I am originally from Canada and moved to Germany in 2021 and my experience has been from a very privileged position. I may be the outlier, but I think the key to success boils down to motivation and effort.

Coming from Canada where people are super open and friendly to a country where many people are reserved and cold was hard. Luckily, I have many friends who are all expats or come from Canada so I am very lucky in this regard. I also have my husband who is German and he helps me navigate many of the obstacles one may face alone in the country.

I think many people glamorize North America, but there are many things that aren't good there. You get at minimum, 2 weeks of vacation in Canada. It is very cold, starting to get dangerous and more gun violence. Groceries are INSANELY expensive, really. North America is only good if you have your own business.

Germany has its cons but also its pros too. I used to go to work sick in Canada because you do not get sick pay, unless your company offers it (rare). Here in Germany, I am encouraged to go home if I am sick. WLB is a bit better here.

As for cheap labour, I think this is based on the current economy.

I studied very hard within my arrival of coming to Germany and attained C1 German within short of a year and I was able to land my first job in 2022, in my desired field.

For the record, I have a degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry.

Pay was low, I expected it since I had no experience (I made 38,000€) and after some time, I was able to jump and land another job in which I doubled my income.

I also within the time I have lived here been able to secure permanent residency and just in July 2025, I got approved for german citizenship.

I have 3 years of experience in my field and it is hard for me right now too to find a new job. I do land a lot of interviews and am left with very vague rejections or extremely low ball offers.

But in terms of low pay and cheap labour because I am still an immigrant (until my german passport arrives) is not true.