Plan B: Moving to Berlin and Finding My First Job — Why You Should Keep Going

Five years ago, I packed my life into two suitcases and boarded a one-way flight to Berlin.
I didn’t have a job offer waiting. I didn’t have perfect German. I had a plan, a visa, and a lot of uncertainty.

I came on a Job Seeker visa — six months to find a role or go home. In those months, I sent 400+ applications, got 22 interview invitations, went through 40+ interviews (most with 3–5 stages), and finally landed one offer. That one offer changed everything.

The reality

• Job search is a full-time job — treat it like one.

• Rejections will happen. Many. They are not a verdict on your worth.

• Timing matters — recruitment cycles in Germany peak in February–April and September–October.

• Networking and persistence are your best allies.

Why Berlin?

It’s not just a city; it’s a mix of cultures, languages, and opportunities. Yes, the bureaucracy is real — but so is the energy of a place that attracts people from all over the world chasing ideas and building companies.

What helped me keep going

• A clear framework: know what you want, why it matters, and what you’re ready to do for it.

• Small wins: even an unsuccessful interview can be a success if you learn from it.

• Documenting everything: I tracked my progress in Trello, which helped me see effort turning into results.

• Support network: friends, online communities, and even a few strangers who believed in me when I doubted myself.

If you’re in the middle of it now

You might be tired. You might wonder if it’s worth it. I’ve been there.
But here’s the truth: you only need one “yes.” And that “yes” might be closer than you think.

So, keep going.
Keep sending the applications.
Keep preparing.
Keep believing that the right door will open.

Because one day, you’ll look back — like I’m doing now — and realize this chapter was not just about getting a job.
It was about proving to yourself that you could do hard things.