From opera singer to carer - A midlife career change | DW Documentary

For over 20 years, Boris Grappe performed on opera stages across Europe. Then, at 45, he decided to become a carer for the elderly. This film looks back at his previous life as a baritone singer, and follows him in his new life as a carer in training.

Boris Grappe can be described as a man who made it. For over 20 years, he performed as a baritone singer on opera stages across Europe, yet he found himself feeling unfulfilled by his life as a performer. Boris decided he wanted to give back to society in real life instead of on the stage, so he began training to become a carer. Today, he cares for those in need.

Many people face an existential crisis at some point in their lives. They ask themselves whether they made the right decisions, whether the way they lead their life has meaning, and whether they are happy. But it takes courage and determination to make radical life changes and opt for a fresh start.

Thinking about and confronting these essential questions of life was a long process for Boris. But during the Covid-19 crisis, he reached a decision, and took the step to start a new chapter of his life. At age 45, he is now in his first year in training to become a carer - and he has even found ways to bring his musical talent into his work at the Ida-Scipio-Home in Mannheim, with astonishing results.

Working as a carer in Germany has the reputation of being an extremely difficult job that isn’t sufficiently remunerated. Many choose to leave their jobs as carers. So the move to switch from a successful musical career to care work might seem strange to some. But Boris is convinced his fresh start will be beneficial to society. The film follows him in his new daily routine as a carer.

#documentary #dwdocumentary #existentialcrisis
______

DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary.

Subscribe to:
⮞ DW Documentary (English): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumentary
⮞ DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumental
⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocarabia
⮞ DW Doku (German): https://www.youtube.com/dwdoku
⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi): https://www.youtube.com/dwdochindi

For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610
Follow DW Documentary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwdocumentary/
Follow DW Documental on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwdocumental

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G