Title: Laid-off techie says unsure about moving to Germany for €80,000/year job, sparks debate
As the tech industry continues to evolve, job opportunities arise in unexpected places, and salaries skyrocket to unimaginable heights. Recently, a laid-off techie in India sparked an online debate by sharing their dilemma on Reddit: should they move to Berlin for an €80,000-annum job at a fintech startup or stay in India and continue working at their current job that offers a salary of ₹45 lakh (approximately €55,000) per annum?
The tech enthusiast, who goes by the pseudonym “Tushar,” shared their concerns on Reddit, citing the significant difference in taxes between India and Germany. “You’ll pay 42-45% tax [in Germany]…Your in-hand will be very less,” Tushar wrote, highlighting the potential impact of taxes on their take-home pay in Germany. On the other hand, their current job in India offers a relatively modest 30% tax bracket.
As news of the debate spread, the Reddit thread quickly went viral, with many users weighing in on the pros and cons of moving to Germany. Some, like “Rahul,” were adamant that the €80,000 salary was an unbeatable offer, even if it meant sacrificing some of their hard-earned cash to taxes. “Take the Berlin deal,” he advised Tushar. “It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills and gain international experience.”
Others, however, were more cautious, citing the challenges of adjusting to life in a foreign country, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the potential impact on their personal and professional network. “It’s a big decision, and you should think carefully about what’s important to you,” wrote “Sujay,” a user who claimed to have made a similar move to Germany a few years ago.
As the debate raged on, it became clear that the decision to move to Germany was not just about the salary. Factors such as job security, work-life balance, and personal freedom also played a significant role in the decision-making process.
For Tushar, the decision is particularly complicated, given their recent layoff from their previous job. “I was recently laid off, and I’m trying to decide which path to take,” they wrote on Reddit. “I have eight years of experience, and I’m looking for a change. Berlin seems exciting, but I’m worried about the taxes and the adjustment to a new country.”
As the debate continues to unfold, it’s clear that the decision to move to Germany is not a straightforward one. While the €80,000 salary is undoubtedly attractive, the challenges of adjusting to a new country and the impact of taxes on take-home pay cannot be ignored.
Ultimately, the decision to move to Germany will depend on Tushar’s individual priorities and circumstances. Will they choose the security and stability of their current job in India, or will they take a leap of faith and pursue the exciting opportunities that Berlin has to offer?
