Should I stay in Germany or return to the U.S.?

Hello All,

I'm new to Toytown Germany, but no stranger to this wonderful country.

Anyway, I'm looking for some advice as it's been a while since I've lived here...

Let me start with a little history:

I speak German pretty well, and can sometimes get by without people knowing where I'm from or even that I'm not German... this isn't consistent right now, but after a few months back here, I'm sure it would be, so, that said: I'm confident in my language abilities...

I can get EU-Rights

I'm a US Citizen, but in the fortunate position of being able to have EU-Rights due to my spouse, who is working here in Germany. Basically, and I went to the Auslaenderamt here in Munich to confirm (and surprisingly they were very helpful and nice), I would get an EU Family Permit directly from the Auslaenderamt. This document would allow me to live and work (self-sufficiently) in Germany. I wouldn't even have to go to the Arbeitsamt!

So, I don't have the VISA and work permit issues that a so problematic for so many of you...

Now, here's the deal... My marraige is going through a very rough period. My wife and I are on amicable terms, and has agreed to help on this issue of supporting me to find a job and sponsor me... at this point I don't know where we're going... I want to remain hopeful, but I have to be able to cope if this doesn't work out... and the only chance we've got is if I am here in Germany. But, anyway, this isn't a relationship forum,... I only brought it up because of the fact that it is because of her that I have EU-Rights...

I'll need a job

Given the marital situation, I have to be able to support myself. I don't have much money saved (I've been paying off debt) and at this exchange rate, the situation is a bit scary. Realistically, I should be able to come over (I'm in Germany right now until June 8) and stay from mid September with a reserve/nest egg/emergency fund of about 10,000 USD.

My wife is in Munich, and for obvious reasons that's where I'd like to be... (and in the worse case scenario, that being that we do really split up, she has agreed to support me for 6 months so that I can find a job if I do come)...

Now, what about jobs? How hard do you think it would be to find one?

I'm an urban planner in the United States and Canada (certifications and registrations in both countries). I have a Master of City and Regional Planning and about 4 years of professional experience in the US. I'd like to continue this profession in Germany...

It may take some time to find a suitable job, though. In any case, I will send applications to planning/architecture firms, developers, and mapping/GIS (Geographic Information Systems -- using computerized mapping systems and data for spatial analysis)... It's important to me to be able to resume my career in this field. However, if it is totally impossible with my US qualifications, I have already gained admission for Wintersemester and Sommersemester in an Urban Planning program in Stuttgart and an Urban Design program in Berlin... so I have some options!

Is there anyone out there who has some insight into this career path in Germany?

Means of Survival

If I can't find a planning job, I'll need to find just any job... stricly as a means of survival while I continue to try to find a planning job or study for a German qualification...

In such a case, and from you own experience, how difficult is it to survive here in Germany? In Munich? In Berlin? In Stuttgart? And as a Student?

By this I mean, how much money do you all find that you need in a month to get by?

How difficult is it to meet this budget being an expat here in Germany?

How do you make your living here?

I'm looking for some input here. I'm trying to be informed before making such a big move...

I'm grateful for your shared insight...

Opportunity for Personal Growth

One of the things I'm holding on to with all of this is the fact that coming back to Germany has been a long-time dream for me... I'm at a point where (marraige aside) I have the opportunity to make this happen now...

... I might not have this chance later...

I've been trying to get out of the septic pool of the East Coast (New Jersey) for quite a while and it's been hard, for one reason or another...

I tend to be the type of person who likes the straightest course...

but this isn't always the most interesting, nor does it always take you where you want to go.

Know what I mean?

I keep all of this in mind as I look at these issues...

It's good to get out of your own pond! Right???

Sorry to be laconic, am about to hit bed...If you did not know already, first stop Dorsch. One of the biggest planning and consulting groups in these parts...Good Luck.

I would give it a try dude - so get your butt over here and come on down to Munich

Seriously, you speak the lingo (that is a big plus) you don't have any visa/residency problems - another big plus.
Sorry to hear about your marriage problems, but the good thing is (and another brownie) she will help out to get you on your feet. That is bloody awesome and kind of her if you ask me.

The only major problem seems to be getting a job in your profession. In general Bavaria and also Baden-Württemberg (the southern states) have a very low unemployement rate compared with other German states and are good to find work within - as I said that is in general. And for any job in "survival mode" you are prepared to take on it shouldn't be a big problem to find one or two - there are plenty of opportunites e.g. a while ago Mike's bikes was looking for a tour guide in Munich (don't know if this is still available).

Anyway I wish you all the best whatever the decision of yours might gonna be.
You can do it!

Well, you are well prepared, I'll give you that much. Congrats!

However, you'll never be able to work as an urban planner here in Germany. Rules, regulations, everything are way different and complicated. Coming from a GIS background myself, I was glad I got to do NIS for a software company for 4.5 years as a junior consultant/product manager specialist (area of expertise, land surveying). But it was hard work and lots of competition so much so that my former company is bankrupt. I'm now doing something competely different. ESRI is located in Kranzberg (near Munich), but they only do consulting, not much project work.

Two TTers I know were in this field too, Beaver and Jeremy (who is now a horticulturist). I know Jeremy eventually had to get out of the field and he had way more experience than I did. I think Beaver is a contractor or was.

My disadvantage, I have piss poor programming skills and all the small GIS companies really wanted people who could do C+. I barely escaped my C class. This was in 2000 - I can imagine now it has not changed at all.