- Joined
- May 29, 2022
- Messages
- 4
Hello, I am Claus, 24 from Germany, navigating through a dynamic and complex phase of life. My current activities span across entrepreneurship, volunteering, personal relationships, and academic pursuits.
I have stakes in two start-ups - a photography agency, which I want to turn into a platform, where I currently spend most of my time but only own a share of 10% and an IT/web design business, (20% share) where I contribute my expertise in IT infrastructure and business management. There we have some pro bono projects going on but I also had some contract work with 80€/h. My involvement in these businesses, however, does not overshadow my true passion: volunteer work and politics. Although I am concerned about its financial sustainability, volunteering and politics are where my heart truly lies.
Recently, my personal life has been enriched with a new relationship. My girlfriend, a Master's student, has become a significant part of my life, and I find myself wishing to spend as much time with her as possible.
But this has recently been cut short, as I have been doing an Erasmus-Semester in Belgium to get some money (and where I failed one exam and still have one paper open, but the stipend will not need to be repaid, because there are no minimal ECTS [I aimed for 14 ECTS]) and I will do a semester abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (with 1450€ for travel and monthly 1260€ for living, but a minimum of 30 ECTS, which considering I only partly speak the language [thanks to my brazilian mom], might be a mountain to climb).
I am driven to explore new cultures and chase after new experiences, but not having the financial stability for the future worries me (even though I already have retirement funds and insurances setup + a occupational disability insurance)
On the academic front, I am currently enrolled in a philosophy and computational linguistics program. Although it's my fourth year in the university system, in reality, my academic level is more like being in the first year of these particular studies. I also receive state aid, BAFöG, which I need to repay half.
Given my past academic experience in business information systems, which was a dual study program I did for 2 years at a small company, where I eventually sued my boss (because he terminated me too early) I am considering enrolling in a new course at Code University in Berlin, which offers a "Product Management" bachelor's degree. The cost of €38k for the course, however, poses a significant consideration.
Another career path I am contemplating is to find a regular IT job. This could provide a steady income, which contrasts with the unpredictability of start-up success. My dad has worked as an electrican for an employee at SAP, which could potentially be a place where I can see myself working. Alternatively, I could choose to live off unemployment benefits. In Germany, these benefits can be quite generous and even offer support to those intending to start their own company.
With these considerations in mind, I am seeking advice on the following questions:
1. How can I strike a balance between my entrepreneurial commitments, volunteer work, academic responsibilities, and personal life?
2. How could I potentially create a revenue stream from my passion for volunteer work or incorporate it into my businesses?
3. Is it advisable to seek a regular IT job given my past experience and skills?
4. Would leveraging Germany's unemployment benefits and start-up support be a prudent decision, considering my current circumstances?
5. Is it worthwhile to invest in a Product Management course at Code University, despite the high cost and my existing student debt from BAFöG?
6. Given my situation, is it advisable to continue with my philosophy and computational linguistics studies, or should I consider a shift in my academic direction?
7. How can I maintain a healthy relationship with my girlfriend while pursuing my professional and academic goals?
I welcome your insights and advice, and I appreciate your time in helping me navigate these crossroads. Thank you in advance. I also appreciate any comments you might have.
I have stakes in two start-ups - a photography agency, which I want to turn into a platform, where I currently spend most of my time but only own a share of 10% and an IT/web design business, (20% share) where I contribute my expertise in IT infrastructure and business management. There we have some pro bono projects going on but I also had some contract work with 80€/h. My involvement in these businesses, however, does not overshadow my true passion: volunteer work and politics. Although I am concerned about its financial sustainability, volunteering and politics are where my heart truly lies.
Recently, my personal life has been enriched with a new relationship. My girlfriend, a Master's student, has become a significant part of my life, and I find myself wishing to spend as much time with her as possible.
But this has recently been cut short, as I have been doing an Erasmus-Semester in Belgium to get some money (and where I failed one exam and still have one paper open, but the stipend will not need to be repaid, because there are no minimal ECTS [I aimed for 14 ECTS]) and I will do a semester abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (with 1450€ for travel and monthly 1260€ for living, but a minimum of 30 ECTS, which considering I only partly speak the language [thanks to my brazilian mom], might be a mountain to climb).
I am driven to explore new cultures and chase after new experiences, but not having the financial stability for the future worries me (even though I already have retirement funds and insurances setup + a occupational disability insurance)
On the academic front, I am currently enrolled in a philosophy and computational linguistics program. Although it's my fourth year in the university system, in reality, my academic level is more like being in the first year of these particular studies. I also receive state aid, BAFöG, which I need to repay half.
Given my past academic experience in business information systems, which was a dual study program I did for 2 years at a small company, where I eventually sued my boss (because he terminated me too early) I am considering enrolling in a new course at Code University in Berlin, which offers a "Product Management" bachelor's degree. The cost of €38k for the course, however, poses a significant consideration.
Another career path I am contemplating is to find a regular IT job. This could provide a steady income, which contrasts with the unpredictability of start-up success. My dad has worked as an electrican for an employee at SAP, which could potentially be a place where I can see myself working. Alternatively, I could choose to live off unemployment benefits. In Germany, these benefits can be quite generous and even offer support to those intending to start their own company.
With these considerations in mind, I am seeking advice on the following questions:
1. How can I strike a balance between my entrepreneurial commitments, volunteer work, academic responsibilities, and personal life?
2. How could I potentially create a revenue stream from my passion for volunteer work or incorporate it into my businesses?
3. Is it advisable to seek a regular IT job given my past experience and skills?
4. Would leveraging Germany's unemployment benefits and start-up support be a prudent decision, considering my current circumstances?
5. Is it worthwhile to invest in a Product Management course at Code University, despite the high cost and my existing student debt from BAFöG?
6. Given my situation, is it advisable to continue with my philosophy and computational linguistics studies, or should I consider a shift in my academic direction?
7. How can I maintain a healthy relationship with my girlfriend while pursuing my professional and academic goals?
I welcome your insights and advice, and I appreciate your time in helping me navigate these crossroads. Thank you in advance. I also appreciate any comments you might have.
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