Today is my last day with my first job here in Munich and it’s a very bittersweet day. While I am really looking forward to my new path, I am also sad to be leaving such a wonderful workplace. As I will be doing full-time telework with the new job, I have been reminiscing about the things I will miss about working in an office, particularly one in Germany. Here are the top six:

Morgen! Morgen! Morgen!: Every morning, you will hear a constant parade of people saying “Morgen!!” to everyone as they go down the hall on the way to their office. Morgen! = Morning! (if only all of German was so easy) It is a lovely way to start the morning and always made me smile.

Coffee Breaks: The whole adage that Germans work hard and are incredibly efficient is true – but one thing I loved is that they also take time to build relationships with their colleagues. One popular way they do this is by asking a coworker to a coffee to discuss work or just general life stuff. I found these 15 minute breaks to be solid investments in making new connections.

Office Parties: Our office team worked tirelessly throughout the year to plan a variety of events for us. From group runs to Christmas parties to Oktoberfest, there was always something on the horizon. I will remember these events very fondly as it gave us a chance to know each other outside of the work arena, let our hair down, and of course, tear it up on the dance floor…

International Sweets: One of the major benefits of working with people from a billion different countries is that they always bring home sweets and treats from their mother lands. And it’s ahhh-mazing. You get to taste a little bit of the world without barely leaving your office and let me tell you, the world is delicious.

Direct and Honest Communication: One of my favorite aspects of working with primarily German/Austrian people is the open, direct, and honest communication. Germans will tell you exactly how they feel about a subject – there is no beating around the bush. If you mess up, they will tell you immediately. And the best part is that it’s not personal. Just fix it and move on. It has definitely been one of the most refreshing aspects of working here.

The People: And finally, I come to the biggest thing I will miss about my office… the people. I was very fortunate to have such wonderful colleagues to work with day in and day out. I look forward to forging relationships with my new teammates but there will always be a special place in my heart for the people I first got to work with upon moving to a new country.

See you around town, friends!