Relocating to Europe — especially Germany — is a dream for many professionals worldwide. But between confusing job markets, cultural differences, and visa hurdles, the process can feel overwhelming.
In this exclusive Move2Europe success story, our Marketing & Sales Specialist Suejin sits down with Lisa VanRielly, one of our members who successfully relocated to Germany with her family. What follows is an honest, insightful, and often relatable journey — from an unfocused job search to landing a role in just two months.
If you're considering making the move, this story will give you clarity, confidence, and a realistic picture of what to expect.
In This Episode
- The Beginning: An Unfocused Dream
- The Turning Point: Discovering Move2Europe
- The Biggest Game-Changer: The German CV
- From Applications to Interviews: Just 2 Months
- Life in Germany: First Impressions & Culture Shock
- Moving as a Family
- Small Things That Make a Big Difference
- The Biggest Lesson: Don't Wait
The Beginning: An Unfocused Dream
Like many professionals, Lisa didn't initially have a clear plan.
She started her job search in November with a broad idea:
"I want to move to Europe."
But as she quickly realized, Europe isn't a single job market — it's a collection of vastly different countries, cultures, and hiring systems.
"Saying you want to move to Europe is like saying you want to move to the US. Where? How? Why? What's the goal?"
This lack of direction led to:
- Scattered applications across multiple countries
- Limited responses from employers
- No clear understanding of market expectations
Even with a strong background in tech and international experience, Lisa found herself stuck.
The Turning Point: Discovering Move2Europe
The breakthrough came unexpectedly.
After updating her LinkedIn profile to indicate she was open to opportunities in Germany, Lisa was approached by the Move2Europe team.
What started as a casual conversation quickly turned into a structured plan.
"A conversation turned into another, then a contract, and suddenly I had direction."
This shift — from random applications to a focused, guided approach — was the first major transformation in her journey.
The Biggest Game-Changer: The German CV
One of the most impactful changes was her CV — an area where Move2Europe worked closely with Lisa.
Through hands-on guidance and detailed feedback, her CV was completely reframed to align with German hiring standards.
"A German CV has white space. It has clarity. You can breathe when you look at it."
Instead of a dense, content-heavy resume, her CV became:
- Clean and structured
- Easy to read and scan
- Focused on relevant experience
- Tailored to the expectations of German employers
This wasn't just a formatting change — it was a shift in how her experience was presented and understood.
From Applications to Interviews: Just 2 Months
After joining Move2Europe and updating her CV, things moved quickly.
- Late January: First interviews started
- Late February: Landed the job
That's roughly two months from application to offer.
While Lisa acknowledges that the current tech market is competitive, she credits:
- Strategic targeting of roles
- Market-specific CV optimization
- Clear positioning of her experience
"Sometimes life finds its way when it's meant to — but you still need the right strategy."
Choosing the Right Job (Not the Perfect One)
One of the most refreshing insights from Lisa's story is her realistic mindset.
The job she accepted wasn't "perfect" — and that's okay.
Instead, she focused on:
- Career direction
- Growth opportunities
- Company size and impact
"It wasn't everything — but it was exactly where I wanted to go next."
This mindset is crucial for anyone relocating internationally. Your first role doesn't have to be your dream job — it just needs to be the right step.
The "Grocery Store Test": Visiting Before the Move
Before making the final decision, Lisa and her husband traveled to Germany — specifically Frankfurt — to experience daily life.
Not as tourists, but as future residents.
They asked practical questions:
- Can we live here?
- Do grocery stores have what we need?
- What would daily life feel like?
"We literally walked into grocery stores asking, 'Can we live with this?'"
This "real-life simulation" helped them confidently commit to the move.
Life in Germany: First Impressions & Culture Shock
First Impressions of Germany: More Than Expected
Interestingly, Frankfurt exceeded expectations.
Initially perceived as industrial and less exciting, it turned out to be:
- Vibrant and international
- Family-friendly
- Full of character and culture
"Frankfurt surprised me — it's such a cool, livable city."
For many expats, this highlights an important lesson: don't rely solely on stereotypes when choosing your destination.
The Paperwork
Let's talk about the reality no one can avoid — bureaucracy.
"I don't think I'll ever adjust to the sheer amount of paperwork."
Germany is known for:
- Detailed documentation requirements
- Strict processes
- Zero tolerance for missing paperwork
Even small oversights — like not bringing the correct version of a document — can cause major delays.
During a driver's license process, Lisa nearly faced rejection because her license was too new and she didn't initially have proof of her older license. Fortunately, a photo saved on her phone helped resolve the issue.
Always over-prepare when it comes to documentation. Bring originals, copies, translations, and anything even remotely related. It's better to have too much than not enough.
Understanding the Pfand System
One of the most unique aspects of life in Germany is the Pfand system — a recycling deposit scheme.
At first, it can be confusing:
- You pay extra for bottles or containers
- You return them later to get your money back
But it quickly becomes part of daily life.
"I became the Chief Pfand Officer of the house."
From collecting bottles to managing receipts, it turned into a family routine — even involving her kids.
The Housing Challenge
Finding accommodation in Germany — especially for families — is tough. The cost of living in Germany varies a lot by city.
Key challenges:
- High competition
- Requirement of a German credit score
- Limited availability for larger households
Initially, Lisa stayed in a furnished apartment while building her financial profile.
Eventually, through a mix of networking and luck, she secured a long-term place.
"The rental market is a mess — you have to get lucky."
German Work Culture: What's Different?
Even in an English-speaking work environment, cultural differences are noticeable.
Communication style: More structured and precise, with emphasis on clarity and consistency.
Pace of speech: Slower, more deliberate communication — easier for non-native speakers.
Work-life balance: People don't eat at their desks. Breaks are taken seriously.
"Eating at your desk? Germans think that's depressing."
Attention to detail: Every word in contracts matters. Expectations are clearly defined.
The Importance of Employment Contracts
German contracts are detailed — very detailed.
They often include:
- Working hours
- Overtime expectations
- Location restrictions
- Retirement clauses
"Every word matters."
With Move2Europe's guidance, Lisa was able to fully understand the implications before signing — something many expats overlook.
Moving as a Family: A Different Challenge
Relocating alone is one thing — moving with a family is another.
Key considerations:
- Partner employment
- Children's adaptation
- Schooling and childcare
- Daily routines
In Lisa's case, she became the primary visa holder, while her husband's employment required additional structuring through a family reunion visa.
Despite initial concerns, the transition worked out smoothly.
"It's a massive transition — but it's doable."
Parenting in Germany: A Cultural Shift
One surprising difference was how children are treated in society.
Observations:
- More public spaces for kids
- Strong community involvement
- Higher expectations for behavior
"It feels like society shares responsibility for children."
This creates safer environments, more independence for kids, and less stress for parents.
Small Things That Make a Big Difference
Relocation isn't just about jobs — it's about everyday life.
Here are a few unexpected insights:
Sundays Are for Slowing Down
Most shops are closed, encouraging rest and downtime.
Airing & Cooling Culture
Regularly airing out rooms — even in winter — is standard. Many homes rely on natural ventilation rather than air conditioning. Temperature is managed through timing, airflow, and shutters.
Planning Ahead Becomes Essential
With limited shopping hours, you learn to think ahead — especially on weekends.
Things She Wishes She Brought
After relocating, a few unexpected gaps came up:
- Quality hair conditioner (hard to find specific products)
- Clothing styles that match personal preferences
- Affordable kids' footwear
These small details can significantly impact comfort during the transition.
The Biggest Lesson: Don't Wait
If there's one takeaway from Lisa's journey, it's this:
"Don't wait."
Relocation takes time — visas, jobs, and logistics don't happen overnight.
But that doesn't mean you need everything figured out from the start.
Instead:
- Define your goal
- Shortlist a few potential destinations
- Take consistent steps forward
"Make one big decision, then make small decisions every day that support it."
How Move2Europe Made the Difference
When asked to summarize her experience, one word stood out: Anchor.
Move2Europe provided:
- Direction
- Structure
- Ongoing support
Even after relocation, the relationship didn't end.
"Sometimes you just need a friendly face in the process — and that's what Move2Europe was for me."
Final Thoughts
Relocating to Germany isn't easy — but it's absolutely achievable with the right strategy and support.
This story highlights what truly makes the difference:
- Clarity over confusion
- Strategy over randomness
- Support over isolation
If you're thinking about starting your journey, the best time isn't when everything is perfect. It's now.
Whether you're just exploring or ready to take the first step, Move2Europe is here to guide you through the entire process — from your first conversation to settling into your new life.
Book a free consultation and let's figure out your path to Germany.