working in greece

debgraham1404

Member

Member since 22 September 2015

Hartlepool

debgraham1404

27 September 2015 12:50:35

debgraham1404

27 September 2015 12:50:35

Hartlepool

My husband and I are desperate to come to greece and find work. We both work at the moment in england so would be a big jump for us. Do you think we would find work and cheap accomodation at beginning of season. We would take savings but thats not gunna last forever. Ideal work would be for us to run a small hotel or bar. We only speak english. Any advice would be very welcome. Thanks debra

Greeklish

Member

Member since 27 September 2015

Kypseli

Greeklish

28 September 2015 01:50:05

Greeklish

28 September 2015 01:50:05

Kypseli

Hi Debra,

I cannot speak from exhaustive experience I have only been here 4 months myself, and we came on a wing and a prayer. I am fortunate my partner is of Greek nationality, I think without prior Greek lesson's ahead of embarking on such a move would be shoveling you know what uphill. I had one year of lesson's and I losely manage out there in the wild by myself, I consider my miming skills, combined with few Greek words get's me through, along with a good laugh.

Your accommodation costs can be as broad as your imagination, depending on area and what you consider cheap, just jump on a few local search engines for rental properties.

I think your potential downfall will be bureaucracy, lack of knowledge on the Greek language, I would not come expecting to find work, unless you where thinking of buying your own business. I strongly suspect nepotism is high on the agenda, from what I have observed.

If you do have many acquaintances or access to a data base of properties held by your own people living in England, such as holiday homes, and other accommodation, you may be able to set up a business overseeing the management, maintenance and letting of the properties. You could be their eyes and ears on terra firma, I believe sourcing an income in Greece which is largely reliant on a stronger currency other than the Euro might be your only hope among otherwise very slim pickings.

All the best in your decisions.

Nadine

queenmarcyofficial

Member

Member since 30 September 2015

Thessaloniki

queenmarcyofficial

30 September 2015 15:25:26

queenmarcyofficial

30 September 2015 15:25:26

Thessaloniki

Hello Debra.

We live in Greece.
We expand an online travel business.
Maybe that will help you with your husband.
My email is *****************
You can connect with me.

Thanks

Moderated by Priscilla 8 years ago
Reason : Do not post your personal contact details on a public forum for your own security

Mr Kojak

Member

Member since 15 June 2015

Corfu

Mr Kojak

13 October 2015 14:01:35

Mr Kojak

13 October 2015 14:01:35

Corfu

Greece has extremely high unemployment. The economy is in tatters. Jobs outside of the tourist industry or very specialized sectors such as programming or other highly skilled work are naturally going to be taken first by Greek speakers. Although standard European laws cover employment here, the tourist industry is notorious for poor and late wage payment, ridiculously long hours and poor conditions for workers. In theory, workers should pay tax and insurance, but many seasonal employers, particularly of foreign workers, attempt to circumvent this, more so in remoter resort areas.

I live and work in Corfu legally and am fortunate in having a good employer, but my job is in a fairly specialized area. Every year, I see seasonal workers cut off at the end of summer, often with a month or two's arrears in wages.

I am not saying that all Greek seasonal employers are less than compliant with tax and employment regulations, but a significant number are. My advice would be to research carefully before making a leap into the comparative unknown. People can and do succeed in relocating, but it gets harder every year.

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