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- Writer Kate Bettes relocated to Berlin but struggled with loneliness and productivity.
- She combats isolation by attending workshops, café work, and socializing with new connections.
- Balancing work with an active social life has improved her productivity and mental well-being.
Everyone told me working and living in Europe was a dream come true. But no one said how lonely it could be.
As a dedicated extrovert, I've always loved the energy of others. In Sydney, my hometown, I've worked in large, close-knit offices. Keeping up with my sprawling friendship group could sometimes be a welcome game of Jenga. I lived with my partner, and my family was close by.