Dear all,

i did not find an appropriate forum topic for my question, so decided to place it here.

i worked in Germany for 4 years as GC, then took a break and did my Master degree (MBA) for 1 year. I still have my Aufenthaltserlaubnis for another 2 years. I am currently looking for jobs in Germany. Therefore 2 questions,
1. i am trying to get Arbeitslosgeld, but in Arbeitsamt i was told to be able to get the payment, i have to work at least 1 year in 2 last years. Because of my study , i worked less then 1 year in the last 2 years, but worked 4 years in germany and paid RV and SV.Does someone knows if there are special regulations for this case? Or if not, can i get a part of the Arbetslosgeld?

2. I am looking for a job as Project/Product/Programme manager for Telecom/IT companies or IT strategy/system integration consultant. Have 8 years of international experience in Telecom.
Would be grateful for any help/advice.

Many thanks,
Nataly

Hi, regarding 1 I think that combined working time for at least one in the last 2 years is a necessary condition to get Arbeitslosgeld I. Once you decided to pursue an MBA you voluntary excluded yourself from Arbeitsmarkt and therefore waived you right to request ALG I. I think that your previous payments for 4 years in this case can't be requested right now since they only would have influenced the duration of ALG I payments (would have been one year in your case) had you registered as Arbeitslos and started to look for a new job a year ago instead of going back to school. However, if you find a new job quick and are not happy about your new job you can quit as soon as your cumulative working time in the last 2 years will exceed 1 year and receive ALG I for 6 months. Since you probably fulfil the requirements to get Beschäftings Erlaubt status after working previusly for 4 years your job opportunities are not restricted to IT area.