is it easy to live in Poland?

I sure do :)

Instead of caramel sweets we have Werther's Originals, but where are the jobs for Poland's baby boom generation?

Dorota Maslowska
Friday July 21, 2006
The Guardian

Not long ago I found myself standing in that industrial furniture shop at the Daszynski roundabout in Warsaw. It's a singular place, one of the abandoned slagheaps of early capitalism, stacked high with flimsy, cheap cupboards and chipboard counters. Massive freezers for making ice are shoved up against rows of ovens for fast-food outlets. Neon signs - "Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Ketchup" - are piled-up, their cables trailing listlessly down. The shop is one big melancholy monument to bankruptcy.

I'm 23. My generation remembers the end of communism most of all as a matter of food - a time when nothing suddenly became everything, when potatoes became pizza, caramel sweets became Werther's Originals and instead of native toadstools you started getting proper mushrooms in pies. Here, in this warehouse of battered old furniture and kitchen gear, a sad testament to hopes from a far-off time, I was witnessing the last closing-down sale of some old, exhausted dreams.

These days, our dreams have considerably higher standards. We're not settling for green chips or ersatz ketchup any more. We can have anything, and more of it, and between their programmes peddling food and aspirations, our radio and TV seem to exist for the sole purpose of letting us all know how many different things we can have. Every building is plastered with pictures of the things you can buy and the people who have bought them and who are extremely happy, unlike you.

Unless of course you happen to become the most popular star in a reality TV show who reveres family values and gets into the shower still wearing your knickers, thus making sure that the viewers like you the best and send you the greatest number of text messages in support.

It's unlikely to happen. Especially if you have just finished your studies. You will more likely end up dragging yourself round from firm to firm, until someone takes you on for a trial period, pays you one or two euros an hour, and then sacks you, while you spend your spare time standing by a stack of free newspapers and giving them out to passers-by who don't want to take them, or else advertising language schools or cheap airline tickets by dressing up as a Scotsman.

Or you might be lucky and find a proper job. Then you can take out a 40-year debt and spend the rest of your life tenderly caressing the walls of your flat, which is all of 20 square metres but it's yours, a place where you can quietly surrender to the ageing process and no one will ever be able to evict you.

Let's be honest. It's not exactly an enchanting vision of the future for someone young.

We are Poland's baby-boom generation, conceived in the 80s, probably as a consequence of all the power cuts. And if from dawn till dusk everything you see tells you that "you are what you've got", then one day you wake up to find you don't exist any more.

Although we're in the European Union now, the west is still a fairytale in Poland. It is an attitude we have absorbed from our parents, for whom the term "abroad" meant luxury, excellence, impossible dreams: the promised land. In Poland, this idea seems to have turned into a weird kind of genetic complex. We have inherited the notion that everything real is happening somewhere else: that life itself is somewhere else.

There's another thing, too. In Poland now, the people of my generation have the sense of escaping from a sinking ship, where it's "every man for himself". A distinct sense of looming apocalypse has always been there; but in the past 12 months it's been getting worse.

In October 2005, Lech Kaczynski, the candidate for the rightwing party with the Orwellian name "Law and Justice", gained 54% of the popular vote in the presidential elections. I remember how my friends and I mourned that evening, how we sent each other texts: "It can't be true! This can't be happening!"

Polls showed that Kaczynski had mostly been elected by country people with poor educations. But what about the other half of society, what about the young people, who don't want to take an A-level in religious studies or take part in lessons on "natural methods of birth control"?

For me, what is happening in the political arena is simply obscene. And the weeks and months ahead look likely to bring new waves of unheard of political pornography. Underground clubs are being closed down. Programmes where someone intends to discuss fascism are taken off the air. Others are censored. One well-known feminist was practically lynched after she made a joke on a talk show about our so-called "rosary circles". In the name of national values, our president recently had a major row with the Germans because in some satirical paper they called him a "potato". We all blushed with shame as we watched him slugging it out day after day on TV.

At the same time he aims to introduce so-called "patriotism lessons" into schools. And since the leader of the "League of Polish Families" and "All-Poland Youth" became Minister for Education, measuring his success in stones thrown at demonstrators during "Equality Marches" (please note the hallucinatory quality of these titles), demonstrations by young people, students and teachers have become an everyday occurrence.

They estimate that 1 to 2 million people have recently left Poland. They are not the deranged pensioner brigade, the so-called "mohairs" in their fluffy hats. Those people feel very at ease in a Poland where every second person crossing the road is a policeman, and fewer and fewer drivers are jumping red lights, and hardly anyone puts their feet up on public benches any more or drinks beer in the park. At last.

The reason for the peace and quiet is that young Poles have packed their suitcases instead. And not just because of their lack of prospects, but because of all the extra law and justice.

I suppose it's a positive thing that we can go to the west, work, travel, learn, then go home, that such a possibility exists. It is just that it would be great if there was more choice and less necessity in the decision. But the truth is, I have never seen such keen satire and universal national derision for the ruling elite as exists in Poland today.

· Dorota Maslowska is the author of White and Red, published by Atlantic Books, price £9.99.

· This week Dorota watched the cartoon film Over the Hedge with her daughter; It's Me, a new Polish film by Anna Jadowska, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Michel Gondry: "And that's all, because I was mainly engaged in housekeeping."

mmmmm

Living is poland is easier if u have connections... its not totally easy right now cause its sort of in a state of mess while its trying to grow.... and certain other situations make is harder to live here....

so my aswer is no, its not really easy to live there HOWEVER my friends from India have gotten a contracted job there with companies.... they are contracted to be there between 2 to 5 years.... depends on company and job... and they find living in poland easy....

it all depends on how lucky u are too...

so u need luck, connections will help to gain the luck and right timing.... most imporat u need to make sure u know what u want to do... its easier to look for work this way....

but in addition... its not a bad place to live... actually i luvd it there.... but i think the people in poznan are just a lil bit more hospitable.... i think because warsaw is the center city its sort of got people who are too busy to take bs... if u wanna get somewhere in poland warsaw will make u make it big... but to get somewhere in warsaw u need to have guts and need to work hard... so assess what u want in life....

for me i want to live in warsaw and work there... so my assessments are that i need to continue studies there etc... thats what suits me, individually.

I eat Chinese food and Taco Bell and all you guys do is get mad then fight.

So you eat all this stuff in Poland?

I haven't seen a Taco bell in Poland yet...Hmmm are there any???

Living is easy for me when in Poland. depends who you know and how much cash you've got. My in-laws seems to know everyone and i've got cash. therefore no worries.

Example. First place we wanted to buy off-plan, was reserved for someone else. Mother in law visited friend in the company selling the apartments. Bingo. Flat reserved under our name. Second, I needed medication and doctor's appointment, bang Zloty upfront treatment sorted. going to see the football, went with friends who run with the Arka Gdynia, hools. Bingo, policeman let us in free to see the game. Wanted to get into club in Sopot, DJ's a friend, bingo VIP passes no queue. Etc etc.

Its like ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHO YOU KNOW AND HOW MUCH CASH YOU HAVE.SIMPLE.

casper - where in poland are you and what d you do?

I'm currently in London, Polska in two weeks for quick break, then back till end of Feb, beginning of march when I'm relocating to Polska, hurray. i'll be in the Tri-city area, thats where my flats are.:) I have a wonderful Polish girlfriend, we've been together almost 5 years and now its time for us to go to Poland. Before London blows up!

oh and I'm in the security buisness at the momment, looking after diamonds and people.

im going over on sunday but only staying ten days otherwise i'd offer you a piwo... or two... perhaps in march :)

Casper is it really that bad there? not hearing much of this on here, what the heck
is going on that you would say that?

Because he is an insecure coward..

Why do you say it? I heard that you also move away to Canada.....

I'm not going react to Mr.D like yesterday, I can't be bothered. I'm here to learn from others about Poland, share what little experience I have of Polska. I apologies to the other forum members if I seemed aggressive and rude, I didn't expect to be verbally assault within a day of being online, oh well thats life.

Hey ho, back to the topic in hand.
I cannot wait to finally settle in Poland. Traditionally gentlemen (in UK), if they were of limited means would either join the Church , the army or going abroad to seek their fortune.

I have worked damned hard to put myself and my other half in the position we are now, this is the culmination of a 4 year plan of saving and hard graft. Finally everything is falling into place and I will be able to swap a 60 hour week, limited social life, limited funds for 25 hours a week and all the amenities offered in the Tri-city area.

It will also allow us the time to start a family, which is the key reason for moving to Poland.
I believe any child of mine stands a better start in life if raised in Poland over the next 18 years. Although Poland is still going through major social, economical changes; in the long term the only way is up.

This is juxtaposed to the UK, which has a rapidly aging population, is politically and financially tied to the US more than Europe and is facing major social tensions as the new cold war (Islam Vs. Christian values) is deliberatly provoked by OUR GOVERNMENTS. The old divide and rule game.

Poland does not have these issues to contend with, the banlieu will not burn like France.
I may come across as fearful or paranoid, but history has a tendency to repeat itself and history specifically European polictical history is hold a degree in.

My thoughts and words are not created from idle dreams, rather research and communication with others; hence my presence on another forum.

"polictical history is WHAT I hold a degree in"

pobodiesnerfect.

"Before London blows up! "

Well it has been alledged that Putin came to power through a KGB/FSB orchestrated plot, which involved a terror campaign on his own people (hmm sounds familiar) through bombings and assasinations all supposedly commited by Chechynians (spelling!!).

Ah I hear you retort so what has that to do with London.
I'll come to that.
Remember JFK? Was that the second american revolution? Was that the Military/industrial putsch of the mid 20 century? mabye.

Returning back to 9/11 and 7/7 two terror attrocities, think of the sweeping civil liberties reforms and homeland security initiatives in the US and UK. Suspect? Possibly.

If people have read 1984 and or Brave New World the concept of BIG BROTHER is well documented and in the UK we have the NANNY STATE. To remain in power the people in charge must supress their own population, our governments are in a state of attrition against its own subjects.

The world is heading into a new era, the downturn of the West and the emergence of the Dragon (China). This is coupled with the fight for diminshing natural resources.

The Islam Vs. Western (christian) culture, is I believe a blind, it is a distraction from the true issue which is a direct struggle with China.

If you read Tzu Sun or Machaveilli, polititrickery is the name of the game.
So where does Poland stand, answer safely surrounded by the rest of Europe and deeply rooted in its identity and history. This gives the country gravitas, it is this that will help Poland whilst other European neighbours suffer. Poland can only go up, whilst many of its mature Western counterparts have to deal with problems Polska simply doesn't have.

I am disappointed after reading your post. You take pride; you delight in being able to perpetuate corruption in Poland. Poland is a corrupt country, lacking transparency. Absence of transparency retards investments by corporations and individuals. I always hoped that foreigners that settle in Poland would bring with them not only their "know how" but also integrity and the idea of transparency. No offense, I hope that people like you stay in their native lands and do not perpetuate and contribute to corruption in Poland.

I appreciate what you are saying. However, sadly that is the state of affairs. However, I will be contributing to the economy and too the taxman. Hopefully bringing skills which i can share. However, if I need to hurry up the doctors, i'll pay. If I have to play the game I will. I don't want to be johhny foreigner being ripped off.

Corruption is everywhere not just Poland.
I'm not actively going to Polska to corrupt, however, i play the game if neccessary.

Here are some examples from the UK.

Kirkby Times believes that corruption is still endemic in the UK. This corruption is so widespread that it has affected all levels of society. White Collar crime is simply thought of as business, it's almost second nature to many businessmen. Our local councils have been exposed time and time again for dirty dealings.

kirkbytimes.co.uk/news_items/2004_news/council_corruption_s potlight_1.html

Note: It is not known whether Labour Party membership was withdrawn from the above corrupt despicable dregs of local government.

I was born and raised in the UK - I have a good job - plenty money - but when I'm in Poland I feel alive. I'm sure it's the same with other recently freed eastern european countries - there is an energy, a feeling that anything could happen. Yes it's poor, sometimes bleak, but people somehow get by and they seem inspired. It's difficult to describe - this energy that exists, especially in larger cities - the charm and quirky character of the countryside. I have met English, Irish and Scottish people in Poland who are living there. They earn less, much less, but they survive, shop in markets, eat real food and are happy. They recognise a better quality of life. Not richer - but better quality of life. (to be defined?) Younger poles however recognise the hardships in their country and are tempted by the west, because they can earn more money. It's a practical thing. They come to the UK - they see, experience, ponder - but find their hearts remain in Poland. One day they will realise that money aint everything, and return and join those English Irish and those Scotts.

good for them... the sooner the better...

You're so right there! I just trolled in from Berlin a couple of days ago. My first impression is that Warsaw is like Kazkakhstan - no Turkmenistan!

Coming to Poland is like travelling through a time warp.

All the old ladies are dressed like in the 1940s! And the men make Borat look like a New York pimp! Perhaps Poland will reach the 21st century in another couple of generations. Meantime just keep on travelling to Britain and Ireland and you may learn something about being "modern".

I love bigos! Hahaha! I laughed so much I nearly sh*t my pants! In fact I just did.... Must go change them now for a clean pair. Ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Even trolls are entitled to their own opinion. What makes me sick is how all you Poles are so stupidly patriotic... You have absolutely no sense of humour and can't even accept that other people have different (and sometimes negative) opinions about Poland.

Say what you like Ogromna. It's Christmas and I for one won't bite.

Unfortunately you are. :) Merry Christmas to you and your fellow trolls. :)

And now its your turn :)

What about the americans?.. one thing which makes poland looks outdated is the dull grey colors of housing blocks.

Ogromna Baka, you trolled from Berlin? You should thank some older folks from that beautiful city for how PL looks like now :) And I think you totally missed Borat movie point...

If you have love and respect for Poland... Poland will not cause problems for you... just have patience...learn the language... be normal and try to be nice to someone who tries to be nice to you.... go ahead when someone tries to be your friend...

cheers.

But what does this have to do with America? Who isn't a patriot for their own country anyway? If you are...you need to move :)


I love the way Poland looks. It's a very photogenic country and has a lot of character. I guess you can see some "old fasioned" people in the countryside, but this is all over the world. Ya nincompoop.

It's really easy to live in Poland for thieves and politicans and I guess... only for them. Actually I know lots of rich people and even if they aren't thieves or politicans - they are still exploiting their employers. That's the Poland, if other man respect You he must be a foreigner like You or he is trying to cheat on you. I'm now working in Sweden and I can't believe what I was searching there in Poland for. Only young people can change something, but their parents won't help.

Lef, your post (#37) was very poignant I will save it and show my Polish man. He has said some things that correlate with your views and I want to to understand this in his words too, thank you. :)

Yes, it's good to go see other places but I would think your heart should stay where you were born. You can't replace that nor buy it with money.

From what I have experienced so far is that Polish people are unique the way they see things is from a new prospective that I enjoy and cherish.