I'm an American expat who has lived in Berlin for 6 years now. I have a really nice affordable flat that I love but other than that, I feel incredibly stuck and unhappy. I lived in NYC before moving here, and was drawn to the city by the music scene (I used to make dance music, but working in nightlife for years sort of turned me off to clubbing).

I'm a freelancer, and it's become more and more difficult to make money. In many ways I feel I've hit a wall and more than anything I just want to feel like I see upward mobility in my career. I went back to NYC for a few months earlier this year and felt so hopeful and happy, and since being back to Berlin in July, I've felt that same stuckness and discontent I felt for the last few years. I should add that I'm a trans woman, and the US is pretty hostile towards us at the moment. I was considering moving back in 2024 but then Trump was elected and I decided to take living abroad as a blessing.…