I moved from India to Europe around one year back for a new job. In this post, I will share my experiences with relocating to a new country and why it might be worth it for you too, especially if you are considering moving to Europe from India.
Background: My Journey to Europe
For several years, every December, I wrote in my Vision and Values journal about how I wanted the next year to unfold, particularly for my career and well-being. In 2021, one of my key goals was to relocate outside India for a tech job and explore new cultures—or at least, give it my best shot.
By March of that year, it had been one year since I permanently moved back to my parents’ house due to Covid. While it was the best bonding time I’d had with them in years, I also began searching for a new job. Feeling overworked at my current role, I sought new challenges and opportunities for growth. Initially, I applied to smaller Indian startups to practice, but soon enough, I felt ready to apply for jobs abroad.
Why Europe, Specifically Germany?
After extensive research, I became certain that I wanted to explore Europe over the US. Europe seemed to align better with what I was looking for, particularly in these areas:
- Work-life balance: Europe is known for fostering a healthier work-life balance.
- Healthcare: Almost free in Europe, compared to the US.
- Residence options: More flexible for expats in the EU.
- Travel opportunities: Moving to the EU opens up easy travel access to the entire continent.
I primarily focused on tech roles in Germany, the Netherlands, and France, with Germany topping the list. After several months of interviewing, I received two offers from German companies. I chose the one that resonated with me most, particularly because of the company’s culture.
Why Berlin?
Choosing Berlin as my new home was an easy decision for a few reasons:
- Cultural diversity: Berlin is one of the most racially and culturally diverse cities in Germany, and it has a significant English-speaking population.
- Berlin’s vibe: The city’s history, art, and hipster atmosphere were right up my alley.
- Tech opportunities: Germany boasts one of the best health and taxpayer benefits systems in Europe, smoother PR (permanent residency) options, a growing tech industry, and a host of world-class startups.
One Year Later: Was It Worth It?
Before moving, I prepared myself for both the best and worst-case scenarios. What if Germany wasn’t what I imagined? What if the company wasn’t the right fit?
By reframing my thoughts and creating a safety net, I calmed my anxieties and embraced the migration process. One year later, I’m incredibly grateful that I didn’t give in to self-doubt. I would take the same leap 10/10 times if I could go back in time.
Navigating Life Outside Work
The past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but I’m happy to say there have been more ups than downs.
Work-Life Balance in Europe
In Europe, work-life balance is taken seriously. By 5 pm, the workday is done, leaving me with ample time to pursue personal interests, hang out with friends, or simply relax by the river.
Rediscovering Myself Through Me-Time
Having time for myself has been like a breath of fresh air. In the past few months, I took a break from social media and spent more time outdoors. Germany’s parks, lakes, and hiking trails have been my weekend sanctuaries.
I also started learning how to grow plants (and not kill them!), began streaming live coding sessions on Twitch for fun, and visited Hungary and Lithuania. The last 12 months have been more productive for me than the previous decade—I’ve read more books, walked more, and played more guitar than I ever imagined.
Follow my travel journey and highlights on Instagram or Unsplash. 😉
Challenges: It’s Not Always Rosy
”A man was walking along a riverbank when he saw another man on the opposite side. ‘Hello!’ he called out, ‘how do you get to the other side of the river?’ The man called back, ‘you are on the other side of the river!‘” — bendmorris on HN
Living solo in a foreign country can be lonely, especially in a place like Germany where people value their personal space. Making friends as an adult is already challenging, but in Germany, it’s even more so due to the cultural preference for privacy.
However, things improved over time. I joined expat communities on platforms like Reddit’s r/berlinsocialclub and Telegram, which helped me meet some great people. It’s important to take it easy and accept that absorbing a new culture and making lasting connections takes time.
Gratitude and Reflection
Looking back, I’m incredibly thankful for all the factors that aligned to make this journey possible. My university degree, for instance, allowed me to apply for an EU BlueCard, which was a key requirement for working in Europe.
To those who claim a college degree isn’t necessary for a tech job: If you come from a third-world country like me, a degree might be the thin line between securing a US/EU visa or not.
I’m also grateful for the lessons I learned from my previous high-pressure jobs, which helped prepare me for this move. Above all, I feel fortunate to have connected the dots that brought me here today—to live a life I could only dream of a year ago. ✨
Would you like to read something more tech-focused on my preparations for moving to Europe? Let me know on Twitter.