How I Landed my DREAM JOB IN GERMANY

[@ClezZz]

As a german i can only say im very glad and honored, that you and your family are a part of germany now. You have my highest respect! I wish you and your family all the best for the future. :)

[@TypeAshton]

Hey, thank you so much! We are very lucky to live here and try to make the most of everyday.

[@ingwer55]

Da schließe ich gerne an ...

[@patricegraziano2303]

as a german too, i couldn't find better words for you. Viel Glück und weiterhin gutes Gelingen in diesem Land....

[@herrgismo]

i'm totally agree with that 👍

[@kingozymandias2988]

Junge, du musst ihn nicht direkt fellieren wollen.

[@northernsteph]

Listened to your story with interest. My son has been living in Germany (Munich) for the past few years. From Yukon,Canada, he ended up there through meeting a German gal while travelling.He's a civil engineer and all his experience has been building roads/bridges, and managing projects in remote northern Canada. Now he's involved in building European tunnels. I'm amazed at him learning to speak German at 27. He speaks it in his work. Darn covid means we won't get over there for a bit, but hoping for next year. Meanwhile I enjoy your channel as it gives me a glimpse into where he is living.

[@TypeAshton]

That's awesome! What a cool job he has! I hope you can make it over to visit next year. I know that when my mom came over to Germany it was eye opening for her to see where I live.

[@M4tti87]

Hey Sir :) I believe he will be in good hands and I hope you can see him as soon as possible and check that by yourself :D Best regards from Bavaria, Germany

[@karingagne5537]

Is he working for Herrenknecht in Allmannsweier, Schwanau, Baden-Württemberg? I grew up in that area and its beautiful !

[@climeaware4814]

Civil engineering is a very important job. I know of one who live in Vancouver and seen a increase in his income to where I dont think his wife works full time.

[@climeaware4814]

@@karingagne5537 im jealous.

[@rodmarker2071]

I live in Bavaria, I work in IT so my business language is English , but, even so, for my social life I speak German, my wife is German so it's not so hard. If you can't speak German you are cutting yourself off from so many things. After Brexit I got my permanent residence status - I got an appointment through the post. The meeting took about 30 mins and a few weeks later my card arrived. The only thing I can add to your great video, which perhaps I missed ? - Driving Licence - you need to sort that out too. Germany is a great place to live, much better than Brexit UK . I hope you continue to enjoy and good luck to you and your family. Viel Glück und bleibt gesund aus Bayern👍👍

[@TypeAshton]

Ah yeah this would be a GREAT video because if you are coming from the US - getting a driver's license in Germany is incredibly complicated. Germany has rules on a case-by-case basis for each of the 50 US states. For example, if you come from one state like Illinois, you can just switch over your driver's license without any issue (you just need to show proof of a clean driving record)... but have a driver's license from another state, you may need to completely re-take driver's education classes and tests in Germany! What was it like for you coming from the UK?

[@abe612]

@@TypeAshton ...well, not speaking for Rod here, but coming from the UK he of course had to learn to start driving on the RIGHT(in BOTH meanings of the word!) side of the street in the first place.... 😉😁😁🤣

[@daemonbyte]

@@TypeAshton The UK is/was part of the EU driving licence scheme so it was easy. We could use our licence until it expired and then renew it in Germany instead of the UK. Brexit forced brits to do that renewal early. I escaped it because my driving licence was renewed in Norway so still good :)

[@daemonbyte]

It was nice of our fellow countrymen to take away our right of free movement. But at least we get to keep permanent residency here which is enough for me. I didn't plan to move again. Shame about future generations that will lose the easy opportunity though.

[@hmi1750]

I moved to Munich from the UK in 2019 and so just before Brexit, which meant my wife and I could transfer our UK driving licenses to the German one. which was technically needed after 6m of residence in Germany at the time anyway - the UK license has postal/home address and we cannot use that in Germany. Of course it makes it harder when we visit the UK now, as we cannot simply get insured on a friend/family car there. If we ever move back, we can submit our German licenses to the DVLA and have them swapped back.

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Lovely story. You sure in a Beautiful part for cycling 💕 other countries around you .

[@xn7270]

I needed to take a moment to thank you both me and my fiancé here as an interracial couple for talking so respectfully and warmly about your friendships with the people you made friends with overseas Jonathan 🙏✌️ it’s very refreshing to hear nice and kind words about the Asian community

[@TypeAshton]

I really loved my time in Taiwan and think back about it with very happy memories. I meant it when I talked about how happy they are. Such positive and friendly people. They welcomed me immediately and today I am still friends with many of them.

[@M4tti87]

I can not stress this enough. The amount of quality work you guys put into the informative videos is really amazing. I can see a "how to move abroad and what to expect" company charging hundreds of euros for that. Ashtons health insurcance videos were not only giong to the edge. It was way over the edge that she opened up about her personal space. Thats really something that takes courage and yall added probably the best differences between healthcare videos on youtube. I dont think there is anything like that on youtube. Now you Jonathan took all the effort and explain the work and immigration sitiuation while also giving details into your personal space and open it up to the world is amazing. All the high fives yall deserve :D And the video quality is next lvl. So much effing work PS: I love that you point out the fact that it really really is a lot of work and takes a lot of time to get a perminit visa and stay here for good. Because there is too many people saying everybody can jsut get in here and stay and whatever. That is just not the reality :) PS: I think you can apply for a dual citizenship already right? US and Germany/EU PSS: I cant stress enough how many more subscribers you deserve. There is so much useless stuff on the social media. And this is not only informative for everybody, but also a very close view into a families life which takes courage.

[@TypeAshton]

Wow! this comment just made our morning. thank you very, very much for the kind words of support. We usually spend 2-3 days editing each video, so it is really nice to hear that you enjoy them and that they are fun to watch. And to you point - the new German coalition is hinting that they will once again allow dual citizenship. If it goes through we will totally apply! I am not sure if the US will recognize it, but it would great if everyone in our family had the option for dual citizenship (and not just Jack).

[@AnoNymInvestor]

I agree 300 %!

[@AnoNymInvestor]

@@TypeAshton your video quality is just insane!

[@berndegert9808]

Es ist wirklich schön, jemanden zu erleben, der nach solch beschwerlichem Weg durch en deutschen Behördendschungel, sich eine positive Sicht auf uns als Gastland bewahrt hat. Hoffentlich bleibt der Black Forest Family das Glück auch weiterhin hold, so dass wir noch viele interessante Geschichten über "die Amerikaner in Freiburg" hören und sehen können.

[@TypeAshton]

Ach vielen Dank. Der Umzug und die Einwanderung nach Deutschland war eine Herausforderung für die Behörden, aber wie ich im Video erwähnt habe - ich hatte SEHR Glück. Meine Arbeit hat mir mit einem Anwalt geholfen. Ich kann mir nur vorstellen, wie viel stressiger es hätte sein können, wenn ich das nicht hätte.

[@DeCSSData]

@@TypeAshton For sure the Anwalt goes with a cost - so it might not be for everyone!?

[@isana788]

jonathan is one of those rare people who has a happy face. Whenever I look at his face I get in a good mood. My father has such a face and having people like that around me is very valuable.

[@TypeAshton]

He's a great guy 😉♥️

[@thomasboddeker9093]

Es ist wirklich sehr schön das du mit deiner Familie nach Deutschland gekommen bist und hier ein Stück Heimat gefunden hast! ❤️lich willkommen und ein hoffentlich schönes, erfülltes, gesundes und GLÜCKLICHES Leben in unserer Gesellschaft/Gemeinschaft!

[@TypeAshton]

Vielen Dank, wir lieben es hier wirklich. Wir haben das große Glück, Deutschland unsere Heimat nennen zu dürfen.

[@Luziemagick]

@@TypeAshton Gut, dass ihr hier seid. Ich glaube, dass ist eine Entscheidung die Ihr nicht bereuen werdet! Herzlich Willkommen(auch wenn Ihr schon ein bischen länger hier seit)😝❤

[@arnodobler1096]

@@TypeAshton 😍🙋‍♂️

[@peterf1]

So this was fascinating. I grew up in the US and somehow got the F1 bug at an early age. We're talking late 1960s. So, weirdly I gained a massive appreciation for mechanical engineering. A that point in time it was slide rules and gut instincts about what would make a better engineering solution. Forward to the 1980s and I found bicycle racing with the US emerging out of the shadows with LeMond and all. So, yeah I rode when the shorts were still wool. Why am I telling you all this? Because I'm fascinated how our world is so small sometimes. I found your channel through your wife's excellent videos (sorry) as my wife's family is Dutch, and I'm heavily researching retiring to NL for us. While many of your points are appropriately German based, there's a general overlap to becoming a permanent resident of NL. Lastly we live in Norwalk CT, directly behind a certain 'northeast US bicycle company.' Keep the videos coming, your channel is fantastic.

[@fluffyusa]

I'm originally from the Jersey Shore. I arrived in the Bavaria back in the summer of 93' thru the US Army. I was stationed in Nuremberg from 93' till late 95' before moving up to Schweinfurt. I spent a year there and then ETS out of the Army in January 97'. I married a German Frau and raised 3 kids who are now 25, 21 and 18 in Mittelfranken. I got lucky while I watched so many of my peers x-Gi's who tried but went back home to the States. Most of the Americans who you do see living in Germany are former soldiers like myself. By you, you have the Black Forest to test your bikes out, by me is the Fränkische Schweiz. Wishing you and your family all the luck. Schöne Grüße aus Mittelfranken.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you for the kind message. We are happy to hear you are happy to have settled in Germany. Was that a strange transition away from the US Army?

[@DM-ev6ug]

Johnathan, to answer your question if it was difficult transitioning from the Military lifestyle to the German one, for me , yes. I was stationed in the Nürnberg Military Community from 1986 - 1993, U.S. Army. When I was enlisted, I had the support of the Army . I benefited luxuries such as cheap gas, a lot of tax free purchases (such like when you bought your kitchen,minus the tax), cheap car insurance ( the military had a similiar system like the states), no GEZ and cheaper items at the PX (post exchange). In general, it was like living in Germany with the conviences of America. After exiting the Army, I faced the bureaucracy of the German Government and all of the new challenges that cames with it. I was partly lucky, because back then it wasn't as stricht as it is today. Like Mike mentioned, many of my fellow soldiers didn't make the challenge. One thing that helped me out was that I was already married to a German woman before exiting the Army. So total, I've lived in Germany since I arrived here with the Army in 1986. MfG, Don

[@hartfischer5509]

Wow, my favorite sport. I will participate in the Las Vegas Etape Tour de France this year. Can t wait to visit France for a stage of TDF again, it has been almost 20 years since Dunkirk. I am very happy for you both. Freiburg is probably one of the best places in Germany or even Europe to live.

[@dr.j3245]

Thanks for telling your story, Jonathan! Another interesting coincidence: I started my German adventure in Freiburg (43 years ago) with no intention of staying. I later did a post-doc in Hamburg - working with a professor from Freiburg - making polylactic acid for use in prosthetics. Small world….. I have been here my entire professional career and am now retired in Hamburg. Sometimes life leads us in different directions than we first planned. Keep up the great work! Cheers, Doc.

[@TypeAshton]

What a small world! Thanks for sharing, that's super cool.

[@jakobeles]

Wow I thought I loved cycling before I met you 😂. One route around Germany I would definitely recommend doing if haven’t already, is the 230+ km route around Lake Constance or the “Bodensee”. it’s rather flat, so perfect for road cycling and the views are spectacular while you ride along the shore, passing through Austria and Switzerland as well. 11/10 would recommend 😂

[@TypeAshton]

That's a great idea! I have ridden there from Freiburg several times but haven't done the loop around the lake. We might have to go and do that next summer. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@gloofisearch]

Yep, I did that one 8 years ago. Very nice.

[@TEWMUCH]

Thank you for sharing your story. As an engineer with a masters struggling to get a job, this really touched my heart. ❤

[@saku0207]

We actually need more people like you in Germany 👍

[@AnoNymInvestor]

I'm a bit proud of you, if I can say so. A wonderful sucess story full of obstacles and problems. It shows me as a german, that I need to do more. Thanks for your story and of course the Videos! Greetings from Leipzig! If you visit my town, be sure to visit Naunhof too! Great nature!

[@pfallasro]

Can't thank you guys enough for these videos, I got a job offer in Germany and I've been very hesitant about taking it since I already own a house and what not. However, based on your videos I now have clear expectations and it won't be easy, but it would be for the best! So glad I ran into you.

[@TypeAshton]

Awesome! We're glad we could help.

[@liferethought]

Freiburg really is a terrific fit with your love of biking! Thanks for taking us on a part of your journey. Beautiful shots of the region too!

[@TypeAshton]

We really feel so lucky to live here and get to do what we do.

[@tmswfrk]

Well you’ve officially gained another subscriber, one that shares your passions. Big roadie myself, ridden in France and Italy, run a small cycling blog, my wife is from the Midwest, and we’re constantly dreaming of moving abroad, even if only for a short time. May need to scour your website some more. Really enjoyed your videos so far!

[@l1ncs]

Freiburg is beautiful and the entire Black Forest is amazing. I did some mountain biking in the Feldberg area. Looks like you are loving it. :)

[@TypeAshton]

You chose the right area to go mountain biking if you're looking for scenery. We absolutely love it here.

[@raidri_conchobair]

I said it many times but I love the videos and you guys are really easy to like. I guess you really upgraded your life. Better, cleaner and safer environment and as an engineer you will NEVER lose your job!

[@TypeAshton]

This is very nice to hear, thank you for such a kind comment. We are certainly very lucky to be where we are and doing what we are doing.

[@burkhardd5182]

Nice story. I am glad that you found your way to Germany and that you feel at home. Thank you for bringing up the issue with the lack of nurses. Should a nurse from abroad be reading along here: Please come to Germany. The hospitals are desperately looking for good and motivated nurses. Some of the major university hospitals offer accommodations and language courses during working hours. Be brave, take heart.

[@TypeAshton]

Great advice!! Thank you.

[@avoicetocount]

Bilden die Kliniken denn auch aus - zu Bedingungen, von denen ein erwachsener Berufswechsler leben kann? Dann würden vielleicht auch mehr Deutsche in diesen Beruf wechseln. Ich könnte mir das vorstellen. Aber von ein paar hundert Euro Ausbildungsgehalt kann ja keiner über Monate und Jahre leben, der bedingt durch Alter und vorhandene Berufsausbildung längst jenseits aller Ausbildungsförderung ist und seit 20 Jahren einen eigenen Hausstand hat - also nicht unbedingt in ein Wohnheim ziehen mag.

[@gabrielamamani2093]

I'm a registered nurse in the United States. I only speak English and Spanish but absolutely no German. My husband works for a German pharmaceutical company as a pharmacologist. I think it would be difficult to migrate without this language experience because I will have to interact with patients.

[@joegoss30]

I was a corporate recruiter for big software companies and the advice on the international transfer is dead on. It is much easier to get someone a work visa if they had worked for the company overseas. I brought a lot of people into the US for work (on an L-1 visa) and sent several to Germany, Canada, UK with similar visas. Usually you need a degree (or equivalent work experience) and at least 1 year with the company in a "special knowledge" or leadership role. Do well at your job, have language/cultural skills and let management know (without being pushy) that you'd like to pursue an international opportunity.

[@gustavolana4838]

Freiburg bike culture is amazing! Impossible not to fell in love with it! I was there for an international internship (also in Mechanical Engineering field) and enjoy it a lot, as I was already a mountain biker back in Brazil. I hope I can move back to Freiburg one day after finishing my studies! By the way, I just found a new definition of dream job hahaha Congrats, man!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! Agreed, it was hard to see the bike culture here and think of anything different. It's great living in a city where so many people appreciate it the same way.

[@michdo23]

"I was a young guy, i was there by myself, i could do whatever i wanted. So it was a great opportunity for me to.... meet... new people...." I get you bro, i get you.

[@LaureninGermany]

So cool, both your actual job and how it takes you places and that you and your family go for it! I’m lucky like that, too, although now it’s almost only in Germany. But I want that- I don’t like being more than a (loooong) car ride away from home. My first job abroad was in Theater Freiburg. I was hoping to be in Freiburg in January, but the big C has caused the Messe to be cancelled, unfortunately.

[@TypeAshton]

Awe the pandemic has affected so many with our work. Typically I go to Asia 4-6 times a year, the Netherlands 1-2 times, Spain/Italy 1-2 times and South Africa for work, but for the past 2 years I haven't traveled at all. It definitely is a very weird time.

[@j.neumann1722]

As a German who lived in the US I always enjoy to watch your videos! I can relate to a lot of the topics and I like the way you enrich the lives of others by sharing your experience. I‘m really happy to see that you’re happy here. Sometimes you even amaze me with specific knowledge or views on things that I haven’t had about Germany. Thanks for that. Good to have you guys here in Germany!!! 🇺🇸🇩🇪

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much!

[@peterdoe2617]

I actually saved this link for future time, if someone will ask me about it. I'm german (born and raised). This short vid was so packed with information. Thanks a ton!

[@mikewoolie5153]

I am mostly German by heritage. Been there as many as 5X. Last time for as much as 3 months, starting from Stralsund to Austria to the Bodensee. The one thing always told to me was if you want to work here bring a job with you. I've been a carpenter, Electronics Tech, Broadcast Engineer (TV), oilfield tech for fracking and Semi truck driver. Now I would like to retire there.

[@Martin-gc8gi]

Again, this video is: entertaining; informative and so well edited / produced

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! We are really happy to hear that you enjoy them and that we can make it fun to watch.

[@slightlygrouchy]

This is such a wonderful video! In fact, it's actually half vlog, half documentary. The content and information you put in feels just right and you also manage portray yourself very well. Overall, I love it! However, I could've done without the non-vegetarian friendly bit though ;-) But you cannot have everything, I guess!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! We are so happy you enjoyed the video. This was my first time going "solo" and Ashton had a lot of fun shooting and editing it. Going through all of the old pictures was a fun trip down memory lane.

[@bouchechhamdi816]

For the Blue card, you don't need a 5 years experience. It depends only on your salary, if its above certain threshold ( around 53k and changes every year ) you get it. The same requirement apply in every EU country with different salary threshold ( above 60 k in Sweden for example)

[@anama3313]

Awesome Vlog! So nice of you guys to share all the things, it shows how humble and genuine you guys are. Thank you :)

[@TypeAshton]

Awe thank you so much. We are humbled that there is an audience who enjoys listening and watching along. ❤️

[@md-photography1545]

Einen schönen dritten Advent wünsche ich Euch ! Macht weiter so, ich schaue Eure Videos total gerne.

[@TypeAshton]

Ich wünsche Ihnen auch einen schönen dritten Advent. Danke fürs Zuschauen und für den netten Kommentar.

[@NilsBreckoff]

Lost my Dad at 11 too. Salute, brother.

[@charlotteanna]

I'm happy to listen to someone who loves his job. it really is the jackpot if you can go to work everyday with a smile on your face. glad you like germany. waving hello from the north of baden württemberg. 🖐

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! I feel really lucky to get to do what I love and live in a place like this. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@ratreeleusink5988]

Ihr habt mehr Abo's verdient! Einen schönen zweiten Advent!

[@hape3862]

dritten!

[@ratreeleusink5988]

Oh, mein Gott! Das stimmt!!!😂

[@TypeAshton]

Ich danke dir sehr!! Wir sind sehr demütig, wie viele Leute unseren Kanal abonniert haben. Wirklich, so dankbar.

[@eagle1de227]

I also live in the black forest and legend has it there are people living here that do not bike at all. I think these are fairy tales. I personally have 2 bikes on my own and cannot imagine sports or recreation without it. You have a very interesting life story and i'm glad you and your family made it here. Thank very much for sharing your story and experiences with us (as it is not going without saying). As ever the video is very well made, entertaining and informative! I'm already looking forward to your upcoming videos. Have nice Christmas holidays !

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much for the great comment. We really appreciate you watching our videos and following along on our adventures. Happy holidays to you and your family as well.

[@bluelithium9808]

Engineering being done in Germany. Why does this not surprise me? Love your videos. You both are exceptionally intelligent with a great sense of humor.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! We have a lot of fun making them and are really quite humbled that so many other people enjoy them too. We really appreciate such positive feedback like this.

[@HelmutQ]

Nice to see somebody who did succeed and enjoys this

[@TamiyaPhilippW]

I bet your dad is very proud of you and your family/wife. God bless all of you

[@BeautyOfGaia]

Not bad. You choose a nice country. I left Germany 10 years ago. Living middle east now, summer every day. Bought a bike end of summer, from a local manufactur. Its a Fat Bike with motor, easy to ride even without motor support. I use the motor only as range extender. Did not ride a bike for 10 years but its like i never stoped. And, that fat huge thing makes a lot of fun!

[@TypeAshton]

I used to own a fat bike as well. It was such a fun thing to ride in the snow.

[@BeautyOfGaia]

​@@TypeAshton Here is desert in wide areas. Sand is very similar to snow in most cases. Except one thing, which I really not miss, snow can convert to ice. I had too many times the luck to test how it feels as my butt hit the ground after i overlooked an icy area.

[@erzsebetnilsson580]

You are not just a bike champion but also a champion for to make the world better and easyer for to live.... and that is GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD !

[@TypeAshton]

Awe Thanks! We feel very lucky to be able to do what we love where we live.

[@torstenmartwich3069]

Great story, love it. I enjoyed life as well in Taiwan for many years, and that is an real enrichment. Enjoy life with your family in you new home.

[@Cashdummy]

It's so cool that you guys are here. I am not far away on the schwänische Alb (that is much colder than the Breisgau-area) and baden-Württemberg is a great place to be. You can get to france, switzerland, austria, even italy within a day. Where you guys are it's just a little hop to france or switzerland, you can even do it with a bike ^^ I think or hope that the US and Germany can re-discover their ties (that were broken by WW2) and build a positive relationship like Ireland does with the US, especially with more cultural exchange.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! We really love our location. We are less than an hour to Colmar, FR and Basel, CH - having even greater international exposure is quite literally just outside of our doorstep. And thank you again for watching and supporting us. We are happy to share our experiences as Americans abroad and hope that both Germans and Americans alike can see that we have so much good to share between each other.

[@raymondmiller5098]

Excellent video, Jonathan! One of the many things I've always liked about Germany is how "solid" and "substantive" the friendships often are. Several of the German friends I made there in the mid-1990s are still very much a part of my life. It's a fantastic country, with conscientious, kind and cerebral people. They have successfully developed a post-war society that is much more humane, family-oriented and empathetic than what one finds here in brutal, "dog-eat-dog" America. You three are, indeed, very fortunate. Three cheers for "unicorn jobs"!

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks so much! We agree with you 100% on how Germany has built itself back post-war. It is clear the rules and regulations are for the most part directed towards improving the qualify of life and not just maximizing profits for companies.

[@alfs3]

Sehr gut und vielen danke, Jon!

[@johndee759]

Congratulations on landing your dream job and founding your family. You and your wife are amazing.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much!

[@kamikazestryker]

Its nice seeing foreigner excited being part of germany. Being a half german myself, I know how lucky we are living here.

[@myvillagelifeintheupperhar607]

I am glad that you addressed the need to learn German. I have lived in Germany for three and a half years, and I have stressed in some of my videos the necessity to learn German. I have seen so many videos where expats living here mention that you do not need to learn the language to live here. For those wanting to live in Germany for an extended period of time, learning German is a necessity. I use the Göethe Institut for language training and really like it. I need to include a one-on-one coach, so I am currently looking for a tutor. Thank you for the tutor suggestion. I will try it out.

[@TypeAshton]

Totally agree. Speaking German will be such a huge part of Jack's life and we want to be able to speak German for him. Plus, we really enjoy the Lingoda classes. We are 2 weeks in to our 60 classes in 60 day challenge have enjoyed the flexibility and class structure.

[@berndtnording4856]

Jonathan - I've watched a number of excellent Black Forest Family videos, and the KZbin God (aka the Algorithm) threw this one at me which I watched with great interest as I've considered moving to Europe for quite a few years now, especially in the last 10 years where I have traveled about Europe for 6-8 weeks every year. I also have a couple things in common with you graduating with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering and then finding out that I didn't learn anything and having to learn engineering in the Real World while working at a job. Then I quit that and started doing GIS (the IT application of mapping). Just about everybody I know, or know about, that moved to Europe from the US did so by working for a US company that had offices there, as you did, but unfortunately there's almost no international GIS companies and most of the jobs are in Government. So, I wonder if you have any sort of feel for trying to get a job in Germany without any "ins" via a company? Yeah, I hear over and over how desparate Europe is for IT professionals, but you also hear a lot about the so-called "worker shortage" in the US - which i can assure you is complete BS as it only applies to unskilled labor. I do have a couple of things going for me though - I learned German from my parents and can still speak pretty well, few real Germans that I strike up a conversation with don't realize I'm a foreigner unless it strays into more technical or business terms, and for half of these it seems Germans use the English word anyways. Do you work on a "Computer", or do you work on a "Rechner"? :-) Despite living my whole life in the US, culturally I seem to much more German than American. Of course, I have a big thing going against me - I'm OLD but don't want to stop working until either my mind or my body kicks the bucket. In the US, age bars you from almost all jobs regardless of how skilled you are in your profession despite the so-called laws against discrimination (which don't apply to gray people) unless you want to be a Walmart greeter. I don't have a feel for whether this is also the case in Germany. What do you think? One other unrelated question: just a few kilometers west of Freiburg in Alsace many of the French speak German. Do you also find many Germans in Freiburg that speak French? I really like the French language, unfortunately I didn't learn that as a kid so it is a struggle as I'm sure you know...

[@isabellabihy8631]

I've lived in the US from 1977-1980. My idea on improving the language skills is to talk only German at home, maybe only a few days during the week for starters. When we were in the US, neither my Mom nor my brother knew any English. They both went to night school, English as a second language. In order to improve their skills, my sister, me, and my Dad spoke English at home. My Dad improved at speaking, too since his job in the IT-industry required mostly writing and speaking revolved around technical IT stuff. My sister and I went to school, having had English classes in school in Germany. Enjoy your life here in Germany, having successfully struggling through the ill-famed German bureaucracy. You did it!

[@TypeAshton]

That's a very good suggestion. We have often avoided this because we have been worried we will continue to teach each other incorrect grammar/pronunciations/syntax. However it's becoming quite clear that isn't very important at the moment and we just need to practice speaking.

[@zeldazyklus7044]

@@TypeAshton Ask Germans to pronunce a particular term (for example `Niederl.......`) then go home, stop saying ´I love you` all the time, look into her beautiful blue eyes and say `Niederlassungserlaubnis` instead.

[@V100-e5q]

@@TypeAshton I think you are correct. If you can formulate sentences (and even start thinking) in German then the groundwork has been done. Everthing else will get honed by interaction with Germans and watching tv and reading newspaper(s). Once you have conquered the first step you can fully concentrate on the fine points. Nobody will give you a strange look if you make mistakes in grammar or pronunciation. My boss always said: make your errors faster! I think you are on a good way.

[@blauesKopftuch]

3:40 is when you had us, both. I'm somewhat more into working on bikes than riding them and my fiance is a med. student and surgical nurse who loved her time in orthopedics.

[@TypeAshton]

Awesome that you enjoyed the video and learning more about my bike obsession. 😜 Thank you so much for watching.

[@heha6984]

Ach, ist das schön!!!! Ich freue mich für Euch und wünsche Euch alles alles Gute, vor allem Gesundheit! LG

[@TypeAshton]

Vielen Dank!

[@Orbitalbomb]

love to hear this story. glad u made it to Germany in the end.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! Happy to be here.

[@chungchihsu2000]

Taiwan? I live in Taiwan and visiting Germany every summer. When Ashton said Bloomberg, the way she pronouced it really gets my heart. We're all right about one thing that Germany is better and I discovered that 20 years ago.

[@butenbremer1965]

Very informative content, thank you so much for sharing! It's great to learn about the immigration rules and regulations of one's own country. Tell Jack all about your hassles you went through when he grows up, he won't experience them himself.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you for watching! I think in the future we may need to make even more detailed videos about what the process is like at the Ausländerbehörde. It can be overwhelming and stressful because you are worried about missing an important document or not meeting a deadline - especially when you are new and not as familiar with the language. We are thankful that we have been pretty lucky and have moved through the process with relative ease- but it isn't that way for everyone.

[@rainerm.8168]

That is information combined with a personal story one doesn't encounter often on KZbin. Great work. As an old German completely out of biking it's the quality of your video that kept me watching it. I am sure it will be valued by quite some folks as a helpful support. BTW I was quite surprised how attractive Germany or better working in Germany obviously is to skilled workers. Because I read quite the opposite in the media that Germany isn't able to attract the necessary number of these people.

[@TypeAshton]

We hope the video can be helpful for others wanting to follow a similar path. Thank you for watching!

[@11everhard]

When is saw you on Furkapass i almost had tears in my eyes. Ich made the very same picture in 2008. So, enjoy driving through the alpes and other beautifull places as long as possible.

[@TypeAshton]

One of the most epic and coolest things I have ever done. There were some sketchy parts where I was literally camping in the middle of nowhere, but I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything.

[@fistofren3483]

Even Jan Ullrich lived in your region (Merdingen). So: right choice😉

[@rolf_0815]

Thank you so much for this fascinating story! Ich wünsche euch nur das Beste für die Zukunft. 😍😍😍

[@TypeAshton]

Really glad you enjoyed it!! ❤️❤️❤️ Wir wünschen schöne Feiertage und einen schönen Sonntag.

[@maxbear215]

Johnathan, thank you for your videos. You are living my dream.

[@TypeAshton]

Glad you like them!

[@goodlessnaren]

Bro! Thank you so much for YOUR perspective! Greetings from Frankfurt, hope you doin okay

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks so much!! It was fun going solo on a video and gathering all of the photos for Ashton to edit was a nice trip down memory lane. Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@goodlessnaren]

@@TypeAshton The legs say no but the head says go!

[@AleaumeAnders]

"This allowed us to put down permanents roots in the black forest" *grin* next step: change your family name to "Tannenbaum" ;)

[@HellStr82]

Your videos are always so informative and well done... good luck in all your future projects

[@g.r.2985]

Great video, thanks for sharing. What am interesting journey you’ve had, mate! Would love to hear the German translation of the “thingy”you created for your thesis. (Try saying that 5 times, right! 😉

[@L0rDLuCk]

Great video! As a german i think everyone how wants to live and work in germany should speak german, not perfect and not from the beginning but please think the other way round, if a german comes to the us or any other country and want a job only speaking german all day long .. this would be kind of inconsiderate in my opinion.

[@hmi1750]

completely relate to the unicorn aspect. I think most international offices have started to shift more and more to English as their business language for internal use too. I work for a European head office in Munich and most discussions are now in German and English, whilst all daily work is in English. Many employees are from all walks of life and nations and so bring their culture with them. It does make it harder to learn and practice German. the lockdowns have made it much harder. And whilst I do not find any issue at work, it does make it hard to get to know local communities and sports/activities groups which will obviously all lead in German.

[@TypeAshton]

I can totally relate to the final point as well! Our work days can be very easy to get through in English and a mix of German, but it's the out of work times which then become a big challenge. If you don't learn German, you kind of just stay in a bubble. Even at B1 level, it can be a challenge to really fit into these groups.

[@jamesmit100]

As a Taiwanese i appreciate this video sooo much :) Great job!

[@nikitakhrushchev.4602]

Congratulations to you both from Dublin Ireland, happy new year and God bless you. Keep the good work.

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks!!

[@chkoha6462]

Sorry for being to the party,assembly of just one IKEA bookshelf turned into 'lets rearrange all those furniture '. Excellent video once again, thanks for sharing your path to Germany with us.And again, herzlichen Willkommen and hopefully all your dreams will come true.

[@TypeAshton]

Hahah we understand the "Ikea-effect" all too well. Thanks so much for the kind comment and for the heartfelt welcome.

[@s1ngularityxd64]

awesome video btw. you guys could not have choosen a better spot, most sunny days & best weather. Viele Grüße und bleibt gesund 😊

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! Agreed, we are very lucky to have ended up here. Frohe Weihnachten!

[@comodrone49]

Excellent video! And, I’m very sorry about your dad. Hope you guys are doing great! -Dusty

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks Dusty!! ❤️❤️

[@olejensen7156]

Very cool inspirations for german jobs. My self I´m was 10 Years in Finland. And yes, your informations are very important for americans in germany. Structure and presentation are very simply and clear. Thank for good promotion. We neading more of good americans of you.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much. It is always so nice to hear good reviews. ❤️

[@gerardcummins4595]

While on the indoor trainer doing a long Z2 session your wife’s video on comparing salaries popped up on my feed. So I flicked through the video and then watched the video on driving which showed you, I was like her husband looks like a cyclist > that skinny lean look. Thought nothing more, I then watched the video on child care, your wife was talking in a hallway and I notice a foot pump under the stairs, looking at it, it had a wooden handle, looked like a silca, so I said to myself ah he defo a cyclist. Then I watched this video……sure enough! Great videos 👍👍👍 Ride on!

[@bernhardneef7996]

Jonathan, well summarized and correct. Good luck....and learn more German....;)

[@sbutler96]

You and my son are carbon copies. Masters in ME from Oklahoma(thesis on composites), on team that design bin Laden stealth helicopter at Bell and then dream job at Trek. Until this month, he was Director of Engineering. Just left for another dream job at Nike. Had a post-graduate internship at Adidas in Herzogenaurach.

[@hondaryder3779]

I was hoping on more shots of das Schwarzwald, beautiful area. I rode my Honda Transalp, cycling is too far. P.s. in Germany it is not on cloud 9, aber auf wolke sieben. Over here, in 7th heaven. 👏🇳🇱NL.

[@Ratherbflyin]

Thank you for this. I may have the option to follow the same path that you did. My private employer was just acquired by a public company that has offices in Germany, and that public company is in the process of being acquired by another larger international company. If things work out the way that I hope that they will, then I will hopefully be able to find an opportunity similar to the one that you were able to take advantage of.

[@TypeAshton]

Experiencing another culture and way of life has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I can only highly recommend taking the opportunity if it comes your way.

[@RustyDust101]

Basically, the Niederlassungserlaubnis is just one or two minor steps to recieving all the benefits (and duties) of full German citizen status. You are not allowed to vote, but you get most of the other advantages of citizenship (legally mandatory parental leave, unemployment benefits, social welfare, etc). There may be one or two other restrictions I am not aware of, but you are about as close to owning a German passport as you can get, without actually having that ID. So, Jonathan, I am really happy that you and your small family have decided to make Germany your home. I can see that you have had quite some good experiences here. I do hope and wish you and yours all the very best for the future here. Nice to have you. The 'Learn German' tip applies not only for your job, it also improves your everyday life immensely. All the communication will become easier, the Germans around you will be able to open up easier and quicker to you. The somewhat quirky German humor might become more apparent with knowing the language. Most Germans really, really appreciate it if somebody puts in the effort to truely learn the language because it shows they are willing to integrate into the country and the society, not just live in their own little isolated bubble. Please don't take it as a downer if a German corrects your German; they only want to help you learn a darn difficult language. Knowing the language opens SO many doors for you and your future. Friendships are made a lot easier if you speak the local language, which makes them helping you out in some of the situations Jonathan mentioned so much more likely. Germans don't fall over themselves to offer help on their own but are usually very accomodating when you DO ask for help. It's the 'be self-sufficient' attitude of Germans that makes them a bit stand-off-ish when it comes to offering help on their own. But ALL Germans know that we are the world champions at complicated bureaucracy, so if you DO need help with it (trust me, you WILL need help) then having someone who is knowledgable in that field is worth his/her weight in gold.

[@TypeAshton]

Yeah you're definitely right. It's a huge goal for many people wanting to work in Germany. You should check our video today, Germany is considering a new regulation change which would let us go for a passport as well.

[@waldfuchs5386]

Ach Jonatan entwickelt Fahrräder.Das Essen in Taiwan hätte ich auch probiert. Ein Krasser Biker ist Jonatan. Interessante Lebensgeschichte und gute Tipps, was man alles machen muss.

[@Kivas_Fajo]

You forgot somehow to mention. Internship USA= no compensation. Internship Germany=obliged by law you get compensated. Not necessarily a lot, but you don't work for free here.

[@TypeAshton]

Hi there! Ashton here - I would say that in my experience only "some" internships in the US do not have compensation and it is heavily slated to specific industries in specific regions. I worked as a full-time instructor at a University in the US for 4 years in the architecture sector. In our program all students were required to complete an internship in order to get their Bachelor's degree. All internships were required to be paid by law.

[@Kivas_Fajo]

@@TypeAshton Thanks for the insight. I appreciate that. :-) I was just parroting the vast majority of people online that experienced something else than you. It is not a coincidence, that there are countless videos about that, I guess. There must be some grain of truth in it..?

[@TypeAshton]

I did a quick google search (which I know isn't exactly 'scholarly') but one report noted that 40% are unpaid. From what I recall talking to friends, I think this is more common in fields like law/government or media. But I know a lot of Universities are trying to combat this by partnering with companies who pay interns a fair wage for their work.

[@pepealexandre]

My bike since 2010 is from Germany: Focus brand. Went to see what model: Black Forest. 😳

[@ruangrit]

Great video ! If I may ask about money aspect, you probably answer in another video. How to fairly consider this factor, at the point when you decide to stay in Germany, as you would most likely earn more in the states. Thx !

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you for watching. The financial part is a bit tricky. We haven't talked in detail about this too much... yet. For percent salary deductions, it is for sure higher in Germany than the states. But, the quality of life is also higher and things like healthcare can be cheaper for major problems. For me, the quality of life improvement is worth the extra money every month.

[@FlorianPigorsch]

Freiburg/Dreisam/Schwarzwald - nice! See you on the trails ;)

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! It's a great place.

[@thilo_117]

i really like your well made videos and the blessed story of your life`s glad that you love it here

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you!

[@nohandlebarmtb]

Great video, however the title is a little misleading. Interesting career path and definitely sounds like a dream job. I was lucky enough to get my Blue Card since day one and took me 21 months to get my Niederlassungserlaubnis because I had gotten my "Deutsch B1 Urkunde". It also depends on the city/region you are living in. I have friends and family in South Germany (Munich and Tübingen) and there you will have it a little harder regarding requisites/permits.....I live in Niedersachsen and here people are really helpful, understandind and friendly. Cheers and merry xmas

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks for the nice message! Congrats on obtaining the Blue Card and moving quickly into your Niederslassungserlaubnis. Did you learn German before moving or did you enroll in intensive courses right away?

[@nohandlebarmtb]

​@@TypeAshton Thanks a lot. I had beed studying German full time prior to moving to Germany for around 6 months and came with a Job-Seeking Visa. I am also a Mech Engineer and once here I found a job in less than one month, beacause I have a very particular software skill which luckily allowed me to do so. I also speak A LOT of english (my mother tongue is Spanish) in my current job and as you said, we are very lucky to have this "advantage" here in Germany. The bad thing is that has probably slowed-down my german learning process. German is a really hard language to learn and while working you have little energy to focus after work. But for the people who are reading this (if you made it this far) and planning to come here, do not think this is the case everywhere, in Germany one needs to speak german.

[@udokielich8529]

You are a nice couple and welcome in Germany! Keep up the good posts.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you very much!

[@christophgoeth4118]

Arbeit is just work Beruf is short for Berufung vocation for everyone how buys a bike it`s good to know that their passion is shared by the people that make these bikes .

[@TypeAshton]

It's usually not an industry for people who aren't passionate about it. It's a requirement to make the companies succeed.

[@MattBenson247]

Hey Jon. I have just watched a few of your videos. Small world but my wife and I live in KC (Brookside). I am from there and she is from Deutschland. Coincidentally her parents live in Bad Krozingen outside Freiburg. Maybe we could grab a bier or for for a ride. We are thinking of moving over here in a few years with our newborn ... so I figured I'd reach out to a fellow Kansas City guy. Prost!

[@TypeAshton]

Wow! What a small world. Really cool that you guys have such similar connections to both KC and the Freiburg area. I'd be up for grabbing a beer the next time we are in town. And if you guys make it over this way, let me know.

[@ReallifevsPlayable]

Hey Black Forest Family, thanks for sharing your experience with us. For me as a german, passionate bicycle rider, living at the coast near Bremen, with friends in the states and freiburg, its very interessting and sometimes funny to see what you think for our land and where the trouble where to get over here, what you like and what not :-D Keep up your videos, love them. Liebe Grüße nach Freiburg :-) Ride On.

[@TypeAshton]

Vielen dank!

[@mbontekoe3358]

Have worked in Germany for 15 years but have never lived there, I have commuted from the Netherlands every day where my family is based , we are British by origin. It was far more simple to move to the Netherlands where we all had learned Dutch. My qualifications were sufficient and I had a permanent residency permit within days thanks to my company who got me work permit before I even started, my employment was never temporary Being originally from "Europe" we had fewer legal issues compared to say someone from the USA. Living in the Netherlands I do not need to speak German at any level to work permanently in Germany. The Dutch do not seem to care ( but I am fluent in both Dutch and German as well as some other languages) What most Americans miss it is not the language but the communication ability - To communicate you have to think in the language and not translate every word this make the fluency much better even if you know few words

[@TypeAshton]

I think part of the problem is most Americans do not need to learn a foreign language (and often don't). This is something that is picked up at young age my most European children. Just my hunch, I don't know if this is true or not.

[@Andy20125]

I am originally from the Black Forest area (Emmendingen) not sure if you ever been there? Miss it a lot, now I live ironically in the US.

[@human_isomer]

I totally agree and only can emphasise again that speaking German, more or less fluently, is still a requirement in Germany. For the everyday conversation with neighbours and colleagues, sure thing, but many Germans will meanwhile at least understand a bit of English. However, it's more important for the public authorities, banks, insurances, etc., although that will be a completely different kind of German language, which even the well educated native speakers will have their difficulties to comprehend. And don't forget that Germany can be a bureaucrazy, where you may need a form to apply for getting a form. And those are in "Behörden-Deutsch", an obsolete and nowhere else used but still considered 110% correct variant of the language, introduced when Germany still was an empire. So you may want to find a friend who can translate that into *real* German, too. Not joking ;)

[@frankschrewe4302]

Every time I hear the words "Beamtendeutsch" and "Bürokratie", I have to think of Reinhard Mey: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKPGfK2Gaadpi6c

[@TypeAshton]

I totally understand that point. We have struggled quite a lot with some of our forms to get other forms. Even Google Translate struggles with many of them. And as you said, even some of our friends struggle explaining to us what is being asked. We will keep working every day to move towards fluency.

[@micharenrew6070]

Congrats! u found your Job in Germany. 👍☺ ..... I like bikes too - but Motobikes! My Tesla is a Fourstroke. 😎

[@rolflin]

Hope you give us a visit at basque country! Basque mountains , mud and cycling you have plenmty of things to do , view & taste

[@TypeAshton]

Hopefully we will get there one of these days! It looks beautiful.

[@roesi1985]

Oh that's so cool! I'm really happy for you, Jonathan. Being able to do what you love and what you can do best is so important. My husband is a passionate biker and an engineer, too. I guess he'd envy you a bit for that dream job you have! :) Do you by any chance need another engineer in your team who's familiar with SolidWorks and SAP? ;) Oh yeah, and great to see some familiar Swiss passes in the video! It's really one of the best regions for biking and the scenery's always breathtaking. Greetings from Switzerland!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! I hope he is not too envious, it also comes with quite a lot of pressure and stress, but I still love it. Riding through the Alps of Switzerland has been mind blowing every time, it's more than just a dream.

[@HuSanNiang]

"Strava it or it didn´t happen" - quite interesting story allthough I would have loved to here more about the cycling and your work right now. As female roadbiker I always find it difficult to get a well fitted bike. Many companies moves to unisex frames but it is not easy to put one ftis all. Maybe you do another follow up. I am sure my fellow cycling friend in Vienna would love to hear it in more details. *Ride On*

[@TypeAshton]

I think in the future I can make some more videos digging a bit deeper into cycling and what it is I do. I have tried to keep my work a bit separate from our channel, but if the desire is there I can get into it. We've had plenty of discussions of gender specific geometries and have essentially determined the critical fit dimensions (stack and reach) can fit everyone with a 'unisex' frame design. They are now often setup in linear even steps through the sizes. This plus changing bars/stems/seatpost offsets can hit all fit coordinates. Males and females will usually need to make some changes with these components to get a perfect fit. It's important to find a good shop who understands and is willing to put in this effort. Maybe it's the standover height (height at mid-toptube) which makes the fits more difficult? This is often more of a tricky dimension to design around. Thanks for the interest!

[@HuSanNiang]

@@TypeAshton I was lucky with my road bike I tried it and it was right on perfect but the woman version was discontinued later one. So if it every has a major problem (I have around 13000k on it) not sure if anything would fit the same. Thanks this is just was just one point but I guess many riders are interested in your kind of work and would love to show some more indepth of it. Out of curiosity , did you ever do the Ötztaler Radmarathon? If you drop by in Vienna - the VICC (Vienna International Cycling club) will be the one to meet for some rides.

[@TypeAshton]

@@HuSanNiang No, I haven't done that one, but I will take a look at it. I think next year I would like to complete another big cycling challenge. Still trying to decide if that is a race or some other kind of self-supported thing like Everest-ing or a bike-packing trip. And thanks for the invite! We have only been to Vienna for a layover but would love to go back and spend more time (and do some riding).

[@abigaillarion9365]

Thank you for the video! You make some of the best expat content on the Internet. Could I ask which expat groups you've found the most helpful? Thanks again.