Switzerland or Germany? Galaxus does both
Germans prefer emigrating to Switzerland over anywhere else. Why is that? I asked around – after all, Galaxus has locations in Germany as well as Switzerland.
Switzerland is very popular with Germans – and not just when it comes to vacations. Switzerland is the most popular country for emigrants with a German passport (site in German). According to Handelsblatt (site in German), there are numerous reasons leading Germans to this decision. Higher salaries, lower tax burden or a simpler tax system, for example. Other circumstances – such as the landscape or the proximity to Italy – certainly play a role for many.
The whole thing really interested me. I myself work at Galaxus in Hamburg – rightly called the «most beautiful city in the world». I also got to know colleagues who had moved to the Zurich office or returned from there. I picked out two colleagues and asked them: which is better?
Luise first moved to Switzerland and then came back to Hamburg
Luise Dalhoff is 32 years old and the mother of a young daughter. In 2019, she left her native Hamburg to live in Birmensdorf near Zurich for almost three years. Today, she’s back in Hamburg – and yet constantly in Switzerland.
Luise, how come you moved to Switzerland?
Luise: In March 2019, my daughter was born. At the time, my partner was finishing his MBA. Since I didn’t see any real prospects with my old employer, I was open to something new. My partner had several job offers, including one from Switzerland. We always wanted to go to the mountains and found the idea of just going skiing on the weekend fascinating. I moved to Switzerland without a job for the time being.
** Which you then found at Galaxus?**
I previously worked in eCommerce in Germany, selling goods on and to Amazon. I was convinced that I could do the same job in Zurich. Only later did I realise that Amazon doesn’t exist in Switzerland, so there were no Amazon consulting agencies there. I got a tip from a uni buddy that Galaxus, an equivalent to Amazon, is based in Switzerland. I finally started at Galaxus a year after our move in April 2020.
How was the new job?
When I joined, there was hardly any office culture left due to the lockdown. I met very few people. We lived in Birmensdorf, my boyfriend worked in Zug. I took my daughter to daycare in the morning and picked her up right after work. That’s how it went for a year and a half. But at some point I learned that Galaxus is also active in Germany and happens to have an office in Hamburg. Every now and then, when I went to visit my family, I went to the office there. Then a team lead position opened up to build some lifestyle areas for the European market.
So that’s when you applied?
Actually, I didn’t want to go back yet, but generally at some point I did. I never expected to grow old in Switzerland. But it could’ve been ten years too. My decision to go back sooner arose during the times I was working, didn’t know anyone and, due to the pandemic, hardly had any opportunities to go out in the evenings, as my partner often worked late into the night.
What did your partner say to that?
He wasn’t that happy in his job anyway. If he’d loved the job, then we’d have had to find another solution in Switzerland. But there was always the option that he’d join his father’s company, a medium-sized mechanical engineering firm, where he now works. By 1 January 2022, I was back here again.
«Switzerland has a definite weather advantage»
Now you know both countries. What do you find better about Switzerland, what are the biggest differences?
Leisure activities in Switzerland are quite different. We had a small bus and went somewhere every weekend – hiking, skiing or camping. Switzerland doesn’t offer as much city life as Hamburg, or at least we didn’t live it that way. You have a definite weather advantage in Switzerland, it warms up faster. It’s also not grey and wet all winter long, which can get depressing very quickly. In contrast, Hamburg is the most beautiful city I know. Otherwise there are many parallels between Hamburg and Zurich, such as proximity to water. For my part, I found the daycare and childcare situation in Switzerland much better, which made having a child and working full time much more comfortable.
What’s better about Hamburg?
Hamburg is a big city, and you can tell. It gives off a different vibe than Zurich. There’s always something going on here, stores are open late. In short, there’s actually stuff to do.
How often are you in Switzerland now?
My last times in Switzerland were in December, January and once in March. I could imagine returning to Switzerland often, half for work, half for a vacation. I still love being there and enjoy the advantages it offers, especially the weather and the mountains.
Source: Anne Fischer
What about linguistically, have any Swiss forms of expression already internalised themselves?
I’m one of the few at our Hamburg site with whom Swiss colleagues can speak Swiss German. When I moved there, I couldn’t understand a thing. Others would always advise acting like I understand everything, that people would be more receptive this way. Consequently, my job interview in Swiss German was super exhausting, I had to concentrate like crazy. I don’t think I understood anything during my first two weeks. But it quickly got better and better!
** Are you staying in Hamburg as a family now?**
Yes, we bought a house in Hamburg. I wouldn’t want to move again. But I think it’s cool that I have a connection to Switzerland through Galaxus. I make sure to remind myself of that every time I’m there. Then my family comes over and we stay for a few more days.
Zurich, a new love
Then there’s Lizzy, aka Elisabeth Rönz. Despite encountering many names I couldn’t remember, Lizzy stuck with me right from my first day at Galaxus Hamburg. She joined us for lunch a little later and excitedly told everyone about Zurich. I asked her if she was moving there. She beamed at me. «Yes, I’ve fallen in love», she said. It was clear that she meant the city. These days, the 34-year-old digital media designer is in the midst of moving stress. Although she spent her entire life in Hamburg and could never have imagined leaving what many call «the most beautiful city in the world,» she’s now doing just that.
** Lizzy, you started at Galaxus in November 2021, and now, not even two years later, you’re moving from Hamburg to Zurich. That was fast!**
It was love at first sight. Really, it already was on my first trip in late 2021.
** Then why did they hire you in Hamburg?**
The Hamburg location was to be established and expanded. We all grew extremely quickly, everyone but the design team. But now brand marketing, for example, already consists of two people. It was thought that we’d have more designers in Hamburg, but so far we haven’t found anyone.
** What happens now that the only designer from Hamburg going to Zurich?**
At first I was unsure whether my plan would be well received. My staff position and the company’s desire to connect across countries and teams is important. However, it’s been extremely difficult to be here alone all the time. I miss a lot. I’m missing that human connection. I get uninspired.
** Was that the reason for your decision?**
No, that was secondary. First and foremost, it’s really a personal decision based on the city and life in Zurich.
** What fascinates you so much about Zurich?**
How you experience a new city depends very much on how you’re received by the people. My colleagues made me feel at home insanely quickly. They showed me the city, gave me lots of tips, took me to parties, events and excursions. It immediately clicked on all levels. I also have friends from Hamburg who’ve lived in Zurich for years. Zurich felt so much like home to me at one point. When I’m in Hamburg, I feel homesick. It got to the point where I couldn’t leave Zurich without crying on the train back.
** Does Zurich also remind you of Hamburg?**
There are many parallels between Zurich and Hamburg, such as the cityscape. The water, the seagulls, the old town and the vibe… At Bürkliplatz I feel like I’m on the Kennedy Bridge, aside from those absurdly beautiful mountains sticking out in the background – I hope I never get tired of them.
«I just know it’s where I belong»
The landscape here sure is different than in Germany…
I like the fact that Switzerland is generally so small, the proximity to France and especially Italy – I’m a huge fan of Italy. It’s this perceived internationality that comes together in Zurich. I love that the city is also so small that you can get everywhere so quickly, but you still don’t feel like anything is missing or not offered. But I think what I love most is how I feel in Zurich. I just know it’s where I belong.
Source: Private
** Was there anything that held you back?**
Maybe not held back, but naturally what I thought about most in making my decision was leaving behind the closest people in my life – friends, family. I see my little niece less often and I knew that this physical distance would naturally change things. But at the end of the day, I also know that they’ll always be there and they know that I’ll always be there – no matter how many miles are between us.
** How did your personal circle react?**
It wasn’t a surprise for anyone. I spent a relatively large amount of time in Zurich. My family and circle of friends saw how happy I was when I was there.
** What are you looking forward to after your move?**
I’m looking forward to arriving and living here, to my new apartment, the short commute, my team, old and new friendships. I look forward to walks through the city, running by the lake, the view of the mountains, the many little oases I’ve already discovered for myself, my favourite bars and cafes, vegan pastries from Moon Bakery. I can hardly wait for the summer – summer in Zurich is incredibly beautiful! Swimming in the Limmat, being outside for hours in the evening…
** What will you miss about Hamburg besides friends and family?**
Hamburg as my hometown, of course. I’ll miss my old apartment, my neighbourhood – I lived there for seven years. I’ll definitely miss my bees this year, my seasonal garden too. I’ve been beekeeping for seven years, but now with the move it’s too hectic for me as it’s a very time-consuming hobby. The bees will stay with my parents, next year I’ll bring them here.
** How’s your Swiss German?**
Actually, anyone can speak Swiss German with me, I’ve got used to it quite well. If I don’t understand something, I ask. But I can only say one thing: «huere gut», the Swiss German for «really good».
** Is it goodbye forever?**
I don’t know. I’m not moving with the intention of staying there for a certain period of time, nor can I imagine growing old in Zurich right now. I’m just living in the moment right now and I’m mega grateful that I can just start this new adventure so freely and independently.
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A true local journalist with a secret soft spot for German pop music. Mum of two boys, a dog and about 400 toy cars in all shapes and colours. I always enjoy travelling, reading and go to concerts, too.
