Have you contemplated what your life would have been like if you lived abroad? Have you dreamt of taking your career overseas? You are not alone. The victim of an extreme case of wanderlust, author Jennifer Burge, has been on a mission to see as much of the world as possible, beginning with Europe. At thirty, Jennifer began the journey in real-life, having one of the world’s largest tech consulting firms finance her plans.
Within days of the collapse of the Twin Towers, the “mission” comes in the form of an international assignment in Germany. As tomorrow is no longer guaranteed, Jennifer knows she must walk through the open door or risk losing the opportunity of a lifetime.
Armed with a heavy dose of wit and sarcasm, the author relies on her professional strength to navigate the alien European landscape. Jennifer’s faux pas are many before she learns to respect the true depth of the cultural divide, realizing that it is she that must change and not an entire continent.
What would your life look like if you rolled the dice and seized an opportunity to live and work overseas?
The Devil Wears Clogs, is the essential “How NOT live Abroad” guide for those interested in an honest look at what happens when you pursue your career in another country. Anyone already living outside their native country will identify with Jennifer’s mistakes as well as her triumphs. The Devil Wears Clogs is the first installment of a three part-series that spans four continents and helps you get prepared to live a global life.
Perfect College Graduation Present
By Lucy in London on 28 Jan. 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This book is a must-read for anyone considering working abroad. The author shares her hard earned wisdom with great wit and intelligence, roaming both the pastoral delights of Europe and the backstabbing hell of the corporate world with page turning ease. The travelogue sections are concise and thought provoking, capturing essential moments of culture clash and wonderment. Interestingly, the work experiences the author describes (endures?) dovetail neatly with these travel experiences - there are highs, there are lows and there are many lessons learned. Despite the rollercoaster of events, the vibe of this book remains upbeat and I finished it feeling a little wiser and braver to explore that bigger world that starts just past the front door.
5 Stars
A wonderful read
ByHenriette Albrecht on January 27, 2015
This book gives you good insights into the European business world and professional habits nobody will prepare you for in intercultural trainings. It’s an easy to read story that gives you the impression you are right in the middle of what’s happening either in the office or on Jennifer’s trips to European cities.As a German myself Jennifer’s countless experience with German stiffness and regulations made me laugh as much as some of her experience in Holland made me shook my head in disbelief or took me by surprise.Living abroad being unfamiliar with common, yet country-specific habits can make your everyday life hard especially in a business environment that is based on performance and competition.Luckily Jennifer finds a very good reason to stay in Holland against all odds and circumstances and shows us also the positive sides of living away from home.Jennifer’s business and travel encounters in Asia are yet to come, can’t wait to learn more about her experience.
