"We have plenty of options here" | Sys Tec Inside
In this interview, Christian Müller talks about his return to the Vogtland, his career path to SYS TEC electronic, and the benefits of working and living in the region.
Our "returnee": An interview with Christian Müller
Christian Müller lives in Reichenbach and has been working at SYS TEC electronic in Heinsdorfergrund for six years. He holds a degree in Communications Engineering (Dipl.-Ing. (BA)) and, within the technology department, is responsible for innovations and improvements relating to series production.
After completing his A-levels, he lived in the Stuttgart area for a total of eight years, studied at a vocational academy and worked for four years for an employer in the automotive industry.
What made you decide to return to your home region?
The trigger was a long-distance relationship that had simply reached a point where we needed to take the next step. We wanted to move in together and start a family. The Vogtland region was the obvious choice, as my wife and I are both from here. We’ve been a couple ever since we finished school.
How long did it take to find a suitable job in the region?
It took two months from the decision to come back home to the actual job interview. So it actually went quite quickly. It was probably a stroke of luck that a suitable position happened to be available at that very moment. It took four weeks from my application to being offered the job.
I’d only sent out one application at the time. As it happened, a company in Chemnitz had several suitable vacancies that matched what I was looking for. That was my first step into the local area. The second step, joining SYS TEC electronic, didn’t come until four years later. My job in Chemnitz involved a long commute. So I spent two hours of my free time travelling every day. As our family plans were becoming very concrete, that was no longer viable, for example, in terms of ensuring childcare arrangements for our child. So it was a stroke of luck that a suitable vacancy was advertised here at SYS TEC electronic as well.
Looking back, do you regret leaving?
No. It was a conscious decision. I wanted to break away from my parents’ home to some extent, and the dual study programme at a vocational academy, which I completed in Stuttgart, gave me financial independence. That was very important and helpful for my personal development. I certainly don’t regret it.
Of course, a decision like that involves sacrifices, even if it was a conscious one. During that time, I was in a long-distance relationship with my current wife. Which is naturally exhausting in the long run, as there’s so little time to spend together. Because of the trips home to see my family, my weekends were always very tightly scheduled. I wanted to see my family, spend time with my girlfriend and keep in touch with my circle of friends. Juggling everything was a huge organisational challenge and, in the long run, a bit of a nuisance. Starting a family under these circumstances was unthinkable.
Do you understand why young people are still leaving the region today?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. It always depends on individual motivations. In my case, for example, it wasn’t because I felt I had no prospects here. I wanted to create some distance from home to break away. So there are certainly reasons to leave the region. But I wouldn’t see fears about the future – specifically regarding job security in the region – as a reason to leave here.
What advice would you give to others who have left their home region?
In my view, all the advantages the Vogtland region offers outweigh any disadvantages. It starts with being closer to your grandparents, who are there to support you, as well as your old circle of friends. I can only advise everyone to stay close to their family.
What do you particularly appreciate about Reichenbach and the Vogtland region?
My wife works in Greiz. She also has a very short commute. For us, living in Reichenbach is really ideal. Childcare is very important to us. I love doing the shopping with my child after work and nursery. When we walk home, we can pop into the bakery or the library. The toy shop isn’t far either. We’ve got plenty of options here.
