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Thinking about moving to Greece

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Mustang318
  9/1/2002 20:28 EST

I'm from Chicago and I'm thinking about moving to Greece. I'm a welder by trade but have been taking night classes at the local community college the past 6 years for the computer information sciences degree.
This is going to be my last year. I'm looking to get into networking. My family is originally from the Kastoria
area. That's where my parents are going to retire. I was born and raised here in Chicago. I have been to Greece numerous times when I was younger and I like the atmosphere there. I know I probably won't find that kind of work in a small town like Kastoria. I'm probably going to look for something either in Thessaloniki or Athens. So far I've been hearing alot
of negative things about moving there. I was wondering if there's anybody out there who can tell me
what I may be facing if I move there. And I was also
wondering if anyone can tell me about the opportunities there for someone getting into the computer field.

Thanks,
Mustang

Tanam
  9/2/2002 09:44 EST

Hi, congratulations on your studies, there are always jobs opening up in the computer field nowadays so you should find something. As for moving to Greece you are right there is alot of negative feedback about it but I believe that your success depends on you. If you speak the language and are willing to adapt to a completely different lifestyle then you will enjoy it. The wages are not very good in Greece, especially when compared to the rest of Europe, but you get compensation in other ways; bonuses, extra money for children, not to mention the type of life you will be living! My husband comes from Crete and we have lived there on and off for 3 years now and are moving back permanently next year. I find some Greeks obnoxious and some fantastic just as I have with people in other countries, everybody is different. I love living with the Greeks and as for any that are xenophobic well I don't need them in my life thank you!! It is up to me who I chose to make friends with and those that I have I know will be there for me forever. So go to Greece with a positive attitude and simply dismiss those that don't want you there, because for everyone of them there are 10 more that are glad you came.

Good Luck!

Tara

Mustang318
  9/2/2002 13:56 EST

Thanks Tara, It's nice to finally get some positive feedback on the subject for once. Now I won't feel like
I'll be wasting my time by moving there. After all, I really like the atmosphere there and I'm wiiling to make a little less money as a trade-off to living a happy
life in such a beutiful country. Also, I met a lot of nice
people in Kastoria, so I know all native greeks aren't as bad as some people make them out to be. I just wasn't so sure about the rest of Greece since I'm only familiar with Kastoria. Again, thanks for your feedback
and I wish you a happy life in Crete like I plan to have
wherever I decide to move to in Greece.

Best regards
Mustang

priggipisa
  9/8/2002 19:30 EST

I'm a greek-american who moved here to Thessaloniki Sept. 2001, I can not say it has been an easy transition, but I read your message and wanted to make a comment. Totally agree with the other response you have in that... what you attitude is toward your move here, will make the difference. I've heard some greeks here say... life in Greece is better (implying better then america), my reply to them... is Life is Better... WHEREVER You Make it to be! I really believe that. It's a matter of a decision and an attitude. I don't think you'll have a hard time job wise, because computers is the way to go, however, I don't know much yet about the employment opportunities, so can't help there. Just felt I really needed to share that if you come here with a positive attitude... you can make the difference. Have fun and best wishes in your move (both career and move to Greece).

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