Not related to Berlin, although I’m sure a lot of Berliners are laughing about it…

I’ve added a Google search field to the sidebar. Search for relevant items I discuss via this field to get more detailed information from Google!

Time flies when you’re having fun.

In Feb 2010, I’m due for another trip to the Ausländeramt to have my Aufenthaltstitel and Arbeitserlaubnis extended. At the moment, everything looks rosey. I’ve been steadily increasing my income since the last time I visited, paying tax, the whole thing, so I shouldn’t have any problems. I’ll let you know what documents I prepare to take along when I go so that you can prepare a similar package.

Hello fellow struggling new Berliners; how goes it? I know I haven’t blogged in ages, but it’s only because I’ve had so much to do. I gave notice at the software company I was working at to work independently full-time, and now it is hectic. When it rains, it pours, and even when it doesn’t rain it’s still wet. At the moment, I’m trying to save capital to form my own company (a meagre translation agency), but I assure you that I’ll keep you informed along the way.

What else is new? Well I pay lot more taxes, and I have a lot more overhead now that I have to pay partners, but I guess that was bound to happen… I shall return with news!

Once you get big enough to outsource, pay your colleagues or partners on time… Nothing will burn your bridges quicker than referring to the ‘global financial crisis’ or saying that you ‘went on holidays’ if the people that are working with you don’t receive payment in a timely fashion.

I’ve always paid my own partners as soon as I receive their invoices; I have sufficient  capital to work this way, and I also realise how timely payment not only keeps your books balanced, but that it also builds a better working relationship with your peers.

Honest business  is good business.

Hello reader! (new Berliner?)

Not only am I interested in how you found this site, but more importantly, I would like to know if it helped you in some way. My immigration experience has hit a plateau since the last couple of months (stable work and living situation), so my posts have been pretty quiet (okay, nonexistent). Anyway, you’ll find my email on the about page under the tab to the right, and since I write this journal to provide people with help by criticising my own examples, I would love to know if you managed to learn from my experiences.

It worked! I sued the deadbeat, and he paid me out in full, including legal fees. If you are working in Germany and you get the run around by someone, then they are legally liable after 30 days. I recommend using this service to get what is rightfully owed to you!

Congratulations, America! Let’s get your country back on track!

Well, it finally happened. A bullshit company tried to stiff me for close to 2,000 euros, so I sued them. Surprisingly, however, they have already paid about half of what they owe me, even though it is around 3 months overdue. If you are doing business in Germany and writing invoices to companies, then I recommend that you a) make friends with a lawyer, and b) inform yourself about what a Mahnung is and what Schuldnerverzug is. This is information about your right to officially inform a client that they better pay up, and what steps you can take to retrieve your hard-earned cash. You should also read about Inkasso to understand more about the powers you have to collect your dues.