Are you familiar with Nostos? In Ancient Greek, the term refers to the ordeal of returning home after a long journey – much like Ulysses finding his way back to Ithaca. In 2026, the myth seems to be turning into reality: after losing nearly 400,000 graduates following the economic turmoil of 2009, Greece is now showing signs of a reversal.
The trigger is, first and foremost, personal. Homesickness, family roots, and the search for a better work-life balance are once again outweighing purely economic considerations. As a result, despite persistent structural fragilities, more than 60% of young Greeks educated abroad now say they are considering returning within the next five years. As Homer already reminded us, “Nothing is sweeter than your own country and your own parents”.
From a French perspective, the trajectory appears more uncertain. An IPSOS study published last September reveals that 57% of young talents are considering expatriation within the next three years, including 21% who are doing so very seriously. This inclination reflects a broader climate of mistrust, with 70% of respondents believing that France is in decline.
That said, attractiveness has not disappeared. No fewer than 84% of young graduates still identify strong assets within the national ecosystem, while noting that for 86% of them salary valuation remains the decisive criterion in convincing them to stay.
In short, talent mobility is never random, whether viewed at a macro or micro level. It depends on the clarity of career paths, recognition of work, and employers’ ability to offer their teams a credible long-term outlook.
Talents to retain, career paths to secure?
ærige helps you stay the course.
