I never planned to stay in Germany.
I came for experience, not permanence—and yet, six years later, I’m still here.
Not because Germany is perfect.
But because it quietly changed how I live, work, and feel every single day.
This post is an honest reflection on why I stayedespecially for those who are living abroad and wondering whether this life is really worth committing to long-term.
✨ Why This Story Might Matter to You
If you’re an Indian expat—or anyone who has moved abroad—you’ve probably asked yourself this question:
“Should I really stay here?”
This post isn’t about Germany being better than India, or better than anywhere else.
It’s about how everyday systems, safety, and work culture can slowly reshape your confidence, mental health, and sense of peace—often without you realizing it.
From “Just One Year” to Six Years in Germany
When I moved to Germany at 26, I was clear about one thing:
this was temporary.
I wanted:
- International exposure
- Career growth
- Life experiences
The first year was confusing.
I constantly questioned whether I should:
- Stay longer
- Move to another country
- Go back to India
Six years later, the answer became clear—not through a dramatic moment, but through small, everyday changes that slowly added up.
The First Time Work Didn’t Control My Life
One of the biggest reasons I stayed in Germany is work-life balance that is actually respected.
Here, boundaries are not motivational quotes—they are normal.
- After 5 PM, work communication usually stops
- Weekends are personal time
- Overtime is rare and often compensated
- Vacation is expected, not negotiated
Most people get 28-30 paid vacation daysplus public holidays.
I still remember my manager telling me:
“You still have too many leave days. Please take them.”
Coming from India—where asking for leave can feel like asking for a favor—this completely changed my relationship with work.
Balconies: When Rest Needs No Justification
Germany even has a word for staying home on vacation: Balconies.
It’s a playful term meaning:
- Sitting on your balcony
- Reading
- Resting
- Doing absolutely nothing
No travel photos.
No “I’ll just check emails.”
No guilt.
Rest here is seen as fuel for long-term productivitynot laziness.
And once you experience this mindset, it’s hard to unlearn it.
How a Slower Life Made Me Think Clearer
Life in India often feels like constant urgency:
- Noise
- Crowds
- traffic
- Pressure to keep moving
Germany feels different.
Daily life here is:
- Predictable
- Structured
- Quiet in public spaces
At first, it feels slow.
Then you realize it’s not slow—it’s mentally spacious.
I noticed I wasn’t constantly reacting anymore.
I could think clearly.
Make decisions calmly.
Breathe without trying.
That mental peace became addictive.
The Freedom of Not Being on Alert All the Time
One of the most emotional reasons I stayed in Germany is everyday safety as a woman.
I can:
- Walk alone at night
- Take public transport without constant vigilance
- Exist without feeling watched
Germany is not crime-free.
Harassment exists everywhere.
But the baseline feeling of safety is very different from what I experienced growing up in India—where being alert was second nature.
Now, as a mother, this matters even more.
I want my child to grow up somewhere freedom doesn’t feel risky.
Speaking Up Without Titles or Fear
In German workplaces:
- No “sir” or “ma’am”
- No rigid hierarchy
- No expectation to stay silent
You’re encouraged to:
- Disagree
- Ask questions
- Challenge ideas respectfully
I’ve debated openly with managers—something that would have felt unthinkable earlier in my career.
Over time, this builds:
- Confidence
- Clear communication
- Professional independence
You stop shrinking yourself.
Systems That Catch You When Life Gets Hard
Germany doesn’t just reward productivity—it protects people during vulnerable phases of life.
Here are some systems that quietly changed how secure I feel:
| system | What It Means in Real Life |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Medical care without fear of bankruptcy |
| Maternity leave | Paid protection before & after childbirth |
| Parental allowance | Income-based parental support |
| Parental leave | Job-protected parental leave |
| Child benefit | Monthly child benefit |
| Unemployment support | Income-linked safety net |
These systems don’t make you rich.
They make life less fragile.
And that security gives you mental freedom.
Learning Independence (Even When It’s Hard)
Living in Germany forced me to become more independent:
- Handling paperwork alone
- Navigating bureaucracy
- Traveling solo across Europe
- Managing life without domestic help
Yes, it’s more work.
Yes, some days are exhausting.
But the trade off is stability and self-reliance—and over time, that builds deep confidence.
Germany Isn’t Perfect—and That’s Okay
Let’s be honest.
Germany has:
- High living costs
- Less social warmth
- More personal responsibility
Some people prefer India’s:
- Convenience
- Community
- Emotionally closeness
Leaving Germany doesn’t mean failure.
Staying doesn’t mean superiority.
For me, the calm mattered more than constant highs.
Germany didn’t give me a better life.
It gave me a calmer one—and that changed everything.
So, should you stay in Germany?
If you value:
- Work boundaries
- Daily security
- Predictable systems
- Long-term security
Germany might slowly grow on you—just like it did for me.
I didn’t stay because Germany is perfect.
I stayed because Life here made me calmer, more confident, and more grounded.
👉 In my next post, I’ll break down the real monthly cost of living in Germany—not Instagram numbers.
FAQs – Why I stayed in Germany?
How many vacation days do people get in Germany?
Legally 20-24, but most jobs offer 28-30 days plus public holidays.
Is Germany safe for women?
It generally feels safer day-to-day, although no country is completely risk-free.
What is parental allowance?
A government parental allowance based on previous income, supporting families after childbirth.
What does “balcony” mean?
A humorous term for staying home on vacation—usually relaxing on your balcony.
How is German work culture different from India?
Flutter hierarchy, clearer boundaries, and less expectation of constant availability.
