Online arbeiten auf Kreta | So hat Paula den Schritt nach Griechenland geschafft

00:00:09: Welcome to Working with Sea View, Crete and Beyond.

00:00:13: I am Lydia Mitterlehner and in this podcast it's all about people who have built a life for themselves on Crete or are currently in the process of doing so.

00:00:23: My guests are People Who work here as

00:00:25: Freelancers,

00:00:26: Entrepreneurs, Employees Or Remote Workers.

00:00:29: We talk About Opportunities & Challenges.About Bureaucracy , about Courage and Lessons Learned and about what it really takes to work in Greece, And build a life here.

00:00:41: So let's dive into working with Sea View, Crete & Beyond!

00:01:07: Welcome to a new episode of Working With Sea View, Crete & Beyond.

00:01:12: Today I have

00:01:13: Paula with me.

00:01:15: Paula and Me we were for some months neighbors when you lived in Kalamaki.

00:01:20: Yes

00:01:22: From there we know each other.

00:01:23: We didn't hear from eachother while but few weeks ago You texted me Because you said if I would do a small interview for the newspaper because he started to write an article For a newspaper and I thought, wow, 

00:01:35: oh this is so cool.

00:01:36: Yeah, because at this

00:01:37: time actually I started also to do my podcast And when i read this i thought

00:01:43: It was

00:01:43: perfect timing.

00:01:47: yeah so nice and yeah as though i know your already little bit

00:01:52: here

00:01:53: but The listeners do not, so you just want to tell a little bit about yourself like where are you from and why did you come to Greece?

00:02:03: And when?

00:02:06: So I'm Paula, thirty three years old.

00:02:10: From the Netherlands. Idon't know exactly anymore but six or seven year ago i moved to Greece, To Athens.

00:02:21: That was my first connection with Greece.

00:02:26: I've been on holidays when it was younger in Greece but my first time really moving to another country instead of just traveling and for a long period.

00:02:37: so i lived here more or less one year in Athens.

00:02:42: So that's how I

00:02:43: came

00:02:43: to Greece And I left again as well To another country the Spain into Portugal.

00:02:52: But then at one point I started to miss Greece again.

00:02:55: so

00:02:55: i came back.

00:02:58: It was just a wandering soul going around and just.. I don't know Greece made an impression.

00:03:06: So, let's go back.

00:03:08: I missed it some parts of the culture And... ...I decided come to Crete after being forbidden in Athens And I was like no, not big cities anymore.

00:03:21: Like...I'm more an island person or..like.... I don't know a village person but yeah with lot of nature around and that's the craziness in this big city i prefer at these states in my life.

00:03:34: so yeah I hope to answer your question I can relate!

00:03:41: Oh yes

00:03:44: definitely

00:03:45: oh interesting saw you stand pretty much time

00:03:48: already

00:03:49: increased, first in

00:03:50: Athens

00:03:51: then in Crete and yeah of course that probably everybody is interested.

00:03:57: How do you do it?

00:03:58: What can be done for life to have this lifestyle here?

00:04:02: so are you self-employed or employed?

00:04:07: Are you just living a completely alternative lifestyle where you travel and don't need money?

00:04:13: I wish I wish!

00:04:18: Let's go for the last one.

00:04:19: And like, alternative life though and that money just comes in my hand... ...and i can live..I don't need much to live.... I'm not a very luxurious life but no what I did?

00:04:32: Like.

00:04:32: I travelled alot after my studies and then never really went for career in The Netherlands because yeah it was already quite bit of world.

00:04:41: so now its more.

00:04:43: And then I found out that there was some jobs where they needed Dutch speakers in other countries.

00:04:50: and well, as an advertisement for Greece.

00:04:53: Yeah okay!

00:04:54: Actually wanted to go outside of Europe but it's like ok i need to earn some money.

00:04:58: so let's go with this.

00:05:00: They need Dutch speakers.

00:05:02: It is not going be a huge salary But its just...I can live from them..and I went through the experience at first place.

00:05:11: In the end I

00:05:11: stayed for awhile.

00:05:13: Also Covid happened and stuff.

00:05:14: so I needed to stay also for a bit because not A lot of possibilities to start in new adventures somewhere else, but yeah like What was the question?

00:05:26: Exactly what you do

00:05:27: or on what your doing that you can do this.

00:05:31: last time So i found if...I work for Greek companies And where they need Dutch speakers.

00:05:37: It's can be very broad Like well it could anything but actually I started with technical support job and i do right now.

00:05:46: I'm working also in a company which is based in Greece, also for technical supports IT-support For Dutch people.

00:05:56: yeah But that means before you came here.

00:06:00: You were already checking out how you can work and found these jobs already online before you came here.

00:06:07: So, you didn't just come to try find something?

00:06:10: You looked online but... How did you find this job?

00:06:13: Did you just find them on Facebook or other platforms?

00:06:17: I think it was a Facebook advertisement few years ago.

00:06:21: they posted alot about that.

00:06:23: Yeah!

00:06:24: And i didnt wanna go just to country because in France i tried there but it was more difficult and also, to be honest Greece wasn't always on my list like oh my god I want to live in Greece.

00:06:39: But then as of the time well actually wanted a country where culture is very different.

00:06:44: so let's

00:06:45: see and explore.

00:06:46: I didn't know much about Greece.

00:06:48: Of course i knew about Athens history and mythology these kind things not much.

00:06:54: And the island... I've been in Crete before when I was younger.

00:06:58: Yeah, there was still a lot of stuff to explore and yeah I'm still exploring.

00:07:05: But so that means you are working only remote?

00:07:08: So you're working online it's on this with your laptop.

00:07:11: yes You don't

00:07:12: go anywhere for okay Yes i have had jobs in Athens where I Was working at the office And now increase is like Increase its remote.

00:07:23: Okay

00:07:24: And is this full-time job?

00:07:26: for how many days and four hours a day?

00:07:29: Yeah, it's a forty hour job.

00:07:31: Like eight hours per day yeah.

00:07:34: From eight to five or what time.

00:07:37: so

00:07:38: does it change?

00:07:40: It differs yes nine till six something like that.

00:07:44: So then there are enough times to live after that enjoy the sun After that in summer have social life And

00:07:54: I guess like almost, don't say almost everywhere else.

00:07:58: but you also have holidays?

00:07:59: Like five weeks a year or something like this.

00:08:03: No no...I don't know if it's five weeks.

00:08:05: It's like something like twenty two days.

00:08:06: and you have the Greek bank holidays because i work for the company.

00:08:10: so we had to Greek Bank Holidays as well.

00:08:15: And you said your work Greek company but in Dutch language.

00:08:19: so that also means you don't need the greek language at all in your

00:08:23: job.

00:08:23: It's english and dutch, now what I work for is mainly in dutch.

00:08:30: yes or they are based... ...and in the Netherlands.. ..and in Greece and in Bulgaria.

00:08:37: The company i work with right now it's combined

00:08:43: Nice because im sure and was on my head before i came that this was one of the big challenges in my head.

00:08:50: I can't even work in another country because i can speak a language, yeah but you know job like this it's not even necessary.

00:08:57: no

00:08:57: indeed

00:08:58: and how was it when you came here?

00:09:01: And we started to work.

00:09:03: normally You have something legal to work Like papers or at least you Have an insurance Or...you have To pay your taxes.

00:09:13: Did you have to organize this all on your own or did the company do it for you?

00:09:20: Yeah, well first company I worked with they already organized and helped a lot.

00:09:25: Some things before... was flying to Greece, to Athens in this time and some things.

00:09:31: well it's here the first weeks but they were helpful.

00:09:35: They arranged something for you.

00:09:36: so.. This is nice that its already arranged at this time.

00:09:39: So when I came back a few days later to work again.

00:09:42: ,this was all done so... I could immediately step-in like because i hear from people around me who are not having this work for a Greek company, they have other challenges.

00:09:53: But to be honest there wasn't Like huge challenges like that,

00:09:59: no.

00:10:00: That's good to hear!

00:10:03: Because these bureaucratic things are hindering so many... Is it the correct word?

00:10:09: Hindering in English?

00:10:10: I don't know.

00:10:11: Stopping people

00:10:12: from going somewhere because they have fear how they shall do and you have no idea what should be done.

00:10:18: And everybody says when he goes somewhere this is complicated.

00:10:21: Then all of those things come up into your head.

00:10:24: It's a big bubble.

00:10:25: But when you say that they organise everything for you and just more or less have to do this job, then it's not a challenge anymore.

00:10:35: It is easy actually!

00:10:36: Yeah quite easy like... And I come from countries where things are arranged well but i'm not super annoyed with what has take longer.. But imagine if your having different issues such as visa etc.

00:10:54: and yeah, working from another country having to pay taxes here or whatever it's like.

00:10:59: there are bigger challenges.

00:11:00: but in this way you're working for a company that supports your language.

00:11:05: And the company in this situation is a Greek company then... Yeah!

00:11:10: It works out quite well Cool!

00:11:13: Yeah..it helps You.

00:11:14: That's one of the benefits.

00:11:16: I think also what they need do because they hire lot people so They have responsibility.

00:11:24: But me they don't always take me out of my country because I'm already dead and when it took another job for example, but yeah They have to kind of Help.

00:11:31: you support your with that.

00:11:33: Yeah to stay.

00:11:35: Yes And then means also Seasonalities for you.

00:11:40: no problem Because also some people who work like for example in tourism?

00:11:44: You know It's only for summer and the winter didn't want what do.

00:11:47: so this is also No challenge for you.

00:11:50: And would you say the work what you're doing is something that can be done for years?

00:11:53: You are fine with it, or more temporary just to support your life here.

00:12:00: Or does this kind of work completely fine with and do yourself in two-three years

00:12:07: as well?

00:12:08: Well yeah maybe yes but like twenty years probably not.

00:12:14: Look, remote work and from the laptop is always nice to support your life next to that.

00:12:19: It's an easy way also if you want to live remote or not in a big city like where is the office.

00:12:26: Like...it's easier to work at home than with your laptop.

00:12:31: so yeah maybe I will do this on the side..I don't know there are many things for future but its now my dream.

00:12:41: I don't know if I work the rest of my life in this way.

00:12:43: But for now, yeah it's definitely supporting my lifestyle and that is amazing.

00:12:49: so I'm content with it now.

00:12:51: Good!

00:12:52: That sounds not too bad!

00:12:56: So moving here these bureaucratic things they were no challenge to you because was more or less done for you did your face since you are here really a challenge.

00:13:08: what would say like tell people that something surprised you in a not so nice way since you are here?

00:13:18: Well maybe this is with the bureaucracy and everything it's like.

00:13:21: well I lived at many houses last years.

00:13:24: they don't always give you official contracts.

00:13:28: So for renting house, then bank wants to see an official rental contract when new work want to see it It's like yeah nothing everything goes super-official.

00:13:39: Yeah thats sometimes a challenge

00:13:43: With

00:13:43: official contracts.

00:13:44: yes,

00:13:45: I've heard it sometimes already.

00:13:47: and on the other hand would you say something was even Better or nicer?

00:13:51: Or easier as you thought it would be

00:13:54: with arranging

00:13:56: stuff? Generally, if you had anything in your head how life in Greece would be?

00:14:01: And then we were surprised that Something is even nicer or Easier.

00:14:07: Well my well what i was surprised about this nature In general.

00:14:09: they said i didn't know That It Was so amazing especially in Crete then but I think also outside of like the islands and The mountains that are.

00:14:20: nature in Greece is like.

00:14:21: it's amazing And there's always something new to discover.

00:14:24: It's like ongoing for me.

00:14:26: So this yeah, This is why I choose to live here

00:14:30: now.

00:14:31: Its

00:14:31: mainly Nature and a relaxed vibe living Like the pace of life.

00:14:39: Everything goes Quite tranquille.

00:14:44: Yeah, it's like...

00:14:45: If you're not standing on the street with a car and everybody is honking at you because you are driving too slowly... I think this

00:14:50: simple life!

00:14:51: The good food being in the sun. Not too rushed.

00:14:57: yeah for me It suits me living like that.

00:15:00: Yeah It's good.

00:15:02: Its nice feeling.

00:15:04: It feels different as if you live somewhere In a city or in Austria.

00:15:10: The vibe is completely different also from what I feel.

00:15:13: It's so, so strange.

00:15:16: if i go back then to the Netherlands or another more northern European country you feel like oh my god have this almost... You feel that after walking in space of life.

00:15:28: but no!

00:15:28: Then im back here and am like yeah.. This was

00:15:30: a

00:15:32: way for me living.

00:15:35: it´s more basic and less modern maybe?

00:15:37: and yeah in however you want to perceive that but

00:15:42: it fits me more.

00:15:44: Yeah, good that you found this out for you!

00:15:46: And before you came here did you have any kind of fears or self-doubts?

00:15:54: That you couldn't

00:15:55: do it ?

00:15:56: Or

00:15:56: Did You just say I want to try it?

00:15:59: if It doesn´t go right then just

00:16:00: go back

00:16:00: or whatever things in your head that said no, I can't do it because or i'm afraid because Or didn't you have this?

00:16:08: No not so much.

00:16:09: Most of the time decide something when I am excited and like oh let's do it!

00:16:13: And yeah bam..I am very optimistic person.

00:16:15: So sometimes challenges come after.

00:16:18: They are like ah okay...didn't foresee this maybe.

00:16:23: But I think thats also why I've seen a lot of worlds & countries and travelled alot Because they just jumped into it.

00:16:31: and then I saw what would happen.

00:16:33: I'm not so much worrying beforehand. That's good!

00:16:39: I mean, i am not naïve and know you have to fix stuff be careful and everything but yeah If there is a chance of doing something?

00:16:50: Good...I

00:16:51: like this attitude.

00:16:54: And..i guess that your came here has also some thing to do

00:17:00: with your understanding of freedom just to live free.

00:17:03: so this is always one of my favorite questions.

00:17:07: To ask the interview partners what they understand under freedom.

00:17:14: Well do not feel limited in what you want like till certain agree Of course from what it's possible Yeah, but for me it can be very big.

00:17:26: Freedom is also just to be happy with what you have like.

00:17:28: its a mindset thing as well.

00:17:32: I think there's... freedom has lot about your own beliefs and thoughts.

00:17:37: well This question.

00:17:39: i didn't think about that.

00:17:42: Freedom.

00:17:42: yeah Well of course to live the life.. Your heart really desires That´s freedom

00:17:47: for me

00:17:49: Yeah?

00:17:49: Yeah!

00:17:50: Thats freedom

00:17:50: From him.

00:17:51: That's nice answer.

00:17:52: And the funny thing is, just I recorded a few days ago an episode on my own and i had a whole episode about freedom.

00:18:03: Because it's such big topic and also such small one actually but yeah you can blow it up alot or just answer very easily

00:18:13: Yeah but I think freedom is like of course have to think certain things that we have to arrange

00:18:19: in this world

00:18:20: well you can't a be all the time with your head in the sky and not take any responsibility.

00:18:24: You have to, we have some responsibilities in life but there's always a way to find what you really want.

00:18:31: I don't know...I think also quite.. I feel privileged to come from a country that can take these steps And go to other countries.

00:18:40: That is very nice.

00:18:41: Not everyone has been in this situation.

00:18:43: But yeah Freedom it is also a mindset

00:18:48: and

00:18:48: how much you limit yourself.

00:18:50: You can always say like, outside of things limit you but also your thoughts or beliefs can limit you a lot.

00:18:55: so I think that's very interesting to see what you can control yourself And freedom is in other ways.

00:19:04: just feel as if it could be yourself.

00:19:06: So maybe i feel more free because this country suits me more than the Netherlands Because there are some factors which I cannot really connect with and I have that more here, so I feel more myself.

00:19:18: Yeah, I feel in general the freedom feeling.

00:19:21: I feel more in Greece and i don't know because I'm a traveler a wanderer like...I'd like to explore maybe that's what gives me freedom?

00:19:30: I think as well but also to be in a place where you yeah wear suits where it connects

00:19:35: for you.

00:19:36: yeah definitely so.

00:19:38: would you say that you found in Greece or especially on Crete A Place Where You See Yourself In A Few Years Like Can you imagine to still live here in five or ten years, do think this is your place?

00:19:52: This is always a question.

00:19:57: Especially when... because I've lived many other countries then it's always going be the same.

00:20:02: Because if you are not in your home country, are you gonna find one day this place where you want to stay the rest of your life, it's a too big question I think to ask.

00:20:09: But now i'm happy about that.

00:20:13: so let me see what happens.

00:20:15: But there is also other countries I really love. But for now, Crete is giving what I'm happy

00:20:21: with.

00:20:22: Nice!

00:20:23: Yeah nice to hear that you are feeling so good here and it seems like you are living the life you really want at this moment.

00:20:31: So... For people who also think about coming here to Greece or especially to Crete Do have any advice for them?

00:20:41: Like a few words of what they would say.

00:20:45: Well, you should in this case just

00:20:47: follow your

00:20:48: curiosity.

00:20:49: if there's a place You're curious about or you have visited already Or visit it If you have a feeling and you want to be sure first.

00:20:57: We don't wanna Just take a big step immediately Go and check And if it feels good?

00:21:01: You can take It!

00:21:02: You can always change...you can always adapt Your ways..if you make a change You took the wrong turn....If There is really a Wrong Turn You go the other way.

00:21:10: So yeah I think Life is, Well, it's a waste to not follow what you really want or your curiosity I think.

00:21:21: So if you wanna come to Greece yeah we find out how are gonna do.

00:21:24: of course that you need to fix some things like work.

00:21:28: If you can work here with your own work which have already from the country Or... ...if you wanted to find a Greek company where you could work in your language or seasonal works It happens lot as well.

00:21:40: But its hardwork but i think is can be nice too.

00:21:43: You are outside It depends on your interest, yeah.

00:21:49: Yeah so just

00:21:50: do it go for it!

00:21:51: try it

00:21:52: and if its not working we are lucky to have the option of

00:21:56: go back.

00:21:57: Just feel that you don't burn everything You know can go back if it doesn´t work out.

00:22:04: Follow this feeling or curiosity you have And see...just check possibilities.

00:22:10: I think if want something then You know why you want to do it what you want.

00:22:14: What you want to do.

00:22:16: if you are open for that , you can find the possibilities.

00:22:19: Yeah, we have to be open.

00:22:21: yeah just go  for it and try it.

00:22:23: Yes Yeah, Paula I don't know you run through all these questions.

00:22:32: You told me everything that i wanted to ask you already.

00:22:37: so I'm just thinking if somebody wants to know a little bit more or has some questions concerning what you said, is it okay when they reach out for me that i forward these questions than do you?

00:22:49: Yeah no problem.

00:22:49: That's cool!

00:22:49: You can maybe answer about

00:22:50: the work and

00:22:52: if he want to know something in details.

00:22:55: Did you already have all of your question

00:22:57: reached out?

00:22:59: Well yeah, I mean it's not like i have to ask, ask, ask, this, this, this but when you mention something and feel that is done for me.

00:23:09: You just did perfect!

00:23:14: So nothing more to say.

00:23:15: It was my first ever interview

00:23:17: The

00:23:18: one with no interview?

00:23:19: No.. That isn't true.

00:23:20: Yeah...

00:23:22: You did very great.

00:23:24: There is nothing left to say But thankyou so much for being my guest.

00:23:31: No worries!

00:23:56: If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to subscribe to the podcast and share it with someone who's dreaming about working in Greece.

00:24:04: You'll find all links and details in the show notes.

00:24:07: Thank you for listening And see you in the next episode of working with Sea View - Crete & Beyond.