When I first moved to Greece over eight years ago, I was drawn by the country’s rich history, culture, and warm people. As a Greek American, I knew I would have an easier time fitting in. Greece offered all that I expected, but it also revealed a mix of social, political, and economic challenges that I was not expecting.
As a Greek-American, I’ve had a unique perspective. I feel close to Greece as my ancestral homeland, but after so many years and so many conversations, I also see the differences in its systems and values from what I grew up with in America. My time here has been a personal journey, shared with Greeks facing similar challenges such as “What will I do in life?” and “How will I survive/thrive?” in a country still grappling with its recent history and current crises.
As someone who has now sat down for coffee over 1000 times with Greek locals, this is what I have been able to conclude: a lot is broken.
Greece’s economic crisis, which started around 2009, fundamentally changed the dynamics of economics and society. The boomers of Greece grew up during an authoritarian dictatorship, which substantially improved infrastructure and the economy (for a short period), but newer generations changed course in the 70s. This is when the mismanagement of government funds started, which led to the Greeks thinking that the country was moving in the right direction because of high government spending and the creation of various welfare programs.
In 2004, Greece reached its ultimate peak, hosting the 2004 Olympics and winning the Euro Cup that same year as a major underdog! Hosting the Olympics was iconic, but it was the final blow of the overborrowing and overspending by the Greek government. By 2008, the bubble finally burst.
Public protests to the debt crisis forever changed Greece’s outlook on economic health and stability.
Today the economy has improved slightly, but the effects of the crisis are endemic. The price of goods continues to rise similarly to the United States, while wages remain stagnant. In my eight years here, I have seen the price of souvlaki rise from 2.50 euros to 3 and eventually to 3.50 per wrap. For context, the average Greek makes a mere €400 per month working six days a week.
Greeks who make €1k/mo on a single income find themselves at the upper end of the spectrum, a massive contrast to my experience working in America. Even if you are educated with a degree and work experience, a “good job” still doesn’t pay well. Many educated young Greeks leave the country for better opportunities abroad, leading to a “brain drain” that leaves Greece without its most skilled professionals.
When I moved to Greece, I was 24 years old. The group of local Greeks who took me in as their friend was divided into two groups, the kids who went to college, and the kids who stayed home to work. Eight years later, these are the results:
Some stay home and get local jobs at coffee shops or work trade jobs, confining themselves to the lower class. Some leave to work in the army but don’t like it, so they eventually return home.
Others get their degrees but then can’t find a job that suits them or offers sufficient wages. It’s incredibly frustrating because it leaves educated people underemployed or completely unemployed. If you thought the U.S. had an unfair system, this one is worse.
The ones who play it safe go into shipping or mechanical engineering on ships. This is a very common path Greeks take when they just know they don’t want to be poor or take risks. The downside is that this job involves months away from home, something that few Greeks are willing to do, especially those with families.
There is a popular sentiment that the government cannot be trusted, especially following the Greek economic crisis.
The rising cost of living is very real, especially in cities like Athens. Rent has skyrocketed due to the short-term rental market for tourists which cuts off supply and makes it hard for locals to afford housing. Even pushing many people out of the neighborhoods where they have lived for generations.
In many cases, Greek workers face challenging job conditions. Many are paid under the table, wages are monthly rather than hourly, and those with degrees often don’t get to work within their field of study. Most people don’t know what “building credit” is. Business owners find it hard to operate legally, further complicating the job market.
Politically, Greece has been turbulent. The past few years have seen shifts in government, from the left-wing Syriza, which promised to end austerity, to the center-right New Democracy. Each new party makes grandiose promises, but the people often leave disappointed year in and year out. Many Greeks believe politicians are out of touch with everyday struggles, creating a sense of widespread disillusionment with the political system.
Basic government services are massively underfunded. Passport offices and police stations have inherited rundown facilities, employees lack basic tools like printers or office chairs. This lack of investment in public services reduces confidence in the government and brings about the general sentiment of chronic corruption and enormous bureaucracy.
Corruption and bureaucracy remain serious issues, creating frustration and leading some to feel that the system works against the people. This has led to frequent protests, strikes, and growing political apathy as fewer people turn out to vote. The most recent national elections in 2023 saw voter turnout struggle to pass 53%, a historic low. European elections peaked impressively in Greece in 1981 with an 81.5% turnout, crashing down to a mere 58.7% in the last race.
Due to its geographical and political orientation, Greece has endured the bulk of the European migrant crisis.
Greece’s location as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East has made it a major point for migrants and refugees, especially from conflict-ridden countries like Syria and Afghanistan. Handling this influx has created tension in Greece and with other European Union countries. Far-right sentiment has risen in response, though it’s not as dominant as during the 2010s. Regardless, it feeds off public worries about migration and economic instability.
Socially, Greece is in a period of change. Proud of its traditions, Greece is trying to balance them with modern values. The older generation holds on to the values that helped them through past hardships, while younger people, now more connected to the world, are pushing for a more progressive society.
This shift brings challenges, especially around issues like LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and immigration. These topics are becoming more common in public discussions, especially in cities like Athens, but rural areas remain more conservative. The church still has a big influence, and for some Greeks, these social issues feel like threats to national identity.
Change is happening here, but it’s slower, and it sometimes feels like I’m experiencing issues that were common in America years ago. It makes me feel sometimes that I can tell the future.
Despite these challenges, the Greek people show incredible resilience. There’s a deep pride in our culture, and many pour everything into their work, knowing the odds are tough. This pride in their heritage is inspiring and something I’ve come to admire. There’s also a strong sense of community, and people are always willing to help one another, even in tough times.
In my eight years here, I’ve learned that there is hope within these struggles. There’s a sense of community and strength that carries Greece forward. I feel both hopeful and frustrated — hopeful for Greece’s potential and frustrated by the slow pace of change. Greece has a strong foundation, but its future depends on addressing these challenges with real reform and a government that supports its people.
Just recently, I went to a passport office for a visa extension – for a friend, not mine. Due to the system being so frustrating, we found a few individuals who helped us bend the rules and complete our visa extension in under a day. I wholeheartedly consider this a miracle, and it left a positive impression on my friend. Those people were nice and wanted to help, but sometimes their hands are tied.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Greeks are too resilient to give up on their country.