Should I move to Greece?

February 10, 2008 at 2:38 pm · Filed under Moving to Greece and tagged:

Thinking about moving to Greece? Think long and hard.

It has always been my intention to publish an article about moving to Greece, since the question of, “Should I?” is the first thing people confront. With the recent spike in questions and requests for advice on the subject, I think about it more.

However, I have never been comfortable with dispensing advice on big decisions. Why?

- Each individual is different — what’s right for one person is not for another;

- Greece is very much a “results may vary” country — anything is possible (good and bad) under the same circumstances;

- I don’t know you, nor do you know me — I’m flattered you would trust me enough to ask my opinion, but this is still about you. I am a messenger and truthteller, not a fortune teller.

No one is fit to advise people on decisions that will permanently impact the course of their life, so consulting friends, relatives or strangers in a forum is a waste of time. This is your life, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks — it only matters what you think and what you can live with.

How I and this Web site can help you

I started this Web site with the intention of assisting you on your journey, filling a void by providing transparent practical information, complemented with news and stories not heard in mainstream media to break down stereotypes, heresay and myths. Unintentionally, it has become a bridge to creating understanding between people and a community for readers to connect and share stories, regardless of nationality.

A small minority believe this site is negative, and I’m on a mission to discourage people from moving to Greece, though I don’t see what I’d have to gain from doing that. You may never encounter the same difficulties that I and many others have faced, but wouldn’t you rather know the warnings and pitfalls in advance rather than be surprised after you’ve given up your home, career and bank account? Further, if people are so easily frightened by the information and stories on this site, I can say with certainty that they won’t have the balls to face down the reality that awaits them here and will likely be eaten alive.

The majority believe this Web site is — aside from being helpful — the most honest, objective and realistic account of what it’s like to live and work in Greece, with readers often telling me they nod their heads when reading something I’ve written, learn something new and recommend me to people they know. Some even say it’s inspiring and have embraced me as their friend. I am humbled, especially since many of these people are Greek.

Everyone takes away something different, and that’s the point, after all. Life is both good and bad, every country has pros and cons, every action has benefits and consequences, every person has likes and dislikes. It’s important to sit quietly with yourself and be clear about what you want, define your priorities and make a commitment to persevere. Answers come from within, and dreams come true when those answers are put into action.

This site is a resource and gift to you, which I built in my free time and am offering free of charge to help your dreams come true, whatever they may be. It can help you break down reality, be happy where you are and consider non-Hellenic options, or it can save you time and pain by empowering you with 10 years of first-hand knowledge and experience, so you can jump to the front of the line and take advantage of what I’ve learned on your journey to Greece.

It’s up to you.
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3 Comments

  Phillip wrote @ February 11, 2008 at 9:42 am

You summarize the ‘big decision’ of moving to Greece very well. It’s a very difficult decision that involves weighing a lot of different factors, and these factors apply to each individual in their own unique way. It’s certainly not a decision that anyone can make for you.

There’s little information out there that helps, unless people happen to stumble across this site. I find that there’s more information out there that really scares you! But, the scare is there for a very good reason…it is not so simple to just up and move to Greece, and I think a lot of people don’t realize that. There are real things to consider about coming here, and the bureaucracy is not the beach or the cafes and the nightclubs, meaning, it’s not laid back and it’s not fun. It’s really tough and it takes a lot of patience and accepting the fact that sometimes things go wrong in the realms of Greek bureaucracy. ‘Sometimes’ is probably an understatement. I didn’t have that many things go wrong though, thankfully.

  Peter wrote @ February 21, 2008 at 12:52 am

Hi Kat, I’m posting here as I couldn’t find a more worthy spot to comment.

I’ve taken a quick read of your blog and it’s detailed, thought out, genuine and unbiased.

You still live in Greece therefore, you can’t have a grudge. Tell it like it is and allow people to make their own decision about Greece.

Greece and Greeks like to sweep “problems” under the rug. The sooner they solve their problems, the sooner they crawl out of their morass.

Peter

  KT wrote @ May 8, 2008 at 3:13 am

I noticed you have been to many countries and places in the US. I am considering trying my luck in Cali , FL and even Mexico, because I want a similiar climate to Greece..What’s your opinion about those areas? As far as people critisizing some of your posts, I think it’s stupid. I believe that if not all, 99% of citizens who live permanently, or have experienced life in Greece, would agree that you give your honest opinion of how life really is there, and the daily struggles people go through.

Note from Kat: Hi again KT, my belief is you need to at least visit those places and do a little research based on your priorities. I do have opinions on those places, but like I said in the article, it’s really up to you and what you want. Fortunately or unfortunately, I’m the kind of person you could put anywhere and find a way to be happy. I’m from California, so I’m highly biased. I love Mexico, but that’s because I love scuba, can speak Spanish and it’s so close to CA. Also loved Miami for different reasons, and the mosquitoes loved me too.

Most people who criticize me have never lived outside GR or enjoy a lifestyle in GR (connections, parents’ money paid for their education and house, still living at home, team of lawyers, etc.) in which they are never (or hardly) exposed to bureaucracy or infrastructure, so they have no clue what I’m talking about. It’s much easier to call me a liar than admit their own ignorance.

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