Michael Germershausen, an experienced recruiter who moved from Germany to Kazakhstan, reflects on his 20-year career, the cultural nuances he’s encountered, and his adventurous spirit. From navigating slow-paced local business practices to exploring the Tian Shan mountains, Germershausen shares his unique perspective on life in Kazakhstan — its challenges, traditions, and the unexpected joys of being an expat.
Michael Germershausen, city — Almaty, linkedin
About myself
I was born in Eastern Germany and learned Russian at school. I studied Economics in Berlin, Cambridge, and St. Petersburg. I started my career with Rolls Royce Aero Engines. Having always been interested in living abroad, I applied for a job with my current company and began as a recruiter in their Moscow office 20 years ago. I built my career on finding good jobs for interesting people, helping the business grow to five offices and over 200 employees.
Five years ago, our country manager in Kazakhstan wanted to move on, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone and relocate to Almaty. It was quiet during the COVID-19 pandemic, but things are expected to pick up soon. I'd previously visited Kazakhstan, as the office had reported to me, so I had an idea of what to expect.
About moving
I clearly remember my first arrival in Kazakhstan, knowing it wasn’t just a business trip. Due to COVID-19, there was no direct flight to Almaty, and when I arrived in Astana, the airport staff called me to ask what kind of iron cartridge I had in my rucksack. I tried to explain it was for my avalanche rucksack, but it was confiscated. While waiting for my flight, I reached out to a local tour guide to find out who would be going freeride skiing that weekend. When I landed in Almaty, I connected with a group of freeride enthusiasts, and we traveled to a yurt camp. What I didn’t expect was being in the middle of nowhere with no phone reception. Meanwhile, as I enjoyed the Tian Shan mountains, a search and rescue operation was being launched in Almaty by my wife!
About activities
I work as a recruiter, helping companies fill challenging vacancies and assisting individuals in finding new jobs. I am responsible for our offices in Almaty and Tashkent. We primarily deal with IT specialists, accountants, sales managers, brand managers, and general managers. My job involves a lot of talking to people, training staff, and presenting. It’s a great profession for those who are communicative and results-driven. Interestingly, I didn’t initially choose recruiting. In fact, I wasn’t even aware that headhunters existed. My original plan was to join a recruiting firm to help me find a “real” job. Twenty years later, I’m still in the field and enjoying it.
About Kazakhstan
There are many aspects of life here that work differently from what I was used to, and it took some time to adjust. First and foremost, things tend to move much more slowly. People don’t seem to be in a rush, and if something doesn’t happen today, it may happen tomorrow.
In my profession, there’s a noticeable difference as well. When we send a CV to an HR team in Germany, they first assess the technical match between the person and the position. In Kazakhstan, however, the process often starts with checking if they know someone who knows the candidate and seeking a personal recommendation. As a result, sometimes someone is hired even if they aren't qualified, but they are trusted. Another adjustment was realizing that if a party is supposed to start at 7:00 p.m., people typically begin arriving around 9:00 p.m.
I also have to mention the air pollution in Almaty. It struck me hard, especially since people don’t seem particularly interested in changing their habits. There’s a tendency to drive large, polluting cars and leave engines running. Water and energy conservation aren’t priorities, and sadly, Almaty was recently named the most polluted city in the world.
About traditions
The local love for big parties stands out. For example, when I last celebrated my birthday, I asked my WhatsApp group which day they preferred. Fifteen people responded, so I prepared for a party with 20 guests. However, my wife had different plans and prepared for something much larger. In the end, over 70 people showed up, and we had a fantastic time.
Family traditions are also much more intense. For example, people often quit their jobs to help their families. I also have a neighbor named Ayagoz, which means “wonderful eyes,” a name given by her grandmother after encountering it in a dream.
As for food, I must say that the lamb shashlik here is the best I’ve ever had.
The people in Kazakhstan are incredibly friendly, hospitable, and curious. Unfortunately, during my five years here, I’ve made more expat friends than local ones.
About plans
My team once asked me how long I plan to stay in Kazakhstan. I told them I intend to climb all of the top 10 mountains.
I’ve already climbed Nursultan, Talgar, and Sovetov, so I have seven peaks left to conquer!