College Degrees Go to the Fishes

Graduating in a recession is tough, thats a fact, but the account of one Greek college graduate helps put everything into perspective. It really could be so much worse. Europe is facing economic hardships just as we are. One element that Greece is dealing with that we are not, is the return of emigration. The country was hopeful that things would turn around and the young well educated college grads would no longer feel they had to move away from Greece to be successful and find opportunity.

Filippos Katampouris is a living example of why this is. He has a degree from a University in Greece as well as a Masters Degree in Technology Management from the UK. What is he doing now with all of his newfound knowledge? Katampouris works in the fish market in Athens as an assistant fishmonger. Though Katampouris had opportunity in Britain, he wanted to return to his country.

Katampouris admits now that the decision was a poor one. He was able to maintain a position at a Market Research Agency, but when the economy took a turn for the worse, he was left with his job at the fish market."It's a very dark future for me," he adds gloomily. "I'm thinking of going back to the UK, but my wife won't come with me so I'm going to stay here and hope for the best."

Young professionals are fleeing the country in hope of finding opportunity else where but when you think of the sacrifices you would have to make, such as leaving your family, friends and home behind, it really makes us Americans value so much more the opportunities (though they may not seem like much right now) that we have.

Thanks to: Chris Bowlby