I had two interviews in Stuttgart today. One for Little Giants childcare and the other for Berlitz.

The first interview
Finding the Little Giants office for the interview was almost impossible. I was walking on the street that is directly in front of the train station looking for Konig Street number 26. I found 24, then 28, but 26 was no where to be found. Unfortunately my T Mobile cell phone was also out of credit so I couldn’t call anyone. I ran up and down the street desperately trying to find this hidden building. After the stores opened and I was able to buy some T Mobile Credit, I finally reached someone who was able to show me where it was. During the interview I was informed that I would be paid 400 euros per month for 18 hours per week. This includes 8 and a half hours days that become 9 and a half hour days because I am required to take an hour lunch. On top of that I have to travel one hour to get there which costs 5 euros each way. So basically I would be working upto 80 hours for 320 euros or around 4 euros per hour… maybe less…?

The second interview
Finding Berlitz was very easy. Right on top of the tourist information center. The office was not as nice, but the people were friendly. The job offer was also much more attractive. 11.50 for every 45 minutes of teaching. On top of that they can give me two weeks of training, not paid, but I have never actually taught a class before, so it will help alot. I have to get through one more interview to get this job offer.

Hard decision? I am telling the first one no… and hoping for the best on the second one… wish me luck!

A little advice
Though many of the jobs you apply for in Germany seem like they should be high paying jobs or at least more than 5 euros per hour, a lot of employers will find some way to pay you as little as possible, especially when you are not a German citizen. Before traveling out for the interview, I always ask the following questions: How many hours per day? How much pay per month? They might not want to answer, but I always tell them these two questions are important to know before I go to the interview. I don’t want to waste their time or my own.

Everyone’s getting ready to see Die Simpsons

I spent a half hour walking up stairs to get this view…

This British telephone booth was just standing just in front of British store selling really great products from Britian, however paying 80 cents for a can of rootbeer was just not worth it.