"To do so, I took a corporate job that would sponsor my visa. Ultimately, my desire to live in Europe outweighed my distaste for corporate life, which I'd had some experience with in the United States. However, quickly learned that many aspects of work-life balance and corporate culture in Germany are nothing like what I experienced or saw firsthand in America."
"Though I'm hardly a cheerleader for corporate life, I can confidently say that committing to a more traditional job structure feels far more secure here than it does in the US. Typically, when hired in Germany, you start off with a trial or probationary period called "probezeit." This usually lasts six months, but can be negotiated down. Basically, it means either party - the employer or employee - can part ways within the trial period."
"This can be an admittedly stressful period where, much like in the US, you want to go above and beyond to avoid getting cut. But once you get past the trial period, you can kind of breathe a sigh of relief. After probezeit, it's quite difficult to fire an employee as opposed to the US, where the system can forever keep you on your toes. Most businesses in the US operate under at-will employment, meaning employers can generally fire anyone for any reason, without warning."
An American relocated to Germany after accepting a corporate job that sponsored a visa to experience life in Europe. German corporate culture emphasizes work-life balance, with minimum vacation days that employees use seriously. New hires typically begin with a six-month probationary period called "probezeit," during which either party may end employment; after that period, legal protections make firing substantially harder. The U.S. system often operates under at-will employment, allowing employers broader firing discretion. Overall, corporate employment in Germany tends to feel more secure and encourages employees to use allotted time off.
Read at Business Insider
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