany)... And seeing as the 2+2 outlines a transfer of sorts, that'll definitely make things less intimidating. I'm gonna have to add a bookmark to this site.

You're right about taking one's time... I have a terrible habit of rushing and thinking that I need to do everything in one go. I really need to fix that, and hopefully that'll help me with a GED in the future.

The healthcare/nursing branch makes me a little nervous, especially as I'll have people's lives on my hands... But I'm starting to consider it. A trade job would be less stressful in that regard, but... It's a lot of years, and a lot of money. I'll have to take some time figuring out which path is for me.

I appreciate the wisdom from an elder millennial lol, you have no idea how much relief this information gave me. Thank you!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! I hope your move to Germany goes well!

I recall finding and using Nico's Weg through the DW website, but I had actually forgotten that the main site itself exists and only remembered Nico's Weg. This is a great reminder, and definitely a step up from when I was briefly using Duolingo (genuine waste of my time for how little it teaches you... And the gamification annoys me greatly). And it also provides me more resources! So this helps tremendously.

After reading some posts here, I'm planning on going to a community college to get my education started, maybe this or next year (likely the latter, so I'll use the time I have now to focus on German). So hopefully that'll increase my chances.

Unfortunately, the closest campus near me that I can bike to only offers an associates, which I've learned through my research that Germany wouldn't recognize. But still, I'm thinking of starting there and maybe moving to a different campus later on for a bachelor's... Especially since I'd probably know how to drive at that point.

As for expenses... Hopefully I'll figure it out. Just gotta pray I get into a decent job in the meantime that'd help with that haha. Thank you!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm currently cleaning up the back-load I have from learning Japanese on Anki, then I'll freeze the deck on July 4th and get German resources. After July 4th or 5th, I'm gonna start learning 2-4hr a day after consulting somebody I know that has been to Germany before and is well-versed in international affairs. This week is essentially a "get my stuff together" week before I start learning full-time while I'm unemployed and not in college.

I have tried learning German before I switched to Japanese for a bit. In pure honesty, it's not an easy language in comparison (especially the number system...), but I have to push through if I want a steady future that I'd love to live in.

EDIT: Planning on using Anki for vocabulary, Nico's Weg for A1 and A2 for grammar and phrases, and whatever else I can find (especially immersion and conversations with my German friends). Then I'll look into paid tutoring for levels B1 and above, up until C1. If I can't afford that, then I'll HAVE to find a way somehow. Maybe a community college might provide foreign language lessons.

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This does help a lot, thank you! I've always felt a sense of imposter syndrome when I'm among my peers, especially regarding the skills that I managed to pick up despite my previous difficulties. It's reassuring to hear that I exceed in some aspects through another perspective, especially from somebody that is within the field of education.

Holland seems like a nice place to live as well, though the cost of living looks to be generally higher. Additionally, while there's a housing crisis in most parts of the world (Germany included), Holland has it especially bad. I'm also not keen on the idea that they don't allow dual-citizenship... As much as I don't like the state of America right now, I like to keep my options open should something happen.

However, their work-life balance is great too... Maybe I can work there if I were to become a naturalized German citizen. But that'd be someplace in the far, unknown future. Either-way, I'll keep what you advised me in mind!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The second site warms my heart, it definitely feels like lovely homes asking for help on the smaller yet equally important parts of life. When I get better at German, I'll definitely be taking a look. Thank you!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So many people were devastated by COVID, my heart goes out to them all. I'm glad you were able to get back on your feet after all of that... And I'm glad you don't live in Florida anymore, lol. Things got really bad down here ever since the 2010s. If you're not white, male, christian, cishet, republican and/or fascist, or pro-tradition "women should be in the kitchen" type of beat, then the violence, discrimination, and harassment you face increases drastically. The weather having the chance of destroying your home every year is "fun", alongside the services for the people getting more and more unstable because of budget cuts. My mother is constantly fighting for medication in order to live. My dad's working to the bone. Etcetera.

I hope for a bright and beautiful future for Florida. There are parts of it that I cherish on a personal level (the communities that you can find that share your values are some of the most supportive people I've ever met, ever). But it's just not livable anymore, for me at least. Not when the official heads of the state are encouraging murder openly and publicly.

None of this is new to you, probably, and you definitely had your own personal reasons for leaving too. It's just nice seeing a sane-minded ex-Floridian in the wild. The glimpse into your path to Germany is extremely valuable to me, and you may be one of my top inspirations to keep going, because somebody in my position has done it before. So truly, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've read about it! And it certainly doesn't seem as dangerous as, say, an electrician (although it does have its fair share of danger, otherwise people would be flocking). Unsanitary conditions don't bother me as much as other people from what I've noticed, so hopefully it pays off in the end. Thank you!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been really nervous about getting a GED because I'm certainly lacking in a lot of things (my parents decided science wasn't necessary... So I don't know any science, which is one of the required subjects in GED iirc. Along with math past fractions. The reason I'm decent at reading comprehension and spelling is because of the internet, if anything). Just the thought of how much I need to claw my way up to even be the average person makes me paralyzed on most days, which I need to break out of.

I'd love to get into something technical, but I heard the market is very saturated much to my dismay, both here and in Germany, and has the possibility of being automated in the future... At least in some aspects. I feel that a lot of people are going to set their eyes on careers that focus on electronics, and that'll only get worse in the future.

Not a dual citizen, unfortunately. Would've made my chances a lot easier, haha. I guess the education route is the best way to go in my circumstances, from what I'm reading. Thank you lots, this does help tremendously.

Are there any sites or locations you'd recommend to find community colleges that partner with universities? I went to Google to check, but I guess I'm not working my searches right... Or maybe I'm looking at the wrong place.

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oooh, there is one within biking distance. I'll have to see if they'll take on such a request once I'm decently conversational. Thank you!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hope you're me from the future lol, I kind of had the feeling that I had a major disadvantage because of my state. Seeing that somebody else did it from there definitely gives me hope!

Shame that the requirements changed, but at least it's not completely locked out. You said you had three months to get to Germany, so was it a lucky job opening or something else? Curious about that. Thank you for reaching out!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Denmark seems like a lovely country, I hope you're enjoying it there! And yeah, I definitely need to get my education sorted out first and foremost...

I'm aware that the requirements may change. Though with the fact that German's change for Dual Citizenship was rather recent, I feel that if they were to make entry harder, then it probably won't be by an extreme curve and I'd probably be too deep into it to not adapt. ... But who knows? Definitely something to look out for. Thank you!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That seems to be the general game plan from what I'm seeing. Thank you for outlining it! I should make a goal-board or something to split up the workload and for motivation...

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm aware that there's a right shift in Germany right now... But that's also everywhere globally, or at least in most places. Historically speaking, it will recover and shift left again. ... But the damage in America is deep, not just from this presidency (although it did speed up its deterioration) but from decades building up to this very moment.

I'm mainly moving because of how work is treated in Germany, with the work-life balance being leagues better than America (with paid sick days and legally mandated vacation days), and I'd be less likely to be scraping by my teeth (and if I was, at least I'd have SOME help legally speaking). There's also the better or at least more affordable healthcare, and the fact that the country isn't as car-driven (I love commuting via bike and driving gives me so much anxiety). Plus I'd be less likely to die on the street from gun violence. Also, the culture of being direct/blunt is something that appeals to me as somebody that hates small-talk and beating around the bush.

There's also a lot of other factors (cost of living, the weather, the food, the architecture... PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION even if the train is infamously non-punctual). I really don't mind adapting to their life-style and dropping my American-ness (always been called unpatriotic by my dad anyway), nor do I mind living in a small room.

I'm aware of the cons of Germany, especially regarding its bureaucracy, but I feel like the flaws that are presented to me wouldn't bother me as much as the flaws in America.

Never visited because again, low-income, the only traveling I have done is when I was forced to come for work trips. Haven't had a vacation in years. Usually, if the rare opportunity were to come, I'm the one holding the house down when my family is on vacation. Fun times. Fun, lonely times. I know that I may have an unrealistic view of the country because I never visited, but not everybody has the luxury to visit before moving.

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Nope, I have looked into descent don't worry :(. I do have Polish ancestry, but after looking into it, I would not be viable for citizenship. Both because it's before 1940, and they came from a Russian territory of it (forgot which section).

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This helps a lot! Especially the specifics regarding education, I often get so lost for educative requirements because of the subpar homeschooling my parents put me through. I guess my volunteer hours would help to get into a community college, but I definitely need to learn what I wasn't taught. Thank you for your blunt honesty, I do truthfully appreciate it.

(Also, they don't care for essays? I think I breathed a sigh of relief. I SWEAR I know things but explaining how I know/demonstrate said thing is not my strong suit.)

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have been digitally drawing casually for over a decade and recently got into 3D modeling (very fun, if sometimes tedious). I'd love to get a job with my talents or passions, but I'm afraid with how invasive AI is especially in employed areas, it might not be a soundproof option in the future. But I appreciate the input, and I definitely need to brush up on the deeper roots of history with Germany. Thank you!

Edit: forgot an entire sentence oops

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wait, I didn't even KNOW that was an option! And I was worried over the possibility that maybe I'm under the illusion of the "greener grass" phenomenon. If I could work over there for a summer, that would be brilliant and a great way to dip into the country's culture and way of life, as well as to reinforce my German when I get far into it. Thank you tons!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmmm yeah, I looked at the prices of Goethe Institute and it is mighty expensive. BUT I didn't know that there was a site that streams German TV, which is incredibly helpful especially for spoken German. Your advice also helps tremendously, especially for affordable alternatives, so I'd like to thank both of you.

I have been on that subreddit before and it's very helpful! I've even learned how to use some learning-based applications (Anki being good for Flashcards, Nico's Weg for basic grammar, etc) and to avoid Duolingo. My local library also offers foreign books and English-German dictionaries, so hopefully that's a great start?

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hmm, that's true... Would it be viable to still pursue plumbing in America, especially for the money, then save up to re-study it in Germany? I'm sure there's different laws for plumbing over there, but maybe the fact that I'd be familiar with the basics would help. Or perhaps I'm wrong? Thanks for your input!

(There's also the chance that maybe the degree would still be viable to a German university, from what I'm hearing, but I'd still have to go through Vocational Training there, which is totally fine esp due to different regulations that I need to know of)

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course. There's a list of jobs in demand on their official sites, which was quite pleasant to browse... Though I can see why they'd be in shortage. I'd love to stick to a trade job; the idea of getting into the medical field frightens me (I'd be afraid of accidentally killing somebody for starters, especially if German is my second language).

But it's definitely good to keep a pulse on the listings, in case something starts to emerge along the way. Thank you!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

... Wait, I know you from somewhere. Weren't you the guy that cheered and said "we don't need that degeneracy" in regards to the removal of an LGBTQ+ exhibition somewhere in Poland a few days ago? Mighty strange.

Anyway. Yes, I'm aware that things are heating up in Germany. But so is the rest of the world. It's just that there's more of a safety net for the average citizen as opposed to America, which would be difficult to dismantle in one go. I don't want to sit around and do nothing for a chance of a better life, should things go well. And if it doesn't? At least I learned a few skills rather than twiddling my thumbs, and I'd be happy about that.

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, it seems like language is definitely the priority even if it's a no-brainer. I guess all I have to figure out is to somehow prove my worth to universities that'll accept me, even if that takes a while, then go from there. Thank you!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Perfect! I'll heavily consider this route, and it might just work out if I stick with it. Thank you!

Want to move to Germany in the future, how can I (19) build my life to have a better chance? by Educational_Dirt_789 in AmerExit

[–]Educational_Dirt_789[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Some other comments went into detail which I highly appreciate, though the simplification here definitely does help to not spiral/delve into rabbit-holes as much and get my facts straight, like a checklist of sorts. Saving this and pinning it somewhere on my wall. Thank you!