Why Leaving My Country Was One Of The Best Decisions Of My Life

Life lessons I learned on my journey to make a home away from home

” A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step.”

~Lao Tzu

Have you ever thought about moving abroad? Are you in a situation where you feel like leaving your home country is the only choice? Maybe you just want a fresh start in your life in a place where no one knows you. Let me tell you, you are not the only one.

Packing up and leaving your country without a solid plan in place can be intimidating — heck, it’s downright frightening. Yet, it’s something that I managed to do and hundreds of people are doing every day. Sometimes by choice, sometimes out of necessity. The situation is always different. The feeling always the same. You just have to set a date and pack your bags.

The decision is never an easy one, no matter how much you might want to escape a situation or start anew. You essentially have to say goodbye to your whole life, tear it down, squeeze it in a suitcase and try to assemble it again in a new, foreign place. It’s like building a kitchen from IKEA. Without a manual. And your tools are broken. Fun!

Here’s my experience, my journey through life that led me to where I am now; away from home, but finally feeling at home.

Dreams of a life abroad

I was born and raised in beautiful Greece. You know, the place where the sunsets are magical, the food is delicious and the sun is shining year-round. Sounds like a paradise on earth, right?

Well, maybe, if you’re a tourist. But not when you’re living there, unfortunately.

Growing up, I was part of a middle-class family, living a relatively comfortable life. I would dream of leaving Greece to make a big career abroad. Back then, it felt like a goal, something that I will choose to do at some point in my life when I can properly finance and plan it.

Fast-forward to more than a decade later, Greece was nose-deep in debt — a Pinocchio-sized nose that is, pointing up. My father, a once very successful business owner, was facing more and more issues daily, and he was not alone. Many businesses and lives were crumbling down every day.

At that time, leaving the country was not an option. I had no savings and my family’s financial situation was getting worse by the hour. Simply put, I felt stuck there, with no idea how to build my future.

But that is the key. When you feel stuck, when you feel like there is no way out, that’s when you have to take the first step and make a change. You might think about this change for a while without acting on it. You might be hesitant, afraid, or unsure if that’s what you actually want or need.

The universe however has a funny way of making things happen, if they’re meant to be. Sure enough, a moment will come when one thing will push you over the edge — the option to fly or sink will be yours.

The deciding factor

“And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”

~ Meister Eckhart

At the beginning of 2016, I was finally done with my studies, but, like most 20-something-year-olds, I had absolutely no idea what to do with my degree. I was hoping it would help me find a nice, entry-level position in a company and I would figure out my future from there.

Oh, I was so naive. Finding a job in Greece after graduation (without knowing some politician or CEO) can only be compared to trying to find a black cat in a coal cellar.

The job search was brutal. I applied for companies and had interviews only to be told that they will pay me 400€/month for 60 hours/week. Some went as far as to tell me during the interview that I was useless and an idiot to believe someone else would think I was worth more.

Around the same time, my father had filed for bankruptcy. That hit me like a truck. I felt like my time and my options were running out; I had to jump ship FAST. That was my fly or sink moment.

It was at the start of that year that my best friend had also taken the big step and moved his whole life to Germany. Seeing him do that had given me the idea and, most importantly, the courage to take the same step and plan my own move to Berlin. I finally had a concrete plan, at least in terms of where I wanted to go.

But first, I had to solve my savings issue, or rather, the lack thereof. And then I’d find the when.

I managed to find a job working as a promo girl on the street. Low salary, terrible working conditions under the cruel summer sun, and no potential for professional development. But I was saving every cent until I had enough for a one-way ticket to Berlin and a couple months’ rent.

And then I left.

Just like that. I knew that the time has come to say goodbye to my life and take a step into the unknown. Because nothing changes if nothing changes. You don’t even have to have it all figured out from the get-go.

Just go.

Be afraid. And do it anyway.

“Leaving home in a sense involves a kind of second birth in which we give birth to ourselves.”

~Robert Neelly Bellah

I must admit, I had nothing figured out when I got into that plane. Hell, I didn’t even speak the language.

For the first couple of months, I focused all my time, energy, and money into attending intensive language courses and applying to any and every English speaking position I could find.

Alas, my attempts were fruitless. By the 3rd month, my money had almost run out. I knew it would be hard, but I was not prepared for such a failure. I started second-guessing myself. Was it a mistake for leaving Greece without a plan? Maybe I am not worthy enough, maybe I had other choices. It might be a sign to go back home and give up my goal.

Your mind can play very dirty tricks on you when you feel defeated and demotivated. But what I learned is to trust myself and my instincts. NEVER GIVE UP.

I ended up applying for a position as a cleaning lady. There is nothing wrong with some honest, hard work, but still, in my mind, I felt like I had reached a new low in my life. I studied for years and I left my country to build a career, but instead, I was cleaning houses to pay my rent.

Regardless, I knew that this was something I had to go through, and I am happy I pushed through. I ended up working only for a little over a month with that company before a start-up offered me a job.

Like a Phoenix, I burned to ashes and was reborn stronger, more knowledgeable, and with a new appreciation for everything around me.

I was, for the first time since the start of my journey, on the right path to achieve my goal.

My life now

“Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes playing a poor hand well.”

~Jack London

I am now in Berlin for already 4 years and counting. I still live in the same small apartment I had when I first arrived. I still have the same motivation to always strive for the best and achieve even more ambitious goals. And I still suck at speaking German (it’s a hard language to learn, don’t judge!)

But other than that, everything else has changed. No, it has improved. Tenfold.

I am now working for a big company, which was always my goal. I have a good position, with multiple development opportunities, and most importantly, it allows me to travel often.

And traveling is something I’ve come to adore. In fact, I found a real passion for it. The life I’ve built for myself so far has allowed me to visit a big part of Europe, whether for business or privately. I met cultures and people from all over the world that made me richer, in a way no amount of money can.

The possibilities that still lie ahead of me are endless. Taking the step and leaving Greece was like entering a room with countless doors, all unlocked for me to enter and explore.

I am not afraid anymore. Now I know to trust myself and I will always fly, no matter what.

Lessons learned

“You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you have to overcome to reach your goals.”

~ Booker T. Washington

Leaving your home country is scary. It’s difficult, sometimes lonely, but it’s always worth it. The lessons you will learn are more precious than any amount of gold.

Looking back, I realize how much this journey had taught me. Lessons that will accompany me for the rest of my life. Lessons that made me who I am today; a person that I am proud of.

Don’t be afraid to make a change. You are in charge of your own happiness, so chase the path that will lead you there, no matter how rocky or muddy it might be at times.

Every little step counts, no matter how small. Just start walking, if you never begin, you will always wonder what if.

Great things never come from comfort zones. Trusting yourself and working hard for your dreams is the only way to succeed.

The world is full of opportunities. Spread your wings and go explore it. Your happiness hides somewhere along the way.