The Unlikely Journey: Navigating Opportunities as a Freelancer in Germany

The Unlikely Journey: Navigating Opportunities as a Freelancer in Germany

In recent years, living in Germany has made me increasingly aware of a “service vacuum.” Finding someone to repair something can take weeks, and if you’re looking for a design proposal, you might be left waiting until you’ve changed your mind! 🌐 Furthermore, when it comes to social media and video editing—tasks that are often seen as tedious and detail-oriented—those willing to take on the job are either expensive or slow, producing cookie-cutter results.

The Shocking Realities of the German Workplace

One of the most astonishing aspects of the German work culture is the acceptance of inaction; people won’t say “I’ll give it a try.” Instead, they often respond with, “Das ist nicht mein Job.” 🤯 Amidst this culture of “not doing,” our heritage as Chinese individuals shines through—our execution skills, flexibility, and sense of responsibility set us apart.

Embracing Unconventional Opportunities

Initially, I was a teaching assistant in a TUM innovation project, mainly responsible for moving tables, delivering lectures, and guiding students. However, I spotted an opportunity in a niche that no one else wanted to pursue: photography and managing social media. I took the initiative, using my own camera to capture moments, adjust lighting, and edit videos without any formal requests or extra compensation.

This proactive approach was my first step into being “remembered.” 🪄 I received feedback like, “Oriana, your pictures are much better than last time. I am truly impressed.” Gradually, people began to approach me for professional headshots and event photography, establishing a new income stream as a freelancer.

Making My Mark with Creativity

Six months later, I was tasked with designing three promotional posters. I took the liberty of adding a black-and-white version to better visualize the entire process. This hand-drawn image with a black background later became one of the most recognized visuals for the TUM project over the last decade.

From that point on, I became the go-to person for brand design, content strategy, and visual creation. It wasn’t just because I learned quickly; it was my ability to merge my art background with my marketing knowledge that allowed me to convey logic through visuals and emotions through content. 🎨

Discovering My Passion

It was during this period that I truly discovered my passion: turning chaos into clarity with my creativity. After graduation, I received an official job offer from TUM. They sought my assistance for a communications plan for a special 10th-anniversary batch, offering me a retainer contract where I determined the timeline and content. This is how I embarked on my freelancing journey.

Breaking Records

The response was phenomenal—record-breaking applications and social media engagement beyond expectations! 🎉 I documented the entire Demo Day, producing an Aftermovie that showcased the event’s excitement. Just a few days ago, they reached out again, entrusting me with the task for the next iteration.

Seizing Opportunities in an Unconventional Landscape

Along this journey, I have grown increasingly confident that in Germany, the less eager white individuals are to take on certain tasks, the more opportunities arise for Chinese professionals. By shouldering more responsibility, stepping up, and being proactive, we can draw opportunities closer to us. ❤️

I don’t view this as self-encouragement; rather, it’s a realistic strategy for breaking through barriers as a foreigner in a relationship-driven society. Are you currently freelancing in Europe or considering it? Feel free to leave a comment or message me; I would love to share thoughts! 🌍

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