Franconia Beer Message Board
German Lessons |
| Posted by Jason on 2015-05-19 02:29:31 |
| I've been having half hourly 1-1 lessons in Jersey but I'm taking my last one today in a block of 10 that cost £315 so I'm thinking of doing my own learning and using that money to greater effect whilst in Germany. Interesting video, we get quite a lot of German tourists here and numbers have increased over the past few years which is great for tourism. There are a number of misconceptions about Jersey, and the tax haven status is often one that crops up. Unfortunately, it doesn't mean that residents do not pay tax. It simply means that having your assets registered in jersey (offshore) can allow wealthy individuals to avoid paying various taxes in their country of residence, ie stamp duty, inheritance tax and income tax. I’m sure you’re aware of that. Having said that, the rate of income tax for residents is low as well, due to the size of the island and relatively high wages. Of course the finance sector, which relies on the tax haven status, is a massive reason to live here as it provides relatively high paid employment to a relatively low skilled workforce. But it also drives property prices to ridiculous levels so it’s a bit of a double edged sword in all honesty. It is something that I find difficult to grapple with morally, as it clearly allows wealthy people get wealthier whilst not making the required contribution to society. However, I feel that the high taxation imposed on wealthy (often hard working and successful) individuals is grossly unfair and allows many more people to live without lifting a finger. This is bordering on politics, so I’ll leave that discussion for another time. Anyway, that's not a reason to stay, it's the beaches, sea, zero crime rate, lifestyle and high standard of living that makes it hard to leave. But, having been born and lived her for the past 30 years I’m ready to go and find something different. I’ve been very fortunate to travel a lot but the place I always go back to is Bamberg so for me it’s a no brainer. I equally love the lifestyle, the traditions, the seasonal changes and the beer (culture) obviously. Of course living somewhere you like holidaying in is not always such a fairy-tale, it will be hard; learning a new language, starting from scratch in a different society and getting work in a small provincial city will all bring challenges but at the end of the day if it goes wrong I will come back to Jersey a richer person with no regrets (albeit very much poorer monetarily). Unlike most friends my age I’m not married, have no children and nothing tying me down so I have complete freedom to do as I please, a luxury I’m determined to utilise before it goes. I can’t wait. |
| Followups: |
 German Lessons by Nick B. on 2015-05-19 06:24:35 |
| German Lessons by barry on 2015-05-19 08:28:54 |
| Moving to Bamberg by Mark Andersen on 2015-05-19 11:32:02 |
| Moving to Bamberg by Nick B. on 2015-05-20 00:53:43 |
| Moving to Bamberg by Jason on 2015-05-20 01:55:23 |
| Moving to Bamberg by Jason on 2015-05-20 01:57:59 |
| Moving to Bamberg by barry on 2015-05-20 02:25:50 |
| Moving to Bamberg by Mark Andersen on 2015-05-20 08:54:23 |