Family Moved to California, Couldn't Find Work, and Returned to Berlin
Business Insider • • business
Key Points:
- Ruth Barry, a baker and writer originally from the Scottish Highlands, moved from Berlin to the Bay Area with her husband and young son in 2024, seeking a gentler environment and family support, but faced significant financial and emotional challenges.
- Despite her husband's extensive software engineering experience, he struggled to find work in California, leading to financial strain exacerbated by high childcare and grocery costs.
- The family returned to Berlin in late 2025, where her husband quickly secured a good job, and they benefited from Germany’s supportive social systems, such as free bilingual nursery and parental leave.
- Ruth found stability in Berlin through reconnecting with friends and accessing affordable healthcare and public transport, though they face challenges like high rent and her desire to balance family life with baking work.
- They plan to stay in Germany until they can apply for citizenship, with an open future beyond that, aiming to build a stable community for their children.