Well I still believe that the main issue is Greeks leaving. We have this false thought that when Greeks go abroad they always return as "superstars". We can see the issues such beliefs create particularly in recruiting: many companies based in Greece would prefer to hire someone coming from abroad than nurturing local talent, even when the skills of the two candidates aren't actually that different. Many ONLY do recruiting campaigns for Greeks abroad.
Neither the EU nor the US are responsible for educating us. It is simply not sustainable. It is like in VC, if someone didn't believe/support you in the early-stages, would you care if they invested in you in the growth stage (unless they are a top-tier firm)?
Thanks for sharing, very insightful! I have some friends that returned to Greece in the last year or two and they’ve loved the lifestyle. Career progression still be a bit more development but seems to be on the right track.
Yes, the lifestyle is indeed great but as you point out we have a lot of work to do with career progression, especially for junior employees. Thanks for the feedback!
I have twice tried to get Greek citizenship (my dad is Greek). Second time I wanted to move back there. Each time I spent about US$5K equivalent and just got stuffed around by the consulate in Melbourne with no outcome. They want all payments in cash (how dodgy is that!?) and they have just changed their rules so you can't pay lawyers in Greece to organise the paperwork for you anymore.
I am sorry to hear that, Richard. It is a long, expensive, unclear and arduous process. I have often spoken publicly about how terrible it is and how it needs to become easier asap. Here's to hoping...
Unfortunately, all I can do while reading this otherwise optimistic article, it to reflect upon what Professor Artavanis-Tsakonas said a few days ago in his interview to Kathimerini newspaper...
It was an important interview, which I also included in the newsletter. I hope it is read widely. But it is not the only side of Greece and also not the only side of the story. The state-led Greek education/research landscape has a wealth of problems and requires a radical overhaul (as well as many more resources). It also requires outsiders that are both given the space to enact changes and are willing to go the extra mile with strong perseverance. In the past, we either had neither or only one of these factors, but only together can they bring real change.
I agree on the crucial role of the Diaspora and the lack of a satisfactory coordination body . Ministers appointed for " apodimoi " are not up to the task. They lack experience and understanding of the issues. I have personally experienced some disappointing incidents. Also the diaspora initiative should NOT be politicised and used by the government as a vote seeking tool .
I agree that it should remain non-politicized. Sadly, we have not seen any real political interest in integrating the diaspora with domestic Greece until this government came around (including the revolutionary change in the law allowing Greeks from abroad to be able to vote in general elections). There is tremendous room for improvement. But we are also finally taking the right steps. I can only hope this trend continues in the future, regardless of government.
This is a complicated subject, no easy answers to be found anywhere. However, the huge salary gap is the main driving factor for leaving Greece in the frst place, also for not coming back. As you presented in your previous article last week (if I recall correctly) the gap with Europe is widening. It would be very interesting if we could see some data about what jobs are doing those who return, salary ranges etc.
I really hope the positive trends continue and everyone has a prosperous and happy life back home.. this of course depends on the socialist/communist gangrene never again returns to lead the country.. I fear this is again a possibility though so for everyone thinking about returning, factor this into your plans.. aka Konstantopoulou & Co. 🤣😂
Well I still believe that the main issue is Greeks leaving. We have this false thought that when Greeks go abroad they always return as "superstars". We can see the issues such beliefs create particularly in recruiting: many companies based in Greece would prefer to hire someone coming from abroad than nurturing local talent, even when the skills of the two candidates aren't actually that different. Many ONLY do recruiting campaigns for Greeks abroad.
Neither the EU nor the US are responsible for educating us. It is simply not sustainable. It is like in VC, if someone didn't believe/support you in the early-stages, would you care if they invested in you in the growth stage (unless they are a top-tier firm)?
Two articles worth reading at the intersection of Greece's brain drain, brain regain & diaspora:
Greece's journey from 'Brain Drain' to 'Brain Re-Gain' https://ethantchandler.substack.com/p/greeces-journey-from-brain-drain
Μήπως κερδίζουμε από το brain drain; https://www.kathimerini.gr/opinion/562839982/mipos-kerdizoyme-apo-to-brain-drain/
Good reads
Thanks for sharing, very insightful! I have some friends that returned to Greece in the last year or two and they’ve loved the lifestyle. Career progression still be a bit more development but seems to be on the right track.
Here’s a Greek owned platform that allows you to generate these charts into videos to make them more engaging. Check it out: https://hometreedigital.com/ava-data-visualization/
Yes, the lifestyle is indeed great but as you point out we have a lot of work to do with career progression, especially for junior employees. Thanks for the feedback!
I have twice tried to get Greek citizenship (my dad is Greek). Second time I wanted to move back there. Each time I spent about US$5K equivalent and just got stuffed around by the consulate in Melbourne with no outcome. They want all payments in cash (how dodgy is that!?) and they have just changed their rules so you can't pay lawyers in Greece to organise the paperwork for you anymore.
So frustrating.
I am sorry to hear that, Richard. It is a long, expensive, unclear and arduous process. I have often spoken publicly about how terrible it is and how it needs to become easier asap. Here's to hoping...
Unfortunately, all I can do while reading this otherwise optimistic article, it to reflect upon what Professor Artavanis-Tsakonas said a few days ago in his interview to Kathimerini newspaper...
It was an important interview, which I also included in the newsletter. I hope it is read widely. But it is not the only side of Greece and also not the only side of the story. The state-led Greek education/research landscape has a wealth of problems and requires a radical overhaul (as well as many more resources). It also requires outsiders that are both given the space to enact changes and are willing to go the extra mile with strong perseverance. In the past, we either had neither or only one of these factors, but only together can they bring real change.
I agree on the crucial role of the Diaspora and the lack of a satisfactory coordination body . Ministers appointed for " apodimoi " are not up to the task. They lack experience and understanding of the issues. I have personally experienced some disappointing incidents. Also the diaspora initiative should NOT be politicised and used by the government as a vote seeking tool .
I agree that it should remain non-politicized. Sadly, we have not seen any real political interest in integrating the diaspora with domestic Greece until this government came around (including the revolutionary change in the law allowing Greeks from abroad to be able to vote in general elections). There is tremendous room for improvement. But we are also finally taking the right steps. I can only hope this trend continues in the future, regardless of government.
This is a complicated subject, no easy answers to be found anywhere. However, the huge salary gap is the main driving factor for leaving Greece in the frst place, also for not coming back. As you presented in your previous article last week (if I recall correctly) the gap with Europe is widening. It would be very interesting if we could see some data about what jobs are doing those who return, salary ranges etc.
Yes, that's a great point. I'd love to have that data too!
I really hope the positive trends continue and everyone has a prosperous and happy life back home.. this of course depends on the socialist/communist gangrene never again returns to lead the country.. I fear this is again a possibility though so for everyone thinking about returning, factor this into your plans.. aka Konstantopoulou & Co. 🤣😂
It wouldn't be Greece if it wasn't a rollercoaster ride, for sure! :)