German Job Seekers Find Life-Changing Opportunities Abroad

This year alone,some 145,000 Germans packed up and left home, the highest number in 50 years. Two thirds of the émigrés went abroad for career reasons and most of these because their options were slim on the job market at home.

"I saw that the market didn't offer me the possibilities I would have liked and I tried to find a job in other European countries, but that didn't work out either," said architect Daniel Lambart.

Alternatives to unemployment in Germany

While many are fleeing unemployment in Germany, the Agency for Employment Abroad (ZAV) in Bonn has plenty of work on its hands. Job seekers from practically every sector are turning to this branch of the Federal Employment Agency in an effort to try their chances across the border.

Last year the ZAV placed 13,000 Germans in jobs abroad. Handcraft and gastronomy profession have the highest demand, though chances are also good for engineers.

For older job seekers, a position abroad is sometimes the last prospect available. In Switzerland and the Netherlands, for example, job experience is valued more than having the most up-to-date specialized knowledge, unlike in Germany.

Nearly 40 percent of the people placed by ZAV are over the age of 40, which can be considered "old" on the German job market.

Over 75 percent of the foreign job placements are in Europe. Job seekers who venture off the continent tend to prefer Canada and Australia.

Many return sooner or later

Those Germans who decide to pack their suitcases, learn a new language and explore a new culture aren't necessarily gone for good, said ZAV spokesperson Sabine Seidler.

"The majority of opportunities involve temporary job contracts for a longer period of time. There are some that say, I'll stay. But, in general, coming back is part of the deal," added Seidler.

For many, a major motivation to emigrate is to improve their chances of finding a better job when they return. That was the case for architect Daniel Lambart, who took a position with the German Development Service (DED) in Togo, despite original plans to stay in Europe.

"The people around me couldn't really understand it," said Lambart. "But I didn't let myself get misled and took my own path. Especially since the contract was only for one year and I saw it as an opportunity, not as some kind of challenge with lots of risks attached."

Flexibility is key

Making the decision to go was only the first step. Then Lambart had to arrange for insurance, get vaccinated and study up on his new country. He had the advantage that he already spoke French, Togo's official language.

"On the one hand, you have to be ambitious, but you also have to like the challenge and feel a sense of adventure," said Lambart. ZAV's Seidler agreed that it's most important to approach the move with the right attitude and to transition into the new culture with as much flexibility as possible.

Lambart settled into life in Togo so well that he extended his contract with the German Development Service for another year, and then again for two additional years in Chad in central Africa.

"Most people give positive feedback and are glad that they did it, simply because it's such an exciting time. Those who were unemployed for a long time and then take this huge step abroad usually come back with a completely new sense of self-confidence," said Seidler.

She added that the only problems she can remember hearing about were disagreements between co-workers, which can also arise at any workplace in Germany.

No guarantees upon return

Lambart's return to Germany and re-entry in the German work force after four years abroad was particularly trying. It took nine months of serious effort and a training course in public relations for him to gain a foothold in the job market.

"Private enterprise, in any sector, doesn't view cooperative development work abroad as a real benefit," said Lambart, who observed a big difference between work experience in other European countries and in developing countries when being considered for a position in Germany.

"I don't regret the time (abroad) because I had lots of experiences that help me in my life today," said the architect. "I think I've managed to make the leap back into the German work force."