Vaiva Budraitytė: Life in Greece, Criticism & Global Astrology Clients

For Vaiva Budraitytė, the allure of Greece extended beyond its famed sunshine and warm climate. It was the scent of citrus blossoms that initially captivated her, a sensory experience so profound it resonated “to the bone.” This initial impression, however, came with a cost – accusations of betraying her homeland after choosing to relocate.

A Shift in Perspective and a New Life

Budraitytė faced criticism for expressing opinions about Lithuania after moving to Greece, with some viewing her departure as an act of disloyalty. She described a sentiment among her generation that leaving felt akin to escaping a “prison.” Despite this, she and her husband, Gaudentas, now reside in a cottage by the sea, complete with a private beach and consistent sunshine.

Did You Know? Vaiva Budraitytė has clients in the Philippines, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and across both North and South America.

Building a Global Business

Budraitytė is not simply enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle; she is actively working. She receives inquiries via messaging apps like Messenger and WhatsApp, serving a diverse international clientele. Her astrological forecasts have gained international recognition, attracting clients beyond the Lithuanian diaspora.

Her clientele includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including a government official from Washington D.C. Accompanied by a translator, and clients from India who prefer to communicate in their native language during consultations. Budraitytė emphasizes the importance of this linguistic connection, believing it fosters a deeper, more meaningful exchange.

Adapting to a New Culture and Lower Costs

Budraitytė is actively learning Greek, managing basic conversations in restaurants, taverns, and shops. While she acknowledges the challenge of discussing complex topics, she can now read and write the Greek alphabet. A significant benefit of life in Greece, she notes, is the lower cost of living. She cites a comparison of a meal for her family, costing approximately 100 euros in her previous location, versus 35-40 euros in Greece.

Expert Insight: The case of Vaiva Budraitytė highlights the increasing trend of individuals leveraging remote work and digital communication to build location-independent careers, and the potential for significant cost-of-living arbitrage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What initially drew Vaiva Budraitytė to Greece?

The scent of citrus blossoms in the Greek orchards was the initial and most powerful draw for Vaiva Budraitytė.

Did Vaiva Budraitytė face any negative reactions to her move?

Yes, Vaiva Budraitytė was labelled a traitor to her homeland for choosing to live in Greece and for expressing opinions about Lithuania.

Where do Vaiva Budraitytė’s clients come from?

Vaiva Budraitytė’s clients are located around the world, including the Philippines, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and the Americas.

As more individuals explore opportunities to live and work abroad, what factors will be most important in their decisions about where to relocate?