Meet Tetiana, a 66-year-old M-Explorer from Ukraine, who now works as Service Staff at the MEININGER Hotel Dresden Zentrum. Discover how she adapted to life in Germany after fleeing the war in Ukraine & how she found a safe and welcoming workplace at MEININGER Hotels.
Let’s start from the beginning: Why did you move from Ukraine to Germany, and how old were you at the time? How long have you been living in Germany now?
I’m 66 years old, and I moved to Germany because the war started in Ukraine. I’ve been living in Germany since the outbreak of the war on March 6, 2022. I was 63 years old when I arrived here. I fled to Germany with one of my daughters and two grandchildren. My other daughter initially stayed in Ukraine with her family, but a year later she also decided to flee and come to us with her son. Unfortunately, her husband wasn’t allowed to leave the country and had to stay in Ukraine…
What was it like to start over in a new country especially without speaking German?
It was very difficult, but I was supported by volunteers from Germany who helped us move to Dresden. We didn’t know them, they were just looking for people who needed help and that’s how we got to know each other. The volunteers actively helped me apply for my official residence documents and even helped me find accommodation.
Then, I took part in integration courses and received an A2 certificate. I’m also learning German right now at work and via YouTube. In everyday life, I can go shopping and visit public places without any problems. But when I must go to the doctor’s, my children or friends, who speak German well, help me.
Have you noticed any cultural differences between working life in Ukraine and in Germany?
Personally, I feel like life here is completely different… Different people, culture, and mentality. I feel like a valued employee in Germany. Unfortunately, my work wasn’t sufficiently valued in Ukraine. I had to work hard, but received a low salary, which wasn’t enough to ensure a decent standard of living.
What’s your role at MEININGER Hotels, how did you get the job, and what did you do for work in Ukraine?
I work as a service staff member now. Claudia, a volunteer from Germany, helped me with my job search. She found the vacancy and suggested that I do an interview. I liked the working conditions, so I signed an employment contract. Since MEININGER Hotels has an international team, they also helped me with the interview and the onboarding. Back in Ukraine, I was working at a canned food factory as a cook, and retired after the age of 55.
How did the MEININGER team welcome you when you first started? What about the language barrier?
The team welcomed me very warmly. I’m very grateful to all my colleagues for helping me overcome the language barrier, especially Maria, who always helps me with translations!
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen at the hotel so far?
My boss, Karl, learns Ukrainian, studying every day, and… he’s doing better than me with German!
Did you have any concerns about finding a job at your age? Have you ever felt judged or underestimated because of your age?
Yes, I did have concerns at first, but the team gave me a very warm welcome like I mentioned before. I feel that everyone likes and respects me. All my colleagues are nice and always helpful. After I retired, I decided not to stay at home but to continue working. I really enjoy spending time with people, communicating and actively doing things with others.
How is your relationship with your younger colleagues? Do you learn from each other? Do you have any inside jokes?
I have a good relationship with my younger colleagues! I don’t feel an age barrier, we support each other. Younger colleagues very often help me with translations in everyday life at work. Most of the time, it’s not even necessary to talk because we work hand in hand and simply see where help is needed.
There are no inside jokes, but everyone always laughs when I speak Ukrainian (all the time!) even though nobody understands me. Karl often tries to repeat things that are correct, but he doesn’t understand them either, so that’s funny!
What valuable experiences do you think older employees bring to work (especially in hotels) that people might overlook?
Older employees can bring responsibility and reliability to the job; they have better work discipline and bring stability to the team. In my opinion, younger colleagues can learn from older colleagues how to work more effectively as we simply have more experience and are willing to share it. Sometimes I feel like the kind of mother who likes to be asked for advice and who you can confide in from time to time!
In your opinion, what could employers like MEININGER Hotels do to make work life easier or more accessible for older employees?
An employer can create comfortable and supportive conditions so that older employees don’t face certain physical or psychological difficulties at work. I receive full support from my employer, and I’m very grateful for that. For example, if I have private problems and I need help, whether it’s support with the administration, or I have to swap shifts or need vacation at short notice, it feels like I can count on MEININGER Hotels, the company will be there for me.
What are your plans for the future? Are you thinking about going back to Ukraine when the war is over?
I plan to stay and keep working in Germany, because all my family lives here with me now. I’d love to return to Ukraine, but unfortunately, there’s nothing keeping me there anymore.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Tetiana!
✨ Read more M-Explorers’ stories on the MEININGER Hotels blog or check out our job openings.
