After spending almost eight years in Dublin, medical technician Leonard Sever decided to pack his bags and return to Zagreb, where he continued his career at the Department of Anesthesiology of KBC Zagreb.

His experience from Ireland, which he shared in a feature for RTL Danas, was marked by exceptionally positive interpersonal relationships and open communication with colleagues. As a foreigner, he never felt excluded nor did he experience any unpleasantness. However, despite the pleasant work environment and professional respect, everyday life abroad carried a financial burden that over time became unsustainable for a long-term stay and planning for the future.

The financial calculation and the reality of Irish rents

The main reason for such a turning-point decision was the extremely high cost of living that often accompanies work in major European centers. To explain it in simple terms, high earnings abroad can often be deceptive because the real standard of living is dictated by the prices of basic necessities, primarily housing. As reported by the portal net.hr, Sever realized that as much as half of his monthly salary goes exclusively to apartment rent.

In practice, this means that despite a higher nominal amount in the bank account, actual purchasing power and the ability to save are drastically reduced because a huge part of income immediately flows into the basic costs of survival.

Positive changes in the domestic healthcare system

Returning to the Croatian healthcare system also brought the realization of the changes that had occurred during his absence. Leonard points out that working conditions today are significantly better than at the time of his departure, when the system occasionally even suffered from a lack of basic supplies such as medical gloves.

Today, the situation with equipment and materials is stable, and direct conversations with colleagues indicate a general increase in satisfaction. Salary increases and the modernization of the work environment are slowly reducing the gap that once existed, which significantly makes it easier for those who sought professional fulfillment outside Croatia's borders to decide to return.

A trend that inspires cautious optimism

The return of Leonard Sever, recounted on the RTL Danas program, is not just an individual story, but also an indicator of new currents in the medical profession. Although statistical data from the Croatian Chamber of Nurses still show that the number of departures exceeds the number of returns, an upward trend is visible among those deciding to work in their homeland.

The key to retaining skilled staff in the future lies precisely in the continuous improvement of working standards that will enable professionals to have a quality life and professional development without the financial pressure imposed by expensive foreign real estate markets.