Old City, New City!

Leaving Munich for California: Finding Community and Overcoming Social Barriers

I recently moved from Munich, Germany to California, USA for a new job. In this post, I want to share my experiences and insights about the transition from Munich to California, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned.

One of the challenges I faced when moving to California was building a new social network outside of work. In Munich, I found it harder to connect with new people and develop close friendships. In contrast, I found the social network in California to be more open and accepting. I think this has a lot to do with the cultural differences between Germany and the USA, where social interactions are often more relaxed and informal.

Despite the more open social network, it still took some time to find a community outside of work. My partner and I tried various approaches, such as joining local clubs, attending community events, and volunteering. These activities allowed us to meet new people and build friendships with like-minded individuals. We also made an effort to invite coworkers and neighbors over for dinner, which helped us build stronger connections.

Another challenge I faced when moving to California was getting used to the different cultural norms and social expectations. In Munich, for example, people are generally more reserved and formal in social situations. In contrast, California has a more relaxed and informal social culture. I found that adapting to these cultural differences took some time, but it was worth it in the end.

Overall, my experience of moving from Munich to California taught me a lot about the importance of community and social connections. It showed me that building a new social network takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. It also taught me the value of being open-minded and adaptable, and the importance of embracing new experiences and cultures. If you’re considering moving to a new city or country, my advice would be to be patient, be open to new experiences, and be willing to put yourself out there to make new connections.