Special repayment, saving or consumption?

What kind of job security, I am a scientist at a state research institute, celebrating my 20th anniversary next year and still have a fixed-term contract...

However, I have recently learned that in the private sector you also really have to stretch yourself regarding salary. At least here in the East. Since two former colleagues are currently applying again, they chatted a bit about wish and reality....

Once the experience levels in the TVL are exhausted, the normal salary increases probably no longer keep up with inflation...
Still complaining at a very high level.

The security is first of all being untouchable as long as you don’t commit any wrongdoing. But I know what you mean. Full agreement! I myself worked for many years in fixed-term positions at universities. Meanwhile, I have a permanent contract, but that took a long time. The system (Higher Education Framework Act etc.) is also quite problematic. With my professional specialization, I can only work at a university or a research institute if I want to practice my learned profession. There are no positions for me in the private sector at all. There I would have had to do something else. That too is complaining at quite a high level.
Back to the topic of building a house: without a permanent contract, the idea of owning a home was unthinkable for me until now. I’m only starting with that now, at the end of my 40s.

What kind of security, I am a scientist at a state research institute, will celebrate my 20th anniversary next year and still have a temporary contract...

A classic at research institutes. The third-party funding limitation of the WissZeitVG is the dream of every normal employer. But shouldn’t there be an end somewhere? It shouldn’t work infinitely often anymore, right? I have twice witnessed how people were pacified with the prospect of a permanent contract: Case 1: Professor in his mid-40s unexpectedly passed away early, the new professor did not renew. Case 2: A permanent contract was actually offered at some point, but only at the professor’s new university 300km away.

With my professional specialization I can only work at a university or a research institute

I keep my fingers crossed that your situation looks rosier. But from the two cases who said the same, I can assure you: In case of emergency, you will still find a position that is guaranteed to be better paid.

A classic among research institutes. The third-party funding limitation of the WissZeitVG is every normal employer's dream. But shouldn't there be an end somewhere? It shouldn't have to go on infinitely many times, right?

Yes. If it concerns third-party funded positions.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that things look rosier for you. But from the two cases who said the same, I can assure you: in case of emergency, you will still find a position that is definitely better paid.

Many thanks. However, I would rather work in my dream job, which I have now. For that, I am happy to give up a bit more salary. But I know many who have not been so lucky.

Then off to daycare in pajamas. Has happened before.

With our son too, even barefoot over the gravel, when he got a bit wild because he was too lazy to put on his shoes himself. The little daughter is craftier. She quickly undresses and then stands in her underwear in front of the wardrobe and puts outfits together. Yesterday it was a floral shirt, her rainbow costume over it, ugly puke-colored leg warmers, and sandals. Felt like 20 hair clips in her hair and a long colorful fake braid. Junior always pulls his socks up to just below the back of his knees... OVER his pants. They’re imitated that look at school now. Yeah, let them, I don’t care. The main thing is they leave the house on time.

Our little one wanted to go to daycare in December with leggings and a T-shirt at -2 degrees.

I then sent her outside and told her I would come right after because I forgot something...

30 seconds later she was standing in the hallway wanting to change :D :D

That wouldn’t have worked with ours. At similar temperatures he’d go out completely naked except for a pom-pom hat and rubber boots. After 30 minutes I dragged him inside because the kid was blue—he thought that was uncool. The little daughter is more reasonable.

But yes, kids often throw a big wrench in the works. If you then have a special repayment planned, it could lead to serious problems.

Our little one wanted to go to daycare in December at -2 degrees wearing leggings and a T-shirt.

I sent her outside and told her I would come right after because I had forgotten something...

30 seconds later she was in the hallway wanting to change :D :D

Honestly - it's the only way.
One time gaining your own experience replaces being told 15 times.
I don't find it bad at all, children want to experience and grow from their experiences.
We can only get to know our children if we don't start bending them before they can even think. ♥
Of course, the ball of responsibility lies with us parents. I won't let my little one run in front of cars or freeze to death. But if he says "Pants are wet! Pants are wet!" when it's time to leave the house, a few minutes of freezing won't break his crown. Responsibility in this case means: having clothes in the bag. ;)

Back to construction costs: Removing our structural pillar in the living room/kitchen would need to be checked again with the structural engineer (first a rough estimate, calculations cost money), but the construction steel alone is estimated by our general contractor to cost over €3,000. They expect total additional costs of €5,000–10,000. Probably not worth it to us. I'd rather buy a photovoltaic system for that. My husband had the idea to connect the post directly to the kitchen island and build a "vertical garden" for herb plants on it. I think that's nice.

: exactly, if you keep sitting in temporary project positions, this can go on forever...

Back to the topic of house construction: without a permanent contract, the idea of owning a home was unthinkable for me so far.

The bank asked how long I had been there, oh 15 years (at the time) and then just waved me off. It was then uninteresting. Otherwise, I didn't study a niche subject, but STEM and I am an expert with absolutely presentable experience. I can find something in the industry anytime, so I’m not worried. That’s why I don’t care at all.