Myrto’s Journey as a Physiotherapist in Zürich and Olten
From Greece to the Swiss Mountains
Everyone who takes the step to work as a physiotherapist in Switzerland embarks on a unique adventure. Through PhysioMatch, dozens of healthcare professionals make this leap every year, looking for more job satisfaction, a beautiful environment, and personal growth. This week we speak with Myrto, who has been living and working in Switzerland since May 2024. She shares her journey, from the first doubts to daily life between Olten and Zürich.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Myrto, I’m 29 years old and originally from the north of Greece, near Thessaloniki. It’s a region with few mountains, so moving to Switzerland was quite a change. I completed a master’s degree in advanced physiotherapy with a focus on neurology and additional training such as trigger point therapy in Greece.
I’ve always loved my profession, but in Greece the reality was tough: I earned around five euros per hour and worked twelve hours a day for seven years. I couldn’t even afford to go on holiday. That was very discouraging, so I decided to learn German to create opportunities in German-speaking countries.
In two months I will be moving to Zürich but continue to work in Olten. I spent about a year and a half living in Olten before moving. Many people do it the other way around, living in a smaller town and working in the city because it’s cheaper, but for me happiness comes first. Zürich feels more international, I have friends there, and I enjoy the theaters and cinemas being in English.
What made you decide to take the leap and move to Switzerland?
I was simply exhausted by the situation in Greece. It wasn’t easy to leave everything behind, but from the very beginning, the people and my workplace here made it much easier to adapt. For the first time, I felt valued and fairly rewarded for my efforts. My boss thanks me every day when I leave. Nothing is taken for granted here, and that makes a big difference.
What surprised you most about living and working in Switzerland?
The openness of people. I was afraid that communication would be difficult because of Swiss German, but most people speak High German or English and are willing to adapt so that communication goes smoothly. I felt accepted right away and never treated as an outsider.
How does the financial side compare with Greece?
It’s a completely different life. In Greece I had to count every euro, here I can finally breathe. I don’t check my bank account every day anymore. I can save money and travel, which I couldn’t do before. Switzerland is so central that weekend trips are easy, and the trains are very well organized. Now I’m even planning long trips I never dreamed of affording before.
What differences do you see in healthcare and physiotherapy?
In Switzerland, patients usually go to their family doctor first, who then refers them to a specialist or a physiotherapist. That can take a couple of months. In Greece, you can see a specialist directly. Healthcare here is expensive, but it’s also very safe and structured.
A typical physiotherapy session lasts 30 minutes, with about 23 minutes of treatment and 7 minutes of administration. At first I found it exhausting to switch patients every half hour, but now I see the benefit. You have to be focused and specific in your treatment. It’s more effective than an hour-long session, which is common in Greece.
Patients here are also very motivated. They are used to training and understand that physiotherapy is not just massage. Of course, I sometimes use manual techniques to make patients feel more comfortable, but the mindset is different. People want to work on their recovery.
What opportunities have you found to keep learning?
My employer is very supportive. The practice feels like a family, my colleagues are open, and the atmosphere is warm. The clinic regularly organizes internal training, and my boss pays for all external courses too. In Greece, you have to cover everything yourself. Here, knowledge and further education are really appreciated.
We even had a two-day practice trip to the mountains with a sauna. That was something I never experienced in Greece, and it really brought us closer together as a team.
How is your work-life balance compared to Greece?
Much better. In Greece, you have no choice but to work long hours. Here, you can decide whether you want to work 100% or less. I work full-time, but I still have plenty of free time after 5 p.m. to enjoy life.
I love that Switzerland feels like a holiday even during the workweek. You can go hiking, climb a mountain, run by a lake, or just enjoy great sports facilities, theaters, and restaurants. People here go outside no matter the weather. If it’s foggy, they hike above the clouds. I love that mentality: there is no bad weather, only bad clothes.
Can you tell us about your home life?
Finding housing can be tricky because you need to provide a lot of documents and proof. But now I’m moving into a shared apartment (WG) with two other Greeks, which is quite common here and also fun.
In Zürich, I love walking through the botanical garden, exploring the old town, or going up the mountains for a coffee with a view. Nature is always close, and that adds so much joy to everyday life.
How important is the environment for your job satisfaction?
Very important. You spend one-third of your life at work, so the setting matters. In our practice we have beautiful views, and I really enjoy watching the seasons change or seeing swans and people swimming in the river. It makes the day lighter.
What would you like to say to other physiotherapists who are considering the move?
Don’t be afraid. Switzerland is a wonderful country to work in. Salaries, working conditions, and patients are all excellent. The language should not hold you back. People don’t only speak Swiss German; they’re happy to speak High German or English. You’ll learn quickly by using German every day.
Of course not everything’s perfect and there will be some lonely moments but through this process you can really know yourself better, become more independent, get out of your comfort zone and enjoy new experiences.
Life here is rich in opportunities. You can travel, spend time in nature, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. If you love the mountains and the outdoors, this is the place to be.
Thank you, Myrto, for sharing your inspiring story! Would you like to experience what it’s like to work as a physiotherapist in Switzerland, just like Myrto? Get in touch with us at PhysioMatch. We’ll guide you step by step, from the very first introduction to your first working day.
