I’m 18 and right now I feel completely stuck with no idea what to do.
I don’t even know where to start… I moved to Germany with my parents when I was 15 because of the war in my home country.
I’ve been living separately from my mom, but unofficially. We are still registered in the same apartment, but about 2.5 years ago, when my dad was in a coma with brain cancer, my mom decided to start a new personal life and began dating other men. Since then, she only came home maybe once a week. Now she lives with her new boyfriend.
About two weeks ago, the landlady came to me and asked us to move out: her son is getting married and she wants to give him the apartment as a wedding gift. She gave us until the end of October.
I graduated from art college a month ago, and at the same time I started looking for a job and building my portfolio. I haven’t found a job yet, but now I also need to find a new place to live.
My mom signed a rental contract with her boyfriend — only for two people — so I can’t move in with them (both legally and because honestly, I’m more afraid of living with her again than anything else). She has basically abandoned me. She’s unemployed herself, and her boyfriend doesn’t want to support someone he doesn’t even know (me).
Here’s the problem: Germany is a social country and does help unemployed people with rent until they find a job. But by law, they don’t have to help people under 25 because until then, your parents are supposed to support you if you can’t support yourself. So it’s very likely they won’t approve rent support for me.
I do have some savings that could cover a couple of months of living expenses until I find work. But they’re not officially registered, so I can’t use them as proof of financial stability when signing a rental contract.
Of course, I’d love to start working as soon as possible — I know both German and English, and I’d love to work in my field (design/art), but I’m also open to any job. The issue is, to sign a rental contract, I need to show payslips for the last 3 months. And I only have about 2 months to move out.
I don’t really have anyone I can turn to for advice, especially no adults with experience.
So, dear Reddit users, can you suggest anything? I’d be grateful for any advice.
If you can help me find a job in my field, that would be absolutely amazing. I can share a link to my first case study on Behance (I’m still working on more and will upload them soon). If by any chance someone here needs a junior designer with zero experience (lol), I’d love the opportunity.
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Dude, tough spot to be in. Honestly tho, take this as an opportunity to truly grind and stake your independence. Ik it’s cliché, but the hardest situations mold the strongest people. Start by applying for literally any job to pay the bills, but keep pushing your artistry on the side, build that kick-ass portfolio and make connections. Don’t shy from seeking help, post your Behance link everywhere, here, LinkedIn, Twitter etc. You’re still young, so soak in the struggle, one day you’ll own this whole story. Remember, it’s okay to fall before you fly. Chin up, bro. You got this. 💪🔥
I dont really think i can help im 15 but if i where in that sichuation id get a fast food job or sum because that will help w the pay slips and youd have 4 pay slips than 2not to mention can keep you afloat in rent
Sounds like a really difficult position. You shouldn’t be in it, and I’m sorry.
Turning to solutions, I’m American and don’t know the laws in Germany so I don’t know if all this will necessarily apply: I would first put your art career pursuits on the back burner and switch your focus to immediate stability. There are a lot of jobs you can probably get… can you be a server? After that I’d work on finding an affordable rental, maybe with roommates. Once you have a roof over your head and some sort of reliable income, then you can revisit trying to find work or an internship in your field.
You can do this! And fuck your Mom, tell her to take a long walk off a short pier.
Post this to r/germany
Try to work for your college/university. Even see if they have some resources for you. Go to admissions or guidance to start. Most schools have students in similar positions
Talk to your landlady. Ask for an extension. Ask if you could get a smaller apartment. Ask if you could work for her or her son in whatever he does.
Basically, start networking with the people who already have any contact with. You’d be surprised how many people are out there not quite aware of how much they need you
I agree with finding a job, any job. I would also look for someone who is looking or a room mate. Maybe one that you don’t have to sign the lease with? They already have their lease and don’t need that? I don’t know if you can do that or not. Good luck. You’ve got this. I’m sure it doesn’t feel like it but your asking for advice and that’s a very adulting thing to do. And shame on your Mom.
When i was your age I didn’t have parents or family to support me, so I just started working in restaurants. In the US you can make a lot in a short amount of time. Its also a great way to meet people and share a flat with. You got this!
Military is always an option.