I can only support this. I am 43 now (european). Of course also here nobody will tell you why they did not employ you, but one thing is obvious: with 30 I wrote

I can only support this. I am 43 now (european). Of course also here nobody will tell you why they did not employ you, but one thing is obvious: with 30 I wrote 2-3 applications and usually had the choice between 2-3 jobs. Nowadays I don't even get replies anymore. One problem that I see is the relative age compared to the future collegues. With >40 you usually know a hell of a lot more than mid 20s. Unfortunately this includes the managers who are often also <30. The best idea is indeed Tichys: gather experience, knowledge and money as long as you can and then do a startup later. This does not necessarily exclude family. At 25 we may not need so much cash but with a family in the background there should be at least one (hopefully secure) income in the background.