37yo Burnt out in US, moving family to Germany for a "reset." Am I crazy to walk away from $130k+ for a fresh start at my age?
I’ve been married to my German wife for 11 years. We have two young kids (4yo and 5mo). I also have a 16-year-old son from a previous marriage who lives with his mother; I see him every other weekend. We always planned to move to Germany eventually, but I am reaching a breaking point.
The main driver is support: In the US, we have minimal family help. In Germany, her family is tight-knit and ready to step in.
The Career Struggle (The "Golden Handcuffs"):
I’m a 4th-year elevator mechanic apprentice (running as a temporary mechanic) making $63.26/hr. On paper, it's a dream. In reality, I absolutely hate it. The burnout is causing physical symptoms (nausea, headaches), and I am mentally checked out. I’m 37 and terrified that I’m "too old" to start over, but too miserable to stay.
The Financial & Housing Plan:
Assets: Selling our home and assets. Willing to liquidate retirement (despite the hit) to fund a "gap year" for language/retraining.
Housing: My mother-in-law has a house ready for us in her village at a family rate.
The Problem: I don’t speak German yet. I have a background in mechatronics and commercial electrical, but I don't want to do this type of work anymore.
My Questions for the Community:
To the Expats: Has anyone walked away from high "Golden Handcuff" wages for a lower-paying life with better family support? Was the trade-off worth the hit to your ego/bank account?
To the Germans: I’m 37—is that too late for a total career pivot in Germany? How is the labor market for a mechatronics guy who wants to get out of the field and into something else (Project management, technical sales, etc.)?
The Fresh Start: Is it possible to find work in a new sector while learning the language? Or am I doomed to be a mechanic over there too because of my resume?
The Family Aspect: For those who moved away from an older child (bi-weekly visits), how did you handle the transition and maintain that bond?
EDIT---- My wife is a German citizen and green card holder in the US, my youngest two are both dual citizens. We met when my oldest was 5 or 6 In that range and had already agreed when he turned 18 we would be making this move back to her home country. I guess this is important , now is just considering speeding it up due to these circumstances but trying to maintain for another 2 years is the goal provided I can handle it. My wife speaks fluent , German, Russian and English. My 4 year old also speaks German and English. The baby well he just makes noises ... As stated another comments my wife's mother has a house for us and we will have well over 100k cash to make this move and live off until whatever happens. Happens.
Edit 2---- I have over the years of our relationship spent with oldest and other ones as they've come along over a year and a half in Germany obviously as a tourist staying with family so I have been there and experienced parts. Just never the normal everyday life of working and such.