So after about 3 months of looking for a job, scanning through job ads on various internet platforms, I finally can let the cat out of the bag. I will join Yahoo! Europe, based in London, UK, middle of May as a Web Developer.
However, I had to fight for this decision with myself a little bit. Some of you know this, but I studied in the small city of Dornbirn, Austria, for 4 years, stayed about another more because of the job I took there (which did not work out as planned) and somehow built a strong connection to the beautiful area and the nice people over the years. Leaving was hard. Harder than I had expected. But I had to do it, cause life changes and to keep up with those changes and develop yourself further, you need to adapt to those changes. But saying goodbye is never easy. Now I know that more than ever.
When the opportunity came along to join Yahoo! in London I almost had to take it. I will have the chance to work with industry experts like Chris Heilmann, Mark Norman Francis, Drew McLellan, Simon Willison and many more. What a big opportunity for me to learn from these guys.
Nevertheless, London is quite a city and I am curious how I will manage my life over there. For the past 5 years I was used to live in a small city, with beautiful nature all around (mountains, Lake Constance close by), lots of opportunities to go out running or mountainbiking. This will not be the case in London, a very large city, some parks but crowded places all over. But let’s see…I worked it out to live in NYC for a while, so I believe I can do the same in London. Speaking of NYC…I believe renting an apartment in London is even more expensive than in Manhattan. Sad, but true. The flat that I have rented is located in Camden, within a 3 minute walking distance to the tube station and with a couple of shops close by on Camden High Street. And very important: Regents Park close by for doing sports.
I have about one and a half week left to spend some time at my parents house in Vienna. My flight to London (one way) is scheduled for May 12. I will blog as much as my spare time allows me to give you an idea about me living in London. And if you have the time, book a flight with one of these low cost airlines (for my European friends) and pay me a visit. But I have to warn you, I have only rented a studio flat, which means very little space 
Awesome! Congratulations Klaus! I was actually just wondering about you the other day and whether or not you had found a job yet. Yahoo! sounds like such a great opportunity. All the best!
Great news, Klaus, and don’t worry. London looks and is big, but you can find a small London with its village charms if you look properly. Camden is a very cool place to live and for example the Bean and Cup near Mornington Crescent is to me one of the coziest cafes in town (this is what I missed most when I moved here - the lack of a proper coffee culture).
Simon does not work at Yahoo! any longer, as he wanted to stay in Oxford rather than commuting every day, but you still have quite a pick of amazing colleagues to work with - including a lot of silent stars you never heard of but are simply amazing in what they do.
Great that it worked out for you, now let’s find you a desk…
Jonathan: Thanks for congratulating me! I am really excited about my new job. Will let you know how it goes
Chris: Thanks for the nice welcoming words. Speaking of proper coffee culture…as I am Vienna-native (with it’s world famous coffee houses) that’s one of the things I probably miss most when going some place else. And sipping a “Melange” out of a paper cup - NO WAY! What a sin! :-).
Hi, Klaus
I’m not sure if I leave this message, even we don’t know each other.
I was just web-surfing and found your blog.
Just to say, conglatuations to get new job.
Good luck.
Congratulations Klaus, and welcome aboard.
Justine: Thanks for congratulating me!
Drew: Thank you for your welcome-comment. Really looking forward to my first day at work
Congrats Klaus! I’m sure you’re going to have a great time with Yahoo! in London. It’s too bad you didn’t get to work with us over here in Vancouver, but hey, everything happens for a reason. Best of luck man!