Help!! Advice on getting a job in Greece?
Jan 28th, 2005, 06:59 AM
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Help!! Advice on getting a job in Greece?
Hi, first of all, sorry for the length of this post. This is my first time on this site and from what I've seen most people on this forum are vacationing, but I see many of you have lived in various places and I'm hoping to draw on your experiences for some guidance here. I went to Rhodes, Greece last summer for a couple weeks and fell in love with the island. I have been many places, but I have never done something like this- I intend to move there this summer, for the summer, maybe the fall and perhaps longer and I'm just in need of the advice of some more experienced people. I am a 21 year old college student in the United States and too young, ignorant and inexperienced to know how to arrange a temporary international move. While there I would need to have a job and that has been somewhat of an obstacle. I am looking for any kind of employment, hotel, bartending, secretarial, a tour type job, whatever.. Basically first of all if anyone can give me any advice on how to go about arranging for a job beforehand I would really appreciate it. I have not had too much success looking online. Second, from your experience- if I do not have a job lined up in advance can I go anyway and have a decent chance of finding something within a week or two? I'm very personable, hirable and pretty confident in finding something but because of financial concerns its something I'd like to be more certain of. I'm not aware of how receptive people will be to emloying an American who just walks into their business asking for a job. Third, does anyone know of any temp agencies located there? And fourth, if anyone knows anything about getting a work visa I am just starting to look into it and theres anything you think I should know, please tell me! Anyway, I apologize again for the length of this post..I'm just really eager to get everything set for this- I loved it there so much! I really appreciate any help anyone can give me.
Jan 28th, 2005, 08:23 AM
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First of all, forget about finding summer employment in Greece "in advance." It's illegal for you to work there. You can find a job, but no one is going to hire you sight-unseen. Work permits are not available for you in this situation, if at all, and now that all members of the European Union can legally work and live in EU countries without visas you will be competing with all those young people in the legal labor pool. You will also be competing with those who have already done what you want to do and are returning for another summer of work/play, and there are a LOT of them.
OK, so here goes:
The islands with the best chances for summer jobs are Rhodes, Kos, Crete, Santorini, Ios and Mykonos.
Ios has the most intense party atmosphere and probably one of the largest daily turnover of young 20-something tourists of all the islands, with Santorini a close second because of its beauty and popularity. This works in your favor because the "help" turnover is probably highest there as well. Also, Santorini, Ios and Mykonos are all fairly close together (along with Paros and Naxos) so if things don't pan out on one island you can get to another in just a couple of hours to see if you like it better. In fact I suggest you spend a day or two on Mykonos, Santorini and Ios to make the best choice for yourself.
Bar, hotel and restaurant work is just about all that will be open to you on a short-term basis.
You'll need to get there by the end of May at the latest to establish yourself in a cheap room and to give the local business owners a chance to get familiar with your face and personality. Target those places where you want to work and prepare to make your best impression on the owners. Eat your meals there, have a drink or two, buy a drink or two, spend a few days hanging around, introduce yourself, be very friendly, ask for advice on seeing the local sights, be helpful if you overhear them trying to communicate with another tourist if you think you can clarify what they're trying to say (assuming they can't find the English words themselves). In the course of things let it be known that you're going to be there for the summer and want to find a job to supplement your savings, and ask for suggestions as to where to apply. But don't do this right away, wait until you've established yourself as familiar, a few days at least. This will make it easier. Keep making the rounds of the places you've chosen and eventually you'll find something.
You'll have to have enough money in reserve to finance your stay until then, but don't rely on what wages you can earn there to keep you afloat. They won't. Bring money with you to supplement what you might earn. You're illegal and you won't be making a lot of money. More than likely in the process of spending a whole summer there you'll end up sharing a house or apartment with others who are doing the same thing to save money.
About your wages, know what you're to expect IN ADVANCE. Try to get an agreement to be paid after every shift, but NEVER agree to wait longer than a week. Make sure they know that you need the money for food and living expenses as soon as you can get it. It's not too likely that you'll get ripped off, but it's always possible that since you're illegal someone will take advantage of your trust. This keeps your loss to a minimum if it happens to you (probably won't).
Expect to work long hours for little pay. Your free time will not necessarily mesh with those who are there to party. You'll be serving them or working for the people who do. Night work in a bar or restaurant will give you some free time during the day, day work cleaning rooms will free up your nights but will require you to wake up early. If you think you're going to find a job that will pay well and allow you to join in all the fun at night you're probably going to be disappointed with the experience. Then again, maybe you'll get lucky and find the perfect job. Who can tell? At any rate, good luck. I hope this helps. Have a great summer.
OK, so here goes:
The islands with the best chances for summer jobs are Rhodes, Kos, Crete, Santorini, Ios and Mykonos.
Ios has the most intense party atmosphere and probably one of the largest daily turnover of young 20-something tourists of all the islands, with Santorini a close second because of its beauty and popularity. This works in your favor because the "help" turnover is probably highest there as well. Also, Santorini, Ios and Mykonos are all fairly close together (along with Paros and Naxos) so if things don't pan out on one island you can get to another in just a couple of hours to see if you like it better. In fact I suggest you spend a day or two on Mykonos, Santorini and Ios to make the best choice for yourself.
Bar, hotel and restaurant work is just about all that will be open to you on a short-term basis.
You'll need to get there by the end of May at the latest to establish yourself in a cheap room and to give the local business owners a chance to get familiar with your face and personality. Target those places where you want to work and prepare to make your best impression on the owners. Eat your meals there, have a drink or two, buy a drink or two, spend a few days hanging around, introduce yourself, be very friendly, ask for advice on seeing the local sights, be helpful if you overhear them trying to communicate with another tourist if you think you can clarify what they're trying to say (assuming they can't find the English words themselves). In the course of things let it be known that you're going to be there for the summer and want to find a job to supplement your savings, and ask for suggestions as to where to apply. But don't do this right away, wait until you've established yourself as familiar, a few days at least. This will make it easier. Keep making the rounds of the places you've chosen and eventually you'll find something.
You'll have to have enough money in reserve to finance your stay until then, but don't rely on what wages you can earn there to keep you afloat. They won't. Bring money with you to supplement what you might earn. You're illegal and you won't be making a lot of money. More than likely in the process of spending a whole summer there you'll end up sharing a house or apartment with others who are doing the same thing to save money.
About your wages, know what you're to expect IN ADVANCE. Try to get an agreement to be paid after every shift, but NEVER agree to wait longer than a week. Make sure they know that you need the money for food and living expenses as soon as you can get it. It's not too likely that you'll get ripped off, but it's always possible that since you're illegal someone will take advantage of your trust. This keeps your loss to a minimum if it happens to you (probably won't).
Expect to work long hours for little pay. Your free time will not necessarily mesh with those who are there to party. You'll be serving them or working for the people who do. Night work in a bar or restaurant will give you some free time during the day, day work cleaning rooms will free up your nights but will require you to wake up early. If you think you're going to find a job that will pay well and allow you to join in all the fun at night you're probably going to be disappointed with the experience. Then again, maybe you'll get lucky and find the perfect job. Who can tell? At any rate, good luck. I hope this helps. Have a great summer.
Jan 28th, 2005, 09:12 AM
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If you are still in college you MIGHT be able to do what my neice did in London a couple of years ago. Again, I repeat, I don't KNOW if you can avail yourself of this service but am just suggesting it as possibility for you. My neice was and is a college student. There is a company called BUNAC that she found out about through her college. They assist college students who want to live overseas for a short period. She was NOT in school while in London but was working. Bunac arranged for the work visa..it was for 6 months ONLY!!! They have an office in London that is kind of a clearing house (so to speak) for available housing and jobs. The do NOT find the job or the housing for you, that's up to you. My neice and her friend were able to connect with two other people to share a flat with, BUNAC had rental listings and also employers that were looking for temporary help. Me neice worked in a hospital as a receptionist for her six month period. When her visa expired, she had to come back home. Anyway, BUNAC has a website and they have access to a lot of countries..I can't remember if Greece was one of them. Also,of course I don't know if you are still in school and if your college has any affiliation with BUNAC. My neice was in London from January-June. I don't know if there is any limitation on the time of year you can go. Anyway, just a possible suggestion for you for a short term experience.
Jan 31st, 2005, 08:40 AM
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Thank you both so much for your advice. To brotherleelove - there are a few restaurant owners that will remember me from Rhodes so I think that will be the best place to take my chances. But its really illegal for me to work there?? I thought it was possible to get a temporary visa?
And crefloors, I will check out Bunac..thank you.
And crefloors, I will check out Bunac..thank you.
Jan 31st, 2005, 09:46 AM
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this may give you the information. there is a section for Americans working in Greece
http://www.greecetravel.com/mazarakis/wisdom/index.html
http://www.greecetravel.com/mazarakis/wisdom/index.html
Jan 31st, 2005, 11:05 AM
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Tom's website provides accurate information. Yes, it's illegal for Americans to work in Greece except for those situations described on that website. Casual summer "hospitality" jobs do not apply. Any work you get will be under the table at sub-standard wages, the same treatment as migrant workers from Mexico receive when working in America. If you're already known on Rhodes then yes, that would be your best chance.
Feb 1st, 2005, 09:04 AM
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Okay my plans for the summer have been revised quite a bit..based on your responses and other peoples advice, and also due to the fact that I'm graduating from school pretty soon. But brotherleelove if you'd humor me a bit, based on some of your other posts I see you as someone whose guidance I can rely on. What it looks like I'm going to do is spend a 3-6 weeks in Greece. I'm giving up the idea of working the whole summer there, tho I may pick up an odd job here and there. What I'm looking for from you, or anyone else who'd like to answer, is when/how you would recommend going. I went in early June before and loved the weather at that time. I live in Maryland so I could fly out of either Philly, New York or BWI..I saw on other post prices you said you got for airfare from San Francisco, where can I find prices like that? And also, the cheapest way to get from Athens to Rhodes. I plan to island hop a little but not too much and have a LOT of work to do to figure out the itinerary, I would like to spend the bulk of my time on Rhodes but still come away having seen some new places and have a couple days to explore Athens. Basically, I'm going to lay on the beach, explore the land, some nightlife, the food, spend a lot of time w/ my two of my loves: drawing and photography, but mostly for me its just the atmosphere..I love the people & the scenery. If this makes sense, I just want to breathe in as much of it and the air as I can while I'm there. I stayed in Ialyssos last time, but spent a lot of time in Rhodes and Lindos, as well as the rest of the island. Anyway, at this point I'm just trying to figure out the cheapest way to get there and back, and the cheapest way to get through the islands and to/from them and Athens. I'm sorry to depend on you here but you seem like you have such experience that I can't help but ask..please help! 
If you dont mind taking the time to help me you can post on here, or by email. I really appreciate it! And I have the feeling I'm going to become a nuisance w/ questions for you before this whole thing comes about so feel free to tell me when I become a pain in the a**.
If you dont mind taking the time to help me you can post on here, or by email. I really appreciate it! And I have the feeling I'm going to become a nuisance w/ questions for you before this whole thing comes about so feel free to tell me when I become a pain in the a**.
Feb 1st, 2005, 10:00 AM
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I don't mind helping at all. If you'd rather communicate by email, write to [email protected].
I still recommend late May as the best time to arrive and get yourself established. If you plan any long stays this would be the time to bargain for a better room rate using cash in advance as your ace-in-the-hole. Since the season is just underway you might get someone to accept a low offer, especially if it means a substantial amount of money in their pocket "up front."
If you plan to go straight to Rhodes you can fly from Athens one way on Aegean Airlines for 88.91 Euros (includes all taxes), and it only takes an hour. The overnight ferry will probably cost something similar if you book a cabin for sleeping.
If you want to make your way by ferry from Athens you can do it one of several ways. You can catch a bus to Rafina and take the Flying Dolphin to Mykonos, then make your way through the main islands of the Cyclades-Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini-down to Crete. From Chania, Iraklion, Agios Nickolaos or Sitia on Crete you can catch a ferry to Rhodes. This route gives you the chance to stop along the way and check out the islands I mentioned above. You can take a slower car ferry from Piraeus to Santorini and see Paros, Naxos and Ios along that route, then take the Flying Dolphin from Santorini to Crete and complete the journey to Rhodes as described here. You can take the night ferry from Piraeus to Crete, and depending on which boat you take the same boat can continue all the way to Rhodes. You can take the overnight car ferry from Piraeus that travels through the Dodecanese islands instead of the Cyclades and ends up in Rhodes.
http://www.gtp.gr/ (Learn to navigate this website and it will make your itinerary planning a lot easier.)
http://www.greekislands.gr/hfd/
So you see you have many different options.
I found my cheap airfare by checking out all the discount airfare websites and some of the international carriers that fly out of SFO. I ended up with Air France because I was lucky enough to catch a special "spring sale" offer on their website that not only was a great price but had very short layovers along the way, which is extremely important to me since I'm coming from Oregon and it takes a LOOOOONG time to get to Santorini from here.
You just have to be diligent about checking and re-checking the internet for good prices, going back over websites you've already checked, looking for new ones and contacting the airlines that do fly to Athens from your nearest international airport. The major airlines have a sliding price structure and you might find a cheaper price than one previously quoted. You never know unless you try.
I want to encourage you not to be discouraged about finding a job. It's not all that difficult if you get there early enough, so if you really want to work you can if you hit the right spots. Illegal it might be but widely practiced it is.
Feel free to continue asking questions here or by email.
If you happen to be on Santorini between May 12 and June 7 look me up in Oia. Find Karvounis Tours in the middle of the village and ask Markos for Lee Marks.
I still recommend late May as the best time to arrive and get yourself established. If you plan any long stays this would be the time to bargain for a better room rate using cash in advance as your ace-in-the-hole. Since the season is just underway you might get someone to accept a low offer, especially if it means a substantial amount of money in their pocket "up front."
If you plan to go straight to Rhodes you can fly from Athens one way on Aegean Airlines for 88.91 Euros (includes all taxes), and it only takes an hour. The overnight ferry will probably cost something similar if you book a cabin for sleeping.
If you want to make your way by ferry from Athens you can do it one of several ways. You can catch a bus to Rafina and take the Flying Dolphin to Mykonos, then make your way through the main islands of the Cyclades-Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini-down to Crete. From Chania, Iraklion, Agios Nickolaos or Sitia on Crete you can catch a ferry to Rhodes. This route gives you the chance to stop along the way and check out the islands I mentioned above. You can take a slower car ferry from Piraeus to Santorini and see Paros, Naxos and Ios along that route, then take the Flying Dolphin from Santorini to Crete and complete the journey to Rhodes as described here. You can take the night ferry from Piraeus to Crete, and depending on which boat you take the same boat can continue all the way to Rhodes. You can take the overnight car ferry from Piraeus that travels through the Dodecanese islands instead of the Cyclades and ends up in Rhodes.
http://www.gtp.gr/ (Learn to navigate this website and it will make your itinerary planning a lot easier.)
http://www.greekislands.gr/hfd/
So you see you have many different options.
I found my cheap airfare by checking out all the discount airfare websites and some of the international carriers that fly out of SFO. I ended up with Air France because I was lucky enough to catch a special "spring sale" offer on their website that not only was a great price but had very short layovers along the way, which is extremely important to me since I'm coming from Oregon and it takes a LOOOOONG time to get to Santorini from here.
You just have to be diligent about checking and re-checking the internet for good prices, going back over websites you've already checked, looking for new ones and contacting the airlines that do fly to Athens from your nearest international airport. The major airlines have a sliding price structure and you might find a cheaper price than one previously quoted. You never know unless you try.
I want to encourage you not to be discouraged about finding a job. It's not all that difficult if you get there early enough, so if you really want to work you can if you hit the right spots. Illegal it might be but widely practiced it is.
Feel free to continue asking questions here or by email.
If you happen to be on Santorini between May 12 and June 7 look me up in Oia. Find Karvounis Tours in the middle of the village and ask Markos for Lee Marks.
