Setting the Scene
I’ve been living in Lisbon for the past 2.5 years, a city that often gets praised for its warm weather, stunning views, and friendly locals. But, as much as this place has its charm, my experience here has been far from ideal. In fact, after all this time, I’ve realized that Lisbon isn’t where I want to be, neither personally nor professionally.
What brought me to Lisbon in the first place? Like many expats, I came for work. The booming BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry here offered several job opportunities, and I landed a position in one of these companies, with the prospect of exploring a new city. At first, it seemed like an exciting adventure, but over time, I found myself growing increasingly disillusioned.
Recently, I received a job offer in Athens, Greece, and this is why I’m seriously considering making the move. I want to share my reasons for wanting to leave Lisbon and what draws me to Athens in this phase of my life.
Why Lisbon Fell Short of My Expectations
I want to start by saying that Lisbon isn’t necessarily a bad city—it just wasn’t the right fit for me. For many people, the idea of moving to Lisbon sounds like a dream. Picturesque streets, Fado music, pastel de nata, and Atlantic Ocean breezes. But what many don’t realize is that living here, especially as an expat working in a BPO, comes with a unique set of challenges.
1. The BPO Industry in Lisbon: A Disappointing Experience
Working in Lisbon’s BPO sector is not as glamorous as some might think. The pay, for one, is significantly lower than the cost of living in the city. I’ve worked for some of the bigger names like Fujitsu and Capgemini, and even though these are reputable companies, the salaries offered to BPO agents are disappointing. I’ve been earning between €950 and €1,200 a month, which might seem decent at first glance, but when you factor in the cost of rent, utilities, and other living expenses, it’s hardly enough to live comfortably.
Lisbon’s rental market has exploded in recent years, with rents skyrocketing as more and more tourists and expats move here. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can easily cost over €1,300 per month. And don’t even get me started on the competition for apartments—it’s fierce. You’re often competing with short-term tourists who can afford to pay top dollar for Airbnb-style accommodations.
2. Struggling with the Cost of Living
It’s not just rent that’s expensive here. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs all add up. As someone who works in a BPO, where the pay is just above the minimum wage, I’ve found myself budgeting more than I’d like. I often feel like I’m working just to make ends meet, and there’s little room for saving or enjoying life to the fullest.
3. Feeling Disconnected from the City and Its People
One of the biggest disappointments has been my inability to connect with Lisbon and its people. Despite living here for over two years, I still don’t feel like I belong. Language barriers play a big role in this—I’ve tried to learn Portuguese, but it’s been tough, especially when most of my coworkers and expat friends speak English. The locals can sometimes be reserved, and while they’re polite, I’ve found it hard to form deeper connections. It’s a stark contrast to the vibrant community I had hoped to find.
The Appeal of Athens: Why I’m Considering the Move
Now, with a job offer in Athens on the table, I find myself at a crossroads. While Lisbon has become a place of frustration, Athens seems like a fresh start. There are several reasons why I’m leaning toward taking the plunge and moving to Greece.
1. A Lower Cost of Living
One of the most appealing aspects of Athens is the significantly lower cost of living, especially compared to Lisbon. Rent in Athens is far more affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around €577, which is about half of what I would pay in Lisbon. Even outside the city center, rent is much more reasonable, allowing me to save more or at least have some disposable income to enjoy life.
Beyond rent, utilities are higher, but when balanced against the lower overall cost of living, I still come out ahead financially. Public transport is cheaper, and groceries like fruits, vegetables, and meat tend to be more affordable too. Moving to Athens would give me more breathing room, and that’s something I’ve been missing in Lisbon.
2. A Better Work-Life Balance
The job offer I’ve received is still within the BPO industry, but the company in Athens seems to offer better benefits and a more relaxed work environment. From what I’ve gathered, there’s less pressure to constantly perform, and more emphasis on work-life balance, something I feel I’ve been missing in Lisbon. With lower living costs and slightly better pay prospects, I could actually enjoy life outside of work, rather than constantly worrying about bills and rent.
3. The Warmth of Greek Culture
While I haven’t spent much time in Athens yet, I’ve always been intrigued by Greek culture. From everything I’ve heard, Greeks are more laid-back and welcoming. I’ve visited once, and what struck me most was how friendly and open people were. Even with the language barrier, I felt a sense of hospitality that I haven’t quite found in Lisbon. It’s that warmth that I’m hoping to experience if I move to Athens.
4. Opportunities to Explore a New Country
Athens is a city steeped in history, and the prospect of living in a place where ancient ruins are just part of the landscape is incredibly appealing. There’s so much to explore in Greece, from the islands to the mainland, and I love the idea of weekend getaways to places like Santorini or Crete. Portugal has its beautiful coastline, but I’ve seen it all now, and I’m ready for new adventures.
5. Personal Growth and a Fresh Start
Ultimately, I feel like Athens offers the fresh start that I need at this stage in my life. Lisbon has worn me down in ways I didn’t expect, and I’ve grown tired of the constant struggle to stay afloat financially. Athens feels like a chance to hit reset, to start over in a city where I can not only live but thrive. It’s a move that excites me, and I think that’s a feeling I’ve been missing for a while now.
Weighing the Risks: What Am I Giving Up?
Of course, no move is without its risks. Athens may seem appealing now, but there are some things I’ll be leaving behind in Lisbon, even if I haven’t fully embraced the city.
1. The Familiarity of Lisbon
After 2.5 years here, I’ve gotten used to Lisbon, even if I don’t love it. I know the streets, the transport system, and where to go for the best coffee or meal. Moving to Athens means starting from scratch again. New city, new language, new everything. There’s a certain comfort in the familiar, and that’s something I’ll be giving up if I make the move.
2. The Weather
Lisbon’s weather is undeniably beautiful. With over 300 sunny days a year, it’s hard to complain about the climate. Athens also has warm weather, but the summers are much hotter, and I’ve heard that it can be overwhelming at times. I’ll miss Lisbon’s breezy Atlantic winds, especially during those scorching Greek summers.
3. Potential Language Barriers
Though I struggled with Portuguese, I’m aware that Greek will be no easier. While English is widely spoken in Athens, the challenge of learning yet another language looms large. I know I’ll face many of the same struggles I’ve had in Lisbon when it comes to communication with locals.
Conclusion: Ready for Change
At the end of the day, the decision to leave Lisbon and move to Athens is one that I feel ready to make. While Lisbon had its charms, it never quite felt like home. The high cost of living, the difficulty in forming connections, and the constant financial stress have worn me down. Athens, with its lower costs, warmer culture, and potential for a fresh start, feels like the right place for me to be.
I’m excited about the opportunities that await me in Athens, and while I know there will be challenges ahead, I’m ready for the change. Sometimes, you just need to move on, and for me, that time has come. Lisbon, thank you for the memories, but it’s time for me to say goodbye.
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