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.
Industry Reviews
The Devil Wears Clogs by Jennifer Burge (5 out of 5) - Generation G Books Jennifer grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, and always (like many of us!) had the dream of living and working in Europe. Always be careful what you wish for? Jennifer gets her chance when she relocates to the Heidelburg, Germany. Wait..Heidelburg, Germany It certainly isn't London, Austria, or Paris. It's...Germany! Jennifer takes the chance and relocates. Things are not exactly wine and roses. I learned a lot about what the business world overseas would expect and surprise you with, if I were ever able to journey that way. The Germans have a stiff upper lip and some rather unique regulations that will make you shake your head. I did shake my head a few times. I also laughed quite a few times. Jennifer's book does kind of give you a crash course in what to expect if you're not at all prepared for what you may get when you get there- she wasn't, and she makes no secret of that. Her experiences in Holland give her a reason to continue living abroad, and again, you learn a lot from what she went through when she landed and while she was righting herself. Here's the thing: Jennifer tells you the truth, but where there are water spouts, there are also rainbows. You find many a positive message here. There are the atypical professional double edged swords- usually, those buried in your back by competitive colleagues. I had a lot of fun reading this book. I love a good business book once in a while, and I felt like Jennifer managed to merge the two genres with ease, with fun, with wisdom, and with a lot of heart. Excellent Memoir About ExPat Life as a Businesswoman "Very well-written memoir by a keenly intelligent professional. Her descriptions of the issues she faced as an American working in first Germany and then the Netherlands were fascinating and rang true. Especially considering that her training was in an entirely different field, her narrative skills were impressive and her ability to tell a story in an appealing and interesting manner was first-rate. I found her book interesting and absorbing; I'm looking forward to reading more of her work." As funny and entertaining as it is informative. "Sounds easy and glamourous... move to Europe, get a job, have an exciting, adventure-filled life. Sure; easy. Jennifer Burge tells us, from her own experiences, that it's not quite as simple as it sounds. But she takes us on that adventure and, while reading the book, the reader feels as though they're taking that journey themselves. And what a trip it is! Luckily for us, Ms. Burge went through all the hassles and difficulties for us and is able to share her experiences with candor and wit." Humorous, fresh and captivating! "I recommend this book not only because it gives a genuine perception of the work environment in the European business world, but it is also an enjoyable memoir of how the author's life story evolves when leaving for a foreign country. Her struggles on working days, her exciting trips while not working and last but not least, her unexpected love life unfolding with each chapter, made for a great read all over. I often reread passages just so that I can laugh again or marvel at how smart and witty her descriptions are. Her vivid narration also made me feel as if I were there experiencing what she did. For a first book, I think Jennifer did a great job! Thank you for telling your story to the world." I stayed up most of the night to finish this book! "I stayed up (nearly) all night to finish this book! I loved it. Working overseas sounds so romantic, but trying to explain the unique challenges and situations one goes through can be difficult. Jennifer not only tells her story with wit and charm, she also made me laugh out loud. Many times. Thanks to Jennifer for creating a great read that illuminates the challenges and rewards of following your dreams. Am looking forward to the next one!"
