Life after the cold war, should I stay or go?

Hi People,

my name is Charlie, I am a Army Vet. and bin living in Germany for over 20 yrs now (including my time stationed in Flensburg). I lived for over ten yrs in Wesel am Niederhein then moved back up to Flensburg because of health reasons from my then Wife.

Now after the Devorce and two grown Kids I have started a new relationship with a wonderful person, unfortunately am now unemployed again as a Truck Driver and as we all know the recession has practically wiped out Schleswig Holsteins Logistics Co. left and right. Now having jumped over the years from Co. to Co. trying to survive in one of the worst payed jobs up here let alone even think about making a CAREER of it I am fed up, fustrated and depressed.

My girlfriend has her own business and is doing well or surviving for that matter has her own house etc... but as a Man I feel useless hanging out at home waiting for some phone call from some abnotchus Dispatcher from some low life trucking company. I have talked to my dad who lives in FL says ai'nt much happening here and as far as pay goes it either the same or even less not ot mention the benefits. So I called my cousin in TX and he says come on over hell there enough jobs in TX. After watching the news everyday here makes me wonder who is right or wrong.

SO what should I do?

Decisions in life I hope my kids don`t have to encounter but I wil and soon. Start all over with little or no kapital, leave Kids and friends behind, Job? Not so easy, but I do know I do not want to stay unemployed for the next year here like I did in 2007. You can only mowe your lawn so many times a week before the grass starts to die. I miss the American way of life (Baseball,Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet (make that a Ford for me) racing, going to ball games, the weather, the sunday paper, breakfast at Krackobarrell, Oatmeal Cookies, Budlite TV Commercials etc... Don`t get me wrong I love Germany the country side the old cities the all mighty AUTOBAHN, the bier, the currywurst and pommes but people are getting to conservative for me here with all this GREEN crap and TAX on everthing they say pumps out to much C02 soon we won`t be allowed to fart without having a Euro5 kat up our butts or you`ll be taxed of course accordingly.

Is there anybody in this forum who has this delima or close to it or just thinks different. I live 45km north of Kiel in a beautiful area where the Landartz is produced and really can`t complain about the quality of life here but theres just no work up here, all my buddies done gave it up and are all back in the states, Germans I talk to say what the hell are stilll doing here they all dream of living in the states but they don`t know the real truth of living there. This is not a cry for help but a relief for me to say what and how I am presently feeling to those who may understand me and my situation. Because I did not further develop and educate myself I can only do a certain number of jobs, my english alone gets me no where job wise it's not like in the states if you can prove yourself you will most likely get hired here if you don`t have some proof of a learned trade your done, also if your over 40, your more than likely get bumped off for some less experienced young fellow. I won't give up hope I and know some thing will give in sooner or later It's wrong to look back give everybody else the blame or what I should have or not have done, it was my decision to stay now I have to deal with.

By the way if youall wanna get together for a Softball game and BBQ let me know. Take care and yes we can.

I think your unemployment has made you think of alternatives you wouldn't think of if you had steady work. Don't over glamorize life in the US, being unemployed there is just as depressing as being unemployed here. I wouldn't even consider moving back stateside without having secured employment before hand. It's very bad there - and anyone who still has a job or hasn't yet been affected by cutbacks, layoffs or furlow will naturally tell you differently. I have a friend who is a truck driver and worries about getting the nex load.

The grass is always greener on the other side, you should know the truth in that saying by now. Don't worry, lots of people have been in the situation to stay or to go, and having too much time on your hands makes your mind wander to dark places it wouldn't normally.

Don't distress, try to think happy thoughts, get yourself busy with something to keep your mind on where you are now. Starting over should be reason enough to stay here and see what shakes out.

Keep your chin up!

The economy in Canada is doing well, and they do need long haul truck drivers. If you are looking for options.

If you can get a truck driving job and work permit in Canada, try to get one in BC or AB, they'll give you a green card if you get your employer to sponsor you. Agreed it's not a good time to be going anywhere without having a job lined up. Move, burn up savings and end up in the same situation. Can the cousin in TX guarantee a job?

The economy in Canada is not so hot by the way but right now, I think still better than the US.

I think this is one of the most important statements you made.

Having said that, have you considered joining his posse? He's probably a lot of fun and is looking for someone to hang out with.