Cyprus-Forum.com

[kelly]

i really thought it was very english there, ok. thanks. we are comeing over in may for a working holiday as such to get a feel around and do as much research as possible. but i feel very disheartened. also confused because of different veiws i have been given eles where, thank you.

[Svetlana]

Hi Kelly

Where your other sources of information living and working in Cyprus? Estate Agents and developers will assure you there will be no problem in getting work! But they would say that!

Many (most?) people working in the tourist industry earn very little; many are Easterner European as are most construction workers. Basic builders will work for about £35pd; skilled elctricians and plumbers can earn much more.

If you can set up a business, then prospects are much better - but even that can be a challenge for a foreigner.

Anyway, you are doing a 'research' holiday, which is very sensible and you will be able to form your own opinion.

Lana

[kelly]

thank you very much. could you maybe tell me how anyone survives out there, it seems to be a little dismal unless you work ya butt off and have a very highly skilled job, lol.

i know some people who have retired out there. who say that it is not hard to get work, but i didnt think that they knew alot to be honest.

how much would you say you needed to earn per month to suvive comphortably , with one child. renting a three bedroomed accomadation, we are not high spenders socaily .

[twinkle]

A 3 bed place to rent would be in anything over 300pm, depending on the area. Your child would be able to go to school here but if not paying for an English school would have to go to the State Greek schools. Then you have a car or 2 to run as there is practically no public transport. Or you could use taxis.

When I was single I was earning 700pm living in a 2 bed flat for 150pm, running a car, shoppping, going out. Not much change at the end of the month. Thank God for credit cards, that was 3.5 years ago. Wages have shot up and I married now so 2 wages to support us. You can survive and live well, but depends on the job. Don't cut your ties in the UK.

Too many people think that the streets are paved with gold in Cyprus and it's easy to get a job. Alot of companies are down sizing and for most you do need Greek.

[kelly]

thanks. out of interest what do yo and your husband do to make a living

[orokliniservices]

all figures are per month...and the cost of living is not as cheap as it used to be

[Sotos]

Most Cypriots own their homes so they don't have to pay rent. And the parents always support the young people that take less money. Foreigners usually don't have any of this and it will be very hard for them to support a family with jobs that pay near to minimum wage.

[twinkle]

husband has his own company and i work for an offshore company

[robin]

Would it be correct to assume that if you were prepared to be flexible ,finding work would be made easier? I have no skills as such,but am flexible and prepared to give anything a go.Would a labourers job on a building site be hard to find?? Also,what would the chances of finding a job as a healthcare assistant within a Mental Health setting be??? I have no Greek,but am a quick learner.

[twinkle]

it has nothing to do with flexibility. work on a building site is extremely low paid if you are unskilled. the majority of unskilled workers that i have seen on building sites are sri lanken or TC. health care in cyprus ie mental health....I only know of Athalassa and your Greek would have to be up to scratch. I've been here 6 years, my dad is Cypriot and i've had soooo many lessons. Greek is a tough language to learn. I'd say even now I am only at an intermediate level.

look seriously into the job market before moving here. it isn't as easy as people think