The Germans Who Leave

Statistically (this comes up at least once or twice a year)....there's a 'average' that occurs (usually between 100,000 and 150,000).  These aren't 'new' Germans (the immigrants).....these are Germans who grew up here, and eventually decided that the 'grass was greener' elsewhere.

This is an essay to discuss this trend, and what is going on. 

So to the first topic....the reasons.  I would argue that there are a minimum of ten reasons driving this exit-business. 

Some Germans will argue that job potential exists elsewhere and it's nothing more than that.  Some find various medical degrees and backgrounds.....getting them great offers in private clinics in Finland, Switzerland, Australia, or the US. 

Some Germans will note that the cost of living in Germany (with taxation issues) has reached a level where situations in other countries are more enticing. 

Some Germans will cite the adventure of moving off to strange locations like Iceland or Canada....as their big reason.  The adventure, the speculation, and the new thrills....drive them in this way.

Some Germans won't to take on an entrepreneurial situation (like in Spain), and they see opportunities to be their own boss.

Some Germans will cite threats and crime....moving to Czech or Hungary to gain some control over their life situation.

Some Germans will talk about increasing levels of 'control' (regulation), or the pure lack of privacy. 

So does the trend ever increase?  No.  You can look at the numbers game, and it generally stays in the 100,000 area. 

Does it say something about the dynamics of Germany in this modern age?   Out of 83-million residents....it's not really a shocking number, but then it does say something about the view of Germans....that you can find 'greener grass' elsewhere. 

I sat on a cruise-boat in New Zealand two years ago.  Oddly, my German wife bumped into a couple onboard this six-hour bay cruise....who were Germans, but had left the homeland twenty years ago and immigrated to Australia.  Both were extremely happy, and never thought for a second about returning to Germany (other than for a visit). 

A page one type topic?  No.  I would regard this as simply an odd feature of German society....where people long for a different life, and go looking for it.