Lars M.
Lars M., a software engineer in Germany, has reached a sobering realization that even his well-paying tech career leaves him fundamentally vulnerable in an economy increasingly divided between those who sell their time and those who own assets. The recent wave of tech layoffs has crystallized his understanding that despite his good salary, he remains "working class" - entirely dependent on his employer's decisions and market whims.
His frustration extends beyond job security to wealth building, as he watches profitable tech companies conduct seemingly strategic layoffs to suppress worker market value. Even with his engineering salary, buying an apartment in Germany's expensive urban centers - where the jobs are concentrated - feels completely out of reach. This housing crisis reality facing even well-paid professionals reflects broader European urban affordability challenges.
Determined to escape what he sees as a trap of perpetual employment dependency, Lars is already taking steps toward financial independence through monthly ETF investments. However, he recognizes that building real wealth will likely require transitioning from employee to owner, possibly through starting his own business, though he admits feeling not yet experienced enough for that leap.
It feels like as long as I am primarily and employee, I will never 'make it'.
