On the age of 33, I generally really feel like I’ve already lived a thousand lives. I am initially from Los Angeles, and over the past decade, I’ve performed every part from educating English in China to serving as an emergency support employee in Turkey through the conflict in Syria.
After I accomplished my grasp’s diploma in London, I began working as a product supervisor for a world journey tech firm, and I had the choice to switch to the U.S. or to Germany, the place my husband is from.
When contemplating my determination, I did some math and I spotted that in Germany, even on a decrease wage than what I might be doubtlessly incomes within the U.S., I might obtain my monetary objectives, like paying off my pupil debt, quicker.
Since February 2020, I’ve referred to as Berlin, Germany dwelling, and I’ve by no means been happier. Right here is why I really like residing right here:
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I am keen on our quiet, cozy neighborhood
My husband and I stay in an space west of Berlin referred to as Charlottenburg, a comparatively quiet neighborhood full of cozy espresso outlets and middle-class households. I’m on a first-name foundation with lots of the store house owners, and I really like the neighborhood right here.
We stay in a 1,100-square-foot, 2-bedroom house with a balcony. We pay $1,843 per 30 days for lease, about $350 for utilities, and $240 for parking. We had been paying about the identical in London, however our Berlin house is double the dimensions, and the constructing is way newer.
Taking within the sunshine and a ravishing day within the metropolis.
Photograph: Vanessa Wachtmeister
For groceries, I am an enormous fan of METRO, which is basically the Costco of Germany. Each two weeks, we spend about $300 on our bulk staples. We fill in as essential with different objects purchased from native funds retailers like Aldi and Lidl. Lidl sells 45 cent Brötchen, or bread rolls, which might be my favourite.
Transferring right here helped me repay debt
In Germany, the federal government offers issues like assured healthcare, pensions, parental depart, tuition-free college and even unemployment insurance coverage. I’ve a couple of mates who had been laid off, however because of that insurance coverage, they had been in a position to obtain 80% of their wage for one yr.
After I was deciding between the U.S. and Germany, I crunched some numbers and realized that with the social security web — and never having to put aside hundreds of {dollars} for medical emergencies, for instance — I might have the ability to save between $1,000 and $3,000 every month. That is made an enormous distinction.
In entrance of Brandenburg Gate.
Photograph: Vanessa Wachtmeister
After I arrived, I used to be going through down $130,000 in pupil debt. I used to be in a position to repay all of it in November 2023, all whereas nonetheless saving and investing for my future. It has been an enormous weight off my shoulders, and I do not fear about not having the ability to pay my payments right here.
My cash goes farther, and I am additionally glad to contribute my fair proportion so folks can entry assist after they want it.
There’s a palpable sense of neighborhood
What shocked and delighted me essentially the most once I arrived in Berlin was the deep sense of egalitarianism that everybody appeared to share, regardless of their background.
Many cultural occasions have free entry, as a result of entry and participation are huge core values right here. Considered one of my favourite issues to do through the summer season is discover cafes in different neighborhoods and go to meals festivals.
Having fun with a beverage and the ambiance at an outside cafe.
Photograph: Vanessa Wachtmeister
The festivals are enjoyable, cheap (I am normally spending simply $12 on a drink and snacks) and infrequently rejoice totally different cultures and nations. It is an effective way to fulfill like-minded folks in a metropolis of 6 million.
I’ve additionally discovered that Berlin’s immigrant neighborhood, which I am so proud to be a member of, is particularly pleasant. All of us perceive how isolating the expertise of discovering your footing in a brand new place will be.
I’ve entry to the remainder of the European Union
In February, I’ll have been a German resident for 5 years. Which means I will be eligible to use for a passport and twin citizenship, as a substitute of simply everlasting residency.
Right here I’m in Potsdamer Platz, subsequent to one of many items of the Berlin Wall on show there.
Photograph: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Holding a German passport means I am going to have the chance to maneuver wherever I please within the European Financial Space. My long-term dream is to retire early, get some chickens and stay peacefully within the Italian countryside. Getting an EEA passport is a key a part of this plan.
In the end, despite the fact that I’ve referred to as many locations dwelling, the choice to come back to Berlin has opened up extra paths to me than I ever thought attainable.
Vanessa Wachtmeister is a proud Chicana from Los Angeles, California. She is a thought chief and digital content material creator who has amassed over 700,000 followers throughout a number of social media websites, together with her platform Wander Onwards. Right now, Vanessa lives in Germany, and her objective is to proceed to construct digital merchandise that improve the lives of North People overseas, and assist others pursue monetary and site independence.
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