This is part 2 of a 5-part series detailing what I wish I had known as an American programmer moving to Berlin. This page details some practicalities of actually moving to a different country, from getting a work visa to making sure your electronics work. Work visa Once you’ve decided to make the move, one of the first things you need to do is secure a work visa. This will go a little differently depending on your situation:| Outer Haven
This is part 1 of a 5-part series detailing what I wish I had known as an American programmer moving to Berlin. This page explores the motivation to move to a different country, some ways to guide your decision making, and what you might want to establish before moving to make your future life easier. Motivation Why you should do it You’re probably not going to do something just because someone online tells you to do it, but I might as well give you some motivation on why moving is a good i...| Outer Haven
This is part 5 of a 5-part series detailing what I wish I had known as an American programmer moving to Berlin. This page talks about learning the language of the country you’re in. I’ve saved this for last, because I think it’s the most important thing in this series. I believe that learning the local language is the strongest driver of belonging in a new country. It requires real effort, and you will have to prioritize it over other things, but doing so pays off handsomely in the long...| Outer Haven
This is part 3 of a 5-part series detailing what I wish I had known as an American programmer moving to Berlin. This page details some awfulness with respect to finances and taxes while being abroad. Salary I think for a lot of American programmers, especially ones coming out of FAANGs, this is a huge consideration. The salaries in Europe just aren’t the same as they are in the US, or especially in the Bay Area.| Outer Haven
This is part 4 of a 5-part series detailing what I wish I had known as an American programmer moving to Berlin. This page details cultural differences and things I wasn’t aware of until I stumbled on them. Politics One thing about Germany, and Europe in general, is that it’s relatively left-wing when compared to the US. This is a place where universal healthcare is so commonly accepted that no party – not even the super-racist party! – is talking about removing it. The aforementioned ...| Outer Haven
Hire me! Hello! I’m a software engineer looking for a new job in Berlin (or remote)! I have 15 years of professional experience in small, medium and large companies, and am looking forward to seeing how I can use that experience to help further your team’s goals. I have listed more about myself below. If I seem like a good fit, please contact me using one of the methods listed in the “contact” section. Even if you’re not hiring, I’m up for a coffee or chat if you’re in Berlin. L...| Outer Haven
Intro I’ve passed my seven year mark living in Berlin, Germany, and I thought it would be worthwhile to reflect on it and write down some of the things I wished I had known before moving from the US. Building a new life in a different country is a tremendous amount of work but can also be extremely rewarding. My goal isn’t to persuade you to move or not to move here, only to give you some more information to help you make a decision for yourself or better prepare for a move if you’ve al...| Outer Haven