Job offer from Porsche - Page 3

Gus Berges · 07-30-2002, 10:27 AM

I am pretty sure the only tax you are exempt from by living overseas (as I do) is Federal. I still have to pay for Social Security and Medicare. If it was up to me, I would not pay either of those two as I too believe I can do better on my own. By the way, its the first $78K you are excluded for (it was for tax year 2001) and will increase in the next years.

No, I am not an accountant, nor tax expert, but living overseas has made me learn this stuff

collegeguy · 07-30-2002, 11:03 AM

I am actually a Canadian citizen living in the US. So US tax law will not apply to me once I leave the States. The income tax rates in Canada are about even with Germany, and although I will have to file a return in Canada while I am overseas, I will get "credit" for the taxes I pay in Germany (thereby avoiding the double taxation issue). So taxes are not really a big issue for me.

My kids are 2.5 years old and 3 months old. They have no real friends outside of Mom and Dad (none they would miss anyway). It's really a decision that centers on my wife and I. Our families are always supportive. Thanks for all your insight and support. I have learned a lot from everyone's posts--some new stuff and some reminders about what's important, regrets, etc. Like any job offer, this one will need to be carefully and objectively evaluated. If I get carried away with the whole "Porsche thang" and base my decision on that, I may end up hating my job. There are other benefits to going, but I don't want to hate showing up for work everyday. I have 2 weeks to decide.

clnilsen · clnilsen's Garage

Man.. I can't even get an interview with PCNA, let alone in Germany. For god sakes man, Take it.

It's a great resume booster, it's a great opportunity, and a good learning experience (Porsche is one of those companies recognized as a great place to "start out" due to training and development practices.)

Man I'd give my left testicle to be in your position..

Good luck!

Chuck

Jdub · 07-30-2002, 01:56 PM

A mole, FINALLY a mole in the house of Porsche.

Let's keep this to ourselves, no?

John

Wazoo · 07-30-2002, 05:06 PM

Congratulations,

I don't even know where to begin regarding the Porsche website. There's so little helpful information.

How about scheduling service? How about parts diagrams? Diagnosing problems.

For example, having a problem with my '87 right now, the last place I'd go is the Porsche site...there is nothing there except suggestion to go to the dealer...

My advice (as someone in the car business that has built websites for a certain other German manufacturer) get a group of owners together, and ask them...amazing what they will say.

Unfortunately, I find that most OEMs do NOT care about their owners. Believe me, they care mostly about one thing...selling you the next car. Most OEMs don't get the fact that success is driven by HAPPY Owners...sorry, I tend to rant.

Ich wuensche dir viel Glueck (that means I wish you the best of luck, auf Deutsch/in German)!

'87 Carrera Targa is my daily driver...at least when I get the air flow sensor fixed...

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

A couple more "clouds" to this wonderful silver lining....

1) I hope you are not terribly fond of steak. Unless things have changed lately (which I doubt given "Mad Cow Disease") steaks are pretty few and far between in Germany. After living there a summer, it is the one thing that still sticks in my mind as having been missed the most. But that is not the "wurst" news

. Every city in central Europe seems to have its own variety of beer and wurst, and they are all great. Eat and drink as many different kinds as you can.

2) Don't expect to find Liebefraumilch wine served commonly. A German relative of mine pointed out that the Germans aren't dumb - they keep their best wines at home and export the rest. In addition to beer and wurst, there are a lot of wonderful local wines in Germany. Many of them from the Nekar(sp?) valley region which includes Stuttgart and Ludwigsburg. They have a nice light red wine from that region that you'll never find in the US.

3) Did anyone mention taxes? Ok so they did, but they are still a LOT higher then here in the USA. I'm always happier spending my own money rather then having the government spend it for me.

4) The average medical care in Germany is often described as being higher then in the US, but if you need a specialist or something beyond the average, there is no place like the US. Especially the Boston area where you live now. I have a number of relatives in Germany who have suffered from poor medical treatment for things which would not have been an issue in the US. Hardly a statistical sample, but something to consider. But if you have experience with the Canadian system, then this may not be news.

5) Compared to the US and Canada (even the populated portions), Europe is crowded. The neat thing is that the people are packed into villages and towns surrounded by farmland and open spaces. But try to find someplace where you are away from people - it's hard to do.

6) Finally, don't expect to find as many "hidden bargins" of things that you can't find in the US or Canada. When I was there during college, I remember looking for european releases of albums (am I dating myself???) and things like that. Forgetaboutit! It really is a global market and all the good stuff from over there is available here now and vice versa.

I'd rank these all as minor and say "Go for it!!!" The pluses far outweigh the minuses. You'll have a great time!

Roland Kunz · 08-01-2002, 09:54 PM

Hello

Bit late

Stuttgarts buerograzy got online the last months. That helps.
You can download most forms and use the advanced PDF options to fill them out. http://www.stuttgart.de
Now that site was in german the last time I checked it.

Finding a apartment or house in the Stuttgart area is tough and expensive.
You also can rent homes turnkey equiped like here: http://www.bueroma-apart.de/stuttgart/home.htm

The stuttgart area is used to americans, some 15 years ago we had over 10 000 US citizens around here. Stuttgart still has a large comumity ( EURCOM, AFN Radio ). I think the comunity still has a own shool, babtist curch and a PX ( wich is only for army guys ).
On the US sites you will find loads of informations about living in Stuttgart.

http://www.eucom.mil/Community/index.htm
http://www.uso-center.org/uso/stuttgart
http://www.pcshouseexpress.com/installations/Stuttgart.htm
http://www.stuttgart.army.mil/Patch/Patch.htm
http://www.patch-es.eu.odedodea.edu/
http://www.germanlife.com/WebIndex/general.html

I think Porsche has a assesment (?) program like DC, Bosch and all the others who do most paperwork and stay on your side if you have questions or problems.
Also Porsche has allready several employes with US origin.

The internet service branch is in Ludwigsburg thats a bit cheaper and less crowded compared to the Stuttgart city pan.

Grüsse

ischmitz · ischmitz's Garage

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jluetjen
A couple more "clouds" to this wonderful silver lining....

Jluetjen, besides all the ranting there is NO SPEEDLIMIT. That alone makes it worthwhile for the Porsche inclined to go for it. Ask me how I know....

tkrefeld · 08-02-2002, 05:12 AM

BTW:
THey offered you job re-creating the website??

Go there now, it's looks like they already have someone

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

Quote:

Jluetjen, besides all the ranting there is NO SPEEDLIMIT. That alone makes it worthwhile for the Porsche inclined to go for it. Ask me how I know....

Ischmitz - it sounds like you've been there also. I was there a few different times over the last 20 years and there have been a few changes in that time. I'd say in order of visibility...

1) All the serviceman have gone home!

That alone made a big difference in getting the tanks off the autobahns and the jet's out of the air. Those of us in the states never really knew that the western AF's would practice over Germany at "Combat Altitudes". I remember standing on a castle wall having a picture taken and having a jet fly below me in the valley!

Thankfully, that is over with.

2) Unfortunately for various reason, a lot of the autobahns have speed limits now. Especially in the crowded areas, including the stretch from Frankfurt down to Stuttgart (including the section past Hochenheim).

Roland - are there that many "open" Autobahns left???

ischmitz · ischmitz's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by jluetjen

Ischmitz - it sounds like you've been there also.

I grew up there. Left at the age of 26. When I test-drove a brand new C4 last year during a visit I was sold on it right away....

And yes, there are some open Autobahn parts left

collegeguy · 08-02-2002, 01:08 PM

tkrefeld, yup that's me already. I took the job and am working feverishly to fix the site as I write this...

No, not really. Good observation though, tkrefeld. The direction Porsche appears to be taking with its Web site is one of customer-friendliness. The evidence is on the Porsche site today--not to mention what I've heard from the person who interviewed me. It's very exciting (to me, anyway).

I'm leaning toward accepting the position, but there are still some negotiations required for benefits, flights home, insurance, etc. The devil is in the details as they say. I'll know more next week. Roland, thanks for all your resources, they will come in handy. It'd be cool if I could pop by for a visit when I'm over your way. Everybody is offering such great insight that will help with our decision. Nice to have such a "large" sounding board. Alec.

Neunelf · 08-02-2002, 04:48 PM

Jluetjen- while a large number of the 'Ami's' have gone home, we still have two divisions(-) in southern Germany, with HQ's in Heidelberg. Most in great towns to live in. And while a lot of the Autobahnen in heavily populated areas are restricted, I still want a copy of the 'no restrictions' (no speed limit) sign- it still says WOT to me. In the country side the limits go away. Especially away from the Frankfurt area and Essen/Ruhrgebiet.
collegeguy, the US Special Forces in Europe are stationed in Stuttgart, so you will have plenty of US types in the area if you are looking. Deutschland is a great place to live- I've done it both as military and as a civilian and am dying to go back. Yeah, anyplace has it's downsides, but Germany has a lot of ups. I am an American first, and thus will always end up back here, but I consider Deutschland a second home. Good people, great culture, and a great opportunity to broaden your (and your children's) perspective. Like most of us, I'm jealous. Good luck, make the right choice for you and your family, and have fun if you go. It'll be worth it.

Roy

collegeguy · 08-26-2002, 09:16 AM

Just a quick update for anyone interested. My family and I have decided to accept the position in Ludwigsburg and we'll be moving to Germany at the end of September. Porsche is making the move very easy on us! Thanks for all the guidance folks, it really helped us make a decision.

Targa77 · Targa77's Garage

Good luck guy. Make their website much better because it needs it.

MBAtarga · 08-26-2002, 09:38 AM

Good luck to you and your family! And stay in touch as well...

Joeaksa · 08-26-2002, 09:56 AM

Really glad to see you taking the challenge. I moved there with the intent of staying a year or so to get the experience... some 10+ years later returned and I loved almost every minute of it.

Make sure you make it to the Christmas Market at Nurnburg in November/December. Its well worth the drive and nothing like it here...

Send us back some progress reports and kick A** on the website!

Joe

Jim Garfield · 08-26-2002, 10:50 AM

Good luck Alec,
It sounds like a GREAT opportunity. Please keep us
updated on your new job.

JEB · 08-26-2002, 11:20 AM

Now that you are working for the company - if any freebees land in you lap - say the odd 996TT

- please remember your friends. Spread the wealth a little bit.

Jeb
'79 930
If you cant get us some TT's - hats would be nice.

targa911man · targa911man's Garage

Collegeguy--

I was on vacation when this thread got started and missed it. Sounds to me like you made the right decision. just two points--Porsche has their pick of the employee pool and picked you, so that says a lot about your fit for the job, at least from their point of view. Secondly, its not a prison sentence. The Germans are pretty authoritarian, but I don't think they'll arrest you if you decide to come back. Well, actually three points. This is a lot easier to do now, when your kids are young, than it would be if they were older.
Good luck, and I'm sure this board will be a constant barometer for your efforts on the site.