u/Traditional-Elk-3098

Hi everyone!

I just got two PhD offers, one in Lisbon, Portugal, and one in Stavanger, Norway. Although I am so happy to finally have a way out of unemployment, I honestly can’t decide which one to take.

The biggest difference is obviously the wage: Portugal is around €1400, while Norway is around €4500. I have always wanted to live in Portugal, but my family has no way of supporting me, so the money in Norway is very tempting. 

I wanted to ask if anyone can give me some advice on this; do you think 1400 is liveable in Lisbon? I have always wanted to live in Portugal, and it is basically a dream come true at this point, but I’m afraid I will not be able to sustain myself financially. 

I’d love to hear your experiences and opinions! 

Cheers

Hi everyone!

I’m a 25F graduate, and after a long and depressive journey of unemployment, I finally got two PhD offers, one in Lisbon, Portugal, and one in Stavanger, Norway. Although I am so happy to finally have a way out of unemployment, I honestly can’t decide which one to take, because both are countries I have never been to before.

The biggest difference is obviously the wage: Portugal is around €1,400, while Norway is around €4,500. I have always wanted to live in Portugal, but my family has no way of supporting me, so the money in Norway is very tempting. On the other hand, I’ve been living in the Netherlands for 3 years now, and I already struggle quite a lot with the winter, culture, and the daily lifestyle here (I’m normally from Greece), so I’m afraid Norway would be worse for my mental health.

I feel so stuck because Norway is also a beautiful country, especially for a good living, but I don’t know if I should follow my heart or the benefits of earning a good salary :( 

If anyone has lived in Lisbon or Stavanger, I’d love to hear your experiences, and opinions! 

Cheers