The salary hit my account overnight first real paycheck in Berlin, a digital pat on the back at 2:17 a.m. I woke up just to stare at the notification, my thumb hovering over it as if it might vanish into thin air. Not a fortune, but mine. Earned. No strings attached. A small smile played on my lips as I rolled over and drifted back to sleep.

Not seating in am ideal office. Not just occupying space. This one I earned it blood and sweat. Real blood and sweat though.

I arrived early for the afternoon shift 13:20, ridiculously early so I took my time, strolling towards the hospital with...