When Nadine received her diagnose back in December, we immediately decided that we need to gain more quality time, no matter the cost. To me it meant getting rid of one of my two jobs – it’s unthinkable to be away from home five days a week when you’re partner is seriously ill.

Therefore, I’m partially unemployed now and went to the job center to apply for out-of-work benefits today. To my surprise, the guy who dealt with my case was of African origin. But contrary to my naive cliché, Mr. Mussa wasn’t very talkative and didn’t really fell for my joke about our surnames sounding quite similar. Lesson learned: not every black guy is relaxed and easy going, there are undeviatable bureaucrats too. Whatever, he did his job properly and they’re going to pay me a few grand during the next six months.

From August on, I will be down to the salary of my half-day job which is not sufficient in the long run. I’m planning to do some flexible freelance stuff then or find an additional mini job. Next week, I’m going to have another date at the job center with a career agent to discuss these matters. My experience with Mr. Mussa in mind, I’m expecting it to go like this: