For many expats, working in Berlin will exist somewhere just left of the rabbit hole, or to put it more clearly, it won't exist at all.

Germany's capital claims the highest unemployment rate of any city in the nation, and not by a slim margin either. In 2009, rates were recorded at a whopping 14.2 percent, compared with a federal average of 8.2 percent.

Such a glaring discrepancy comes at the hands of a recession that lasted nearly without pause from 1996 to 2004. Previously a divided city, Berlin was forced to put forward growth on hold in order to rehabilitate or eradicate inefficient East German businesses, and to integrate the separate infrastructures of the formerly spliced metropolis.

The economic funk has done little to dampen the spirits of Berliners though, and in fact, its seems to have only shifted the paradigm - poverty has become the unassuming aesthetic.

As a result it has actually beckoned a young, creative expat community interested in working in Berlin to tap into the culture of innovation and to have access to the milieu of individuals inspired by the bowels of bohemian living.

Studio space is cheap in the metropolis and collectives are many, thus artists, performers, writers and musicians will find plenty of opportunity to get involved and make a buck or two. That being said, there are also those that arrive jobless only to find themselves returning home after a short stint; satisfying their own creative standard too much pressure in itself.

Despite Berlin's high rates of poverty and unemployment, it ranks near the top of German cities when it comes to job creation. Thus those with the skills and the drive have the potential to find a professional niche for themselves.

Expats who prefer a path paved by more formality should look into one of the many Internet and media start-ups that have popped up in post-wall Berlin. The city has also taken steps to establish itself as a global competitor poised to attract high-tech, modern service companies and those in the processing industry.

Pfizer has set up shop in Berlin as has Nokia.

Furthermore, with 11 universities, 21 colleges and polytechnics and 250 research institutes, Berlin also boats job opportunities in research and development.

As a final alternative, English-speaking expats should consider teaching English or working part-time in the tourism and hospitality service industries, the city's largest source of employment. These professions pay little, but are often easier to come by than freelance work or a position in a more formal sector.

Schools in Berlin that hire English teachers:

• Berlitz (4 schools in Berlin)

• Inlingua

• LSI Berlin - English Teacher

• Wall Street Institue

Jobsinberlin.eu is also a great resource listing employment opportunities for the English speaking community, as is reading the classified section of the main Berlin newspapers.

Speaking German is an immediate advantage, but depending on the position you may be pursuing, not an absolute necessity.