Only Work In Your Educated Field

Hi all,

I’m curious about something I’ve heard quite often. There seems to be a perception that in Germany you are expected to work strictly in the field you were trained or formally educated in, and that changing industries is very difficult.

At the same time, I know several people who have been unemployed for quite a while, even though there are many open positions in other sectors that they would excel at, and are excited about.

Is this idea accurate?

Is it more of a cultural expectation, a legal requirement, or just an exaggeration?

I’d be really interested to hear how Germans view this.

Thanks!