They left 2,200€ salaries in Holland to return permanently to Romania. The unexpected reason: 'We were shocked when we arrived'

The story of Nicolae and Mădălina, featured in Adevărul, resonates deeply with the ongoing narrative of skilled Romanian professionals seeking fulfillment and stability back home after experiencing life abroad. Their decision to return after four years in the Netherlands, leaving behind comfortable salaries of around 2,200 euros per month, speaks volumes about the desire for a different kind of prosperity – one that prioritizes well-being and family over sheer earning potential.

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Here, if you don't have money, you can't get a job in the public system. Nowhere, I think, not just in the health system.

Their experience highlights a common dilemma faced by many Romanians working in Western Europe. While the financial benefits are undeniable, as evidenced by their ability to save substantially while living comfortably on 1,000 euros a month in the Netherlands, the intangible aspects of life often take precedence. The couple's mention of feeling like a minority and experiencing discrimination in a predominantly Polish workforce suggests that integration and social well-being are significant factors in their decision-making process.

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You felt like a minority, some discrimination was happening.

Upon their return, Nicolae and Mădălina were reportedly "shocked" by the increased cost of living in Romania, a sentiment that challenges the traditional perception of Romania as a significantly cheaper country. This observation underscores the evolving economic landscape within Romania and the potential disconnect between wages and expenses. Their willingness to accept lower salaries in Romania, despite their technical expertise, indicates a shift in priorities, valuing factors like proximity to family and a sense of belonging over purely financial gain. Their search for employment at a job fair in Slatina signifies a hopeful step towards rebuilding their lives in their homeland, driven by a desire for a more balanced and fulfilling existence.

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Around 2,200 – 2,300 euros and we spent 1,000 per month, maximum, both of us. And with 1,000 you could have everything you wanted, you weren't limited by anything. Prices were much lower there than here in Romania. We were shocked when we came back. When you did the math, you came out much better there. You could buy everything you needed.