Germany 2017 (Archived)
(Original blog written March 2017)
I intentionally became self-employed just under a month ago, in order to pursue a career as an IT Consultant.
It was a bold, some would say downright silly, decision giving up a perfectly good job with a corporate IT company after less than 2 years. But anyway, the decision has been made and I am now a free spirit enjoying the benefits of being my own boss, working from home (most of the time), and hopefully taking on short-term contract work with clients.
However, there lies a problem (or perhaps an opportunity!)
A former colleague from my previous company, moved to Germany roughly 6 months ago, in pursuit of IT contracting in Munich.
It didn't take her long to find a client, and with it an 6 month rolling contract. And just this week she had her contract extended by a further 6 months with the same company in the same city. She emailed me earlier this morning to see if I would be interested in joining her over there because they're looking for another consultant in the same sphere - VMWare ESXi!
The money is exceptionally good, as is the company! But upping sticks and moving over to Munich for 6 months (or more), is the "problem". It'a one thing visiting client sites here in the UK for days or weeks; but working in Germany for perhaps 4 or 5 days per week before coming home for the weekend and then flying out again, is quite scary, not least for the work, commuting and social/personal reasons.
But then again, spending some time in the "economic powerhouse" of Western Europe, will give me a much more rounded opinion of what life is like over there, especially the so-called social and political controversies that have dominated the main media sites over the last couple of years. Moreover, it will be interesting to learn what Germany and Continental Europeans think of the UK and it's decision to pull out of the EU over the next couple of years.
I haven't emailed my friend with a reply yet. Still need a lot more information before considering applying for the post (assuming i get it of course). And the more I think about it, the more "excited" I am to give it a try!
Watch this space, as they say!
Update - 14th March 2017
Well I have emailed my friend, and have expressed an interest, but need more information!
I spoke to my parents and my girlfriend prior to making my decision, and are all for it, given that it will only be for six month (maybe 12 at most). But we haven't into specifics until I know more about the post, and even if the post still exists!
I have only spent a few weeks in Germany - 3 years ago, and not least for the glorious Oktoberfest - also in Munich! And have always felt inclined to return for a much longer holiday. So perhaps this opportunity will address all that.
I intentionally became self-employed just under a month ago, in order to pursue a career as an IT Consultant.
It was a bold, some would say downright silly, decision giving up a perfectly good job with a corporate IT company after less than 2 years. But anyway, the decision has been made and I am now a free spirit enjoying the benefits of being my own boss, working from home (most of the time), and hopefully taking on short-term contract work with clients.
However, there lies a problem (or perhaps an opportunity!)
A former colleague from my previous company, moved to Germany roughly 6 months ago, in pursuit of IT contracting in Munich.
It didn't take her long to find a client, and with it an 6 month rolling contract. And just this week she had her contract extended by a further 6 months with the same company in the same city. She emailed me earlier this morning to see if I would be interested in joining her over there because they're looking for another consultant in the same sphere - VMWare ESXi!
The money is exceptionally good, as is the company! But upping sticks and moving over to Munich for 6 months (or more), is the "problem". It'a one thing visiting client sites here in the UK for days or weeks; but working in Germany for perhaps 4 or 5 days per week before coming home for the weekend and then flying out again, is quite scary, not least for the work, commuting and social/personal reasons.
But then again, spending some time in the "economic powerhouse" of Western Europe, will give me a much more rounded opinion of what life is like over there, especially the so-called social and political controversies that have dominated the main media sites over the last couple of years. Moreover, it will be interesting to learn what Germany and Continental Europeans think of the UK and it's decision to pull out of the EU over the next couple of years.
I haven't emailed my friend with a reply yet. Still need a lot more information before considering applying for the post (assuming i get it of course). And the more I think about it, the more "excited" I am to give it a try!
Watch this space, as they say!
Update - 14th March 2017
Well I have emailed my friend, and have expressed an interest, but need more information!
I spoke to my parents and my girlfriend prior to making my decision, and are all for it, given that it will only be for six month (maybe 12 at most). But we haven't into specifics until I know more about the post, and even if the post still exists!
I have only spent a few weeks in Germany - 3 years ago, and not least for the glorious Oktoberfest - also in Munich! And have always felt inclined to return for a much longer holiday. So perhaps this opportunity will address all that.
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