My First Berlin Burnout: Learning German & Learning Myself

Okay, deep breath. Moving to Berlin was the best idea I ever had, honestly. The art, the history, the sheer energy of the city… it’s incredible. But let’s be real, it’s also intense. I’m working as a freelance translator – mostly technical stuff – and it’s amazing to be self-employed, but it’s also terrifyingly… me. I’m still figuring things out, and let’s just say my mental health is a work in progress.

That Chat With Alice

Yesterday, I had a really important conversation with a colleague, Alice. She’s been here longer than I have, and she’s just… savvy. We were grabbing a coffee near Hackescher Markt – you know, the one with the crazy street performers? – and it started with a simple greeting: “Hallo, wie geht’s dir heute?” (Hello, how are you today?).

She replied, “Hallo Alice, eigentlich ganz gut, danke. Aber ich bin ziemlich gestresst im Moment.” (Hello Alice, actually quite good, thanks. But I’m pretty stressed at the moment.)

I was immediately sympathetic. I admitted, “Oh, wirklich? Was stresst dich denn so?” (Really? What’s stressing you out?).

She explained, “Die neuen Projekte, die Deadlines… ich arbeite wirklich zu viel. Das führt dazu, dass ich überhaupt keine Zeit für mich habe.” (The new projects, the deadlines… I’m really working too much. It leads to the fact that I have no time for myself.) I completely understood. “Das kann ich verstehen. Ich habe das auch manchmal.” (I can understand. I have that sometimes too.)

Cause and Effect – And My Overthinking

Then she said something that really hit home: “Es ist so, als ob der Druck, den wir uns selbst auferlegen, uns völlig überfordert.” (It’s as if the pressure we put on ourselves completely overwhelms us.) It’s a classic example of cause and effect, right? You put too much pressure on yourself, and eventually… something happens. “Genau, das ist ein klassisches Beispiel für eine Ursache-Wirkungs-Beziehung.” (Exactly, that’s a classic example of a cause-and-effect relationship.)

She added, “Ja, das stimmt. Ich habe versucht, meine Arbeitszeiten zu reduzieren, aber es ist schwer. Mein Chef erwartet immer so viel.” (Yes, that’s true. I’ve tried to reduce my working hours, but it’s difficult. My boss always expects so much.) I was thinking, maybe I need to be more assertive. “Vielleicht solltest du offen mit ihm sprechen, und erklären, warum du dir Sorgen machst.” (Maybe you should talk to him openly and explain why you’re worried).

Learning to Say ‘Nein’

She ended by saying, “Ich glaube, ich muss lernen, ‘nein’ zu sagen, sonst werde ich noch ausbrennen.” (I think I need to learn to say ‘no’, otherwise I’ll burn out.) And honestly, that’s exactly how I felt. I find it so hard to push back, especially when I’m trying to impress my clients. “Genau! Und denk daran, auch mal etwas für dich zu tun, um runterzukommen.” (Exactly! And remember to do something for yourself to relax).

Burnout Prevention – It’s Not Selfish!

She stressed the importance of burnout prevention: “Burnout-Prävention ist entscheidend.” (Burnout prevention is crucial). She explained that chronic stress has negative effects on the body. I realised I was focusing too much on what others expected and not enough on my needs. “Es ist ja so, dass chronischer Stress negative Auswirkungen auf den Körper hat.” (It’s true that chronic stress has negative effects on the body). I also learned that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

Next Steps

After the conversation, I felt a little better. “Danke für das Gespräch! Ich fühle mich schon etwas besser.” (Thanks for the conversation! I feel a little better). Alice responded, “Gern geschehen! Wir müssen uns bald mal wieder treffen, um das zu besprechen. Auf jeden Fall!” (You’re welcome! We need to meet up again soon to discuss this. Definitely!).

I’m going to start small. Maybe just scheduling a weekly trip to the Mauerpark flea market – it’s a great way to unwind and people-watch. And I definitely need to practice saying “Nein” – even if it’s just to a small request. “Hallo, wie geht’s dir?” (Hello, how are you?). I hope I’m doing okay.