From rock bottom to pizza delivery: Katja's way out of trouble in the Uckermark

From rock bottom to pizza delivery: Katja's way out of trouble in the Uckermark

What motivates us when life pushes us against the wall? For Katja Müller, it was a piece of paper with a job offer that changed everything. Three years ago, in an exceptional emotional situation, the then 32-year-old discovered an offer for a job as a pizza driver in Prenzlauer Pagoden-Carré. After a painful separation from her boyfriend, she was suddenly responsible for her own livelihood as a single mother of two children.

With an extremely strong will, Katja wanted to build something on her own and applied for the job at the pizzeria “Domino’s”, even though she didn’t have a driver’s license. But the employer provided her with a bicycle, which was ideal for her. She got the job and has been delivering pizzas in the surrounding area five days a week ever since. Her new job is a welcome opportunity that she seizes with both hands Northern Courier reported.

A challenge on two wheels

The job as a pizza driver not only brings financial relief, but also some challenges. Katja transports up to three large bags per tour and appreciates the team and the simplified work thanks to the bike's electric motor. However, it doesn't go unnoticed that road safety often leaves a lot to be desired. She has found herself in dangerous situations several times and longs for more consideration from drivers. So far she has only had one serious fall, but has adapted well to the new routine. This is how she manages to combine family and work and cooks at home in the evenings to save money.

The labor market situation in the Uckermark is not easy. According to the latest figures, the unemployment rate in this region is 11.3 percent, with 6,494 registered unemployed in June 2025, of which 74.6 percent are recipients of citizen's benefit. Compared to the same month last year, unemployment rose by 0.6 percentage points. These figures make it impressively clear how hard life is for many single parents, who often have to struggle with financial challenges. This also underlines this State employment agency.

The situation of single parents

The Bertelsmann Foundation has repeatedly pointed out that single parents have the highest risk of poverty. Despite their efforts to secure their livelihood, they often face enormous financial hurdles. An expert from the foundation, Sarah Menne, is therefore calling for more effective financial support. Measures to improve the compatibility of family and work are also essential. These include good daycare places, reliable childcare options in schools and flexible working time models from companies.

Society is therefore facing major challenges. It is not only time to better understand the situation of single parents, but also to actively work on solutions. For Katja Müller, the job as a pizza driver is a step in the right direction, but outside support remains essential. You and many other single parents not only need a living, but also a supportive environment in order to cope with their everyday lives.

Politicians have a duty to create incentives so that fathers take more responsibility for childcare and finally create the framework conditions that families in Germany urgently need. A serious commitment in these areas could perhaps make life noticeably easier for many families instead of leaving them in the poverty trap like this Bertelsmann Foundation emphasized.