The Reality of Living Abroad As A Bangladeshi Software Engineer

Just landed in Berlin, and it feels like there's a switch in my brain — I call it the Context Switch. The moment I arrive, it flips automatically, and suddenly I’m living a completely different life.

That’s the tricky part of living between two countries. But in a way, it’s also a gift — it lets me experience two parallel lives through a lens most people never get to look through.

That qualifies me to speak about the pros and cons in a neutral way. In this blog, I’ll share what that really feels like.

Why I Decided to Go Abroad

I graduated from MIST and worked at a startup for two years. I enjoyed it a lot, but I started thinking about financial stability and eventually joined Cefalo Bangladesh, a well-known tech company. Then COVID hit.

Though Cefalo is a great company that doesn’t usually lay off employees, I saw many clients leaving, and many of my friends from other companies lost their jobs. I come from a middle-class family and am the eldest son. The pressure was real.

At the same time, many of my university friends were moving abroad for MS or PhDs. Their Facebook photos made it look like life abroad was full of charm and adventure.

Looking back now, I think I made the decision partly out of jealousy and boredom. But I was also careful—I decided to move only if I could get a job abroad. That way, even if things didn’t work out, there would be no financial loss, and I could always return to Bangladesh. And so, I moved.

Pros of Living Abroad

1. Financial Stability
This was one of the biggest advantages. In Bangladesh, it’s very rare to find companies that pay over 3–4 lakh BDT a month and are also stable. Abroad, there are many opportunities. After paying rent and personal expenses, saving a few lakh taka each month is very possible.

2. Interesting Work Opportunities
In Bangladesh, it’s hard to find work on technically complex or exciting projects. Abroad, even startups work with modern technologies. You get the chance to work on things that actually challenge and grow your skills.

3. Job Security and Social Benefits
In Germany, for example, if I lose my job, the government will pay me 60% of my salary until I find a new one. I don’t need to worry about retirement either—my pension will be taken care of. These benefits simply don’t exist in Bangladesh.

4. Respect and Equal Treatment
Even if you earn a 6-digit salary in Bangladesh, people still ask questions like, “Preparing for BCS?” Unless you belong to a privileged family, life can be hard. There’s a constant pressure and sometimes even humiliation in everyday systems. Abroad, people are treated more equally.

5. Travel and Exposure
Europe and America are beautiful—clean, organized, and rich in culture. If you love exploring, you’ll enjoy life abroad. Meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and learning new ways of thinking really broadens your perspective. You also learn to appreciate your own culture more deeply.

6. Quality of Life
Less corruption, fair systems, free healthcare, clean air—all of these make for a better life abroad.

So, Why Do I Still Stay 6 Months in Bangladesh?

Even with all these advantages, there are downsides.

1. Family
You’ll miss your family. You won’t find your mother abroad. No matter how many video calls you do, it’s not the same. This is the hardest part.

2. Food
Let’s be honest—German food is boring. After a long day of work, you won’t feel like cooking. I often eat out, and it has led to health issues. Finding good food like we have in Bangladesh is a real struggle.

3. Loneliness
People abroad are busy. Finding like-minded friends is tough. In Germany, if you don’t know the language, you won’t be able to connect with the locals easily. Back home, we are spoiled with social choices. Here, your options are either mixing with people you don’t vibe with or being alone. It may not sound serious, but it hits hard over time.

4. Daily Life Challenges
In Bangladesh, life is easier if you can spend a little. You’ll find help for household chores. Abroad, you have to do everything yourself. Hiring help is expensive. Also, the paperwork and bureaucracy—especially in Germany—can be frustrating.

5. The Feeling of Not Belonging
This is a tough one. Once you leave your country, you may never fully feel at home again. In Europe, no matter how long you stay, your skin colour and accent will always make you an outsider. Back in Bangladesh, people treat you like a visitor too. It often feels like you're just on vacation wherever you are.

So, What Should You Do?

There’s no single right answer. Don’t decide based on random people on the internet. Every life has its pros and cons. I just tried to share mine shortly, and honestly.

Thanks for reading.