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Chapter 19: The German Perspective—From Hesitation to High Performance in Dublin

The Decision: Seeking Growth and Facing Fear

Uwe Schwarz, a professional from Germany, chose to move to Ireland not just for career progression but also for personal challenge.

• Motivation: His primary motivation was to escape a stagnant professional situation and actively seek an environment that would push him to evolve.
• The Internal Struggle: Uwe admits that he initially considered “turning back” or giving up due to fear and anxiety, particularly the fear of making mistakes and his initial social shyness.

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The Initial Grind: Job Hunting and Culture Shock

Uwe’s arrival was marked by a challenging job search and a steep learning curve in a service-focused role.

• The Networking Gap: He notes that he had “completely forgotten and abandoned” the skill of networking, which he later realized was crucial for both job hunting and negotiating a better salary.
• The Efficiency of In-Person Applications: In Ireland, he found that submitting a physical CV in person was often the most effective method, contrasting with other countries where the process is entirely online. He highlights that a brief, strong interaction with a manager can give an applicant an advantage.
• The Language Barrier: His biggest initial fear was the language, exemplified by his panic when answering the phone or responding to simple questions.

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The Recipe for Success: Key Qualities and Rewards

Uwe’s manager identified the specific qualities that allowed him to thrive despite his difficulties, leading to rapid advancement and a complete shift in self-confidence.

• Essential Qualities: After three months, his manager praised his growth, specifically noting:
  • Punctuality, responsibility, and flexibility.
  • A willingness to ask questions when he didn’t know something.
• Rapid Progression: His performance was so notable that he was described as having the “most notorious evolution” in the team. This led to him quickly moving into a solo, higher-responsibility role.
• Personal Transformation: The greatest reward was overcoming his fear of error and his anxiety. He found that the supportive, respectful, and affectionate environment in his workplace helped him “come out of his shell” and gain immense self-confidence.

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The German Advantage: Skills and Value

While Uwe’s journey was characterized by personal struggle, German professionals generally have a strong position in the Irish market.

• High Demand: There is a significant demand for German-speaking candidates in diverse fields, including customer service, finance, IT, and sales.
• Economic Strength: Germany is seen as a key market for Irish companies, and German skills are valuable on the ground in Ireland.
• Preparation is Key: German professionals are advised to tailor their CVs, highlight specific skills, and optimize their LinkedIn presence to capitalize on this demand.