At 33, I Feel Like I’ve Lived a Thousand Lives in Berlin, Germany
I’ve had a non-traditional career path, teaching English in China, working as an emergency aid worker in Turkey during the war in Syria, and earning a master’s degree in London. After that, I joined a global travel tech company and had the option to transfer to the U.S. or Germany, where my husband is from. I chose Germany, despite a lower salary, because it allowed me to pay off my student debt faster.
I now call Berlin my home, where I live with my husband in a cozy 1,100-square-foot apartment in the quiet neighborhood of Charlottenburg. We pay a reasonable rent, utilities, and parking, and enjoy exploring local coffee shops and middle-class communities.
Germany’s social safety net has been a game-changer for me, providing guaranteed healthcare, pensions, parental leave, tuition-free university, and even unemployment insurance. This has given me the opportunity to save and invest for my future, pay off my student debt, and live without the stress of unexpected medical expenses.
I’ve fallen in love with Berlin’s egalitarian culture, where everyone, regardless of background, shares a sense of community. Many cultural events have free entry, and I enjoy attending food festivals, exploring cafes, and meeting like-minded people in a city of 6 million.
As I approach my fifth year of residence in Germany, I’ll be eligible to apply for a German passport and dual citizenship, granting me access to the rest of the European Union. This opens up new paths for me, including the opportunity to retire early and live in the Italian countryside.
Berlin has been a haven for me, offering a chance to start fresh, pay off debt, and build a secure future. Even though I’ve called many places home, the decision to move to Berlin has been the best one I’ve ever made.
