My new chapter: “Athens gave me the freedom to grow”


Have you ever felt stuck in the same routine, wishing for something new? That was me until I booked a one-way ticket to Athens. From sunset walks in Plaka to making new friends at language meetups, here’s how I found freedom, growth, and a new beginning in Greece.
A new chapter I didn’t know I needed
Hi, I’m Bea, and a little while ago, I was going through a bit of a rough patch. Work felt repetitive, all my days looked the same, and I just couldn’t shake the feeling that something needed to change. I was craving something different, even if I didn’t know exactly what. One night, I was catching up with an old friend over coffee, and she told me how much moving abroad had changed her. Something about that conversation stuck with me.
Later that week, while scrolling through stories of people who had taken the leap, I found a blog post by someone who had moved to Athens. The photos, the lifestyle, the way she described the energy of the city—it sparked something in me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. A few weeks later, I came across a vacancy for a Customer Support role in Athens. I didn’t speak Greek, had never been to Greece, and wasn’t sure if I was being impulsive. But something told me to go for it. I applied, got the job, and before I knew it, I was landing in Athens with a suitcase full of nerves and excitement. 🛩️
Why Athens stole my heart
Athens is one of those cities that really surprises you. It feels lively and ancient at the same time. On weekends, I love getting lost in the old streets of Plaka or hiking up Filopappou Hill for a sunset view that still takes my breath away. The sea is always close, and a quick tram ride can take you to the beach for an afternoon swim. I’ve fallen in love with lazy brunches under olive trees, iced freddo espresso, and spontaneous evenings filled with live music in Monastiraki. There’s something about the pace of life here that’s both calming and inspiring. 🇬🇷
“I knew this was more than just a move abroad when Athens started to feel like my space to grow and fully be myself.”
Finding my people
Starting over in a new country is scary, especially when it comes to meeting people. I landed in Athens not knowing anyone, which felt overwhelming at first. But bit by bit, I found my group of friends. It started at work, where everyone was super welcoming. Then I joined a language exchange night at a local bar which turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. I met some of my closest friends just by showing up to stuff, even when it felt awkward. And let’s not forget the locals: Greek people are incredibly open and curious. I’ve had strangers walk with me just to help with directions or give me food recommendations, which gives the city a warmth that’s hard to describe.
Getting used to Greek life
One thing that really stood out to me when I moved to Greece was how warm and welcoming people are. Greek hospitality isn’t just a saying; it’s something you genuinely feel. From my first week, neighbours offered me homemade food, and strangers would stop to help if I looked a little lost. People here truly care about connection, and small acts of kindness are part of everyday life. I’ve had full conversations with shop owners, been invited to local festivals 🎉, and shared coffee with people I had just met. There’s this beautiful sense of community, even in a big city like Athens. Life here is about sharing: stories, meals, laughter. Once I started embracing that, I felt less like a visitor and more like a local.
What moving to Greece did for me
Before I moved to Greece, my life felt like it was stuck on repeat: same job, same places, same rhythm every day. I wasn’t unhappy, but I wasn’t excited either. Everything felt predictable, and moving to Athens shook all of that up. Suddenly, nothing was familiar and that’s exactly what I needed.
Here, every day feels a little different. One day I’m trying to order coffee in Greek, the next I’m exploring a new neighborhood or sharing stories with people from places I’d never even been. That old routine I was stuck in? Gone. I feel more alive here. More open. More like myself. Athens didn’t just give me a change of scenery; it gave me the chance to build a life that actually excites me. 💙
Still thinking about it? Here’s your sign
If moving abroad has quietly been sitting in the back of your mind, let this be your sign. Yobbers makes the transition super easy, so you can focus on building your new life abroad. For me, Athens wasn’t just a new destination; it was the beginning of a more exciting, more connected version of life. I’ve built friendships from scratch, discovered places I never expected to love, and learned things about myself I wouldn’t have back home. It hasn’t all been perfect, but it’s been real and incredibly rewarding.
Sometimes, the best things happen when you stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and just go. ✨
Ready to write your own chapter abroad? Whether you're dreaming of island life, city views, or building a fresh start, Yobbers can help you get there. 🌞 Browse our vacancies and take that first step towards your new life in Greece!
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