Did I Make A Mistake Moving To Croatia?

Deciding to move to a new country is a significant life decision, and it's natural to have moments of doubt or uncertainty. It's important to remember that adjusting to a new environment takes time, and it's normal to experience some challenges along the way.
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liinks.co/dusangrujic
To determine if you've made a mistake or if you're simply experiencing a period of adjustment, consider the following:
Give It Time: Moving to a new country is a big transition. It's normal to feel out of place or uncertain at first. Give yourself time to adapt to your new surroundings.
Reflect on Your Reasons: Remember why you chose to move in the first place. What were your motivations? Are those reasons still valid and meaningful to you?
Seek Support: Connect with locals or expats who have experienced similar transitions. They can provide valuable insights and support during your adjustment period.
Evaluate Your Experience: Take a step back and objectively assess your experiences so far. What aspects of your new life are positive, and which are causing you concern?
Problem-Solve: If you're facing specific challenges, think about how you can address them. This might involve learning the local language, seeking employment, or finding social groups.
Embrace the Learning Experience: Moving abroad is an opportunity for personal growth and learning. Embrace the experience, even if it comes with its share of difficulties.
Consult Professionals: If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking advice from professionals, such as counselors, therapists, or legal advisors, who specialize in expatriate transitions.
Ultimately, only you can determine if the move was a mistake or a worthwhile adventure. Trust your instincts and remember that it's okay to feel uncertain from time to time. If needed, seek advice from trusted friends, family, or professionals to help you navigate this important decision.

[@sonjavukoja4936]

Bravo Dušane, we returned from Australia after living 40 years there! You giving us strength with positivity and encouraging us to continue our battle!

[@Dusan.Grujic]

For every mountainous struggle there is a beautiful view on top. Keep climbing!

[@jamisonbattin7197]

Last year we spent 6 weeks in Croatia while home schooling our kids. We visited Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and many smaller towns. We loved the food, culture and meet some wonderful people. You're blessed to have pursued your dream and I'm very happy for you. If I could convince my family to live in Croatia, Id go tomorrow.

[@maslina4567]

Please don't give up!

[@Dusan.Grujic]

hahaha ! work on those skills to sell them the dream!

[@maslina4567]

For us buying our house and going through red tape as Canadians with no Croatian ancestry was the toughest part. Temporary residency is still arduous each time. But we go through it all as Croatia enriches our lives dramatically. Everything worth having is worth fighting for. I've said it before but your outlook is exactly the same as ours. I'm happy you are living where you need to be. Very few people realize they may be missing out on so much and fewer pursue it. I believe in dreaming big. The sacrifice is a small price to pay for genuine fulfillment. In Croatia I am free to be me!

[@HladniSjeverniVjetar]

If you don't mind me asking what part of Croatia you moved to and why?

[@maslina4567]

@TheAxisOne Istria. We had done a lot of traveling to Europe and decided on Croatia next. As soon as we entered Istria we experienced a feeling we hadn't before...it was phenomenal! Later we decided to live in Croatia for so many reasons. At the time our reasons included beautiful untouched nature, fascinating history, ruins to explore, wonderful food, amazing architecture, glorious climate, unparalleled hospitality of locals, slow pace of life, genuine people, outstanding music and festivals... Since we bought our house we've also discovered the ability to live off the land and sea, traditional values, it's very safe (we often see children playing together with no adults in sight), neighbours would give us the shirts off their backs and the cost of living is less. We can now converse in Croatian. The air is fresh and we feel physically and mentally healthier. There is so much variety to explore in such a tiny area. We can grow produce we could only dream of in Canada. For many the climate alone is a reason for moving. But for us it's the whole picture. We had assumed Canada was it for us. But we discovered an inexplicable kinship with Croatia on a very deep level. A connection which we interestingly don't have in Canada. Our roots aren't even Croatian! There are a few annoyances in Croatia but our experiences are overwhelmingly positive and far outweigh the negative (such as bureaucracy).

[@HladniSjeverniVjetar]

@@maslina4567 Thanks for the in depth story. Istria is a nice place to live in. Especially the inner part with almost fairy tale vistas and nature.

[@maslina4567]

​@@HladniSjeverniVjetar Though we love the sea as well, we live inland. Tranquil and stunning.

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Awesome story! Its amazing that you are living a fulfilled life hear. Im very happy to hear that.💪

[@user-dy3zt1lz4r]

I can attest to the bureaucracy. When I was applying for my Croatian citizenship, I followed instructions online, but there aren't any instructions on what to do when you're in the ministry of internal affairs. I had to talk to multiple social workers that just bounced me around from one person to another, especially since I was too polite. First my photos weren't correct, even if they were the correct dimensions, but the background wasn't "white enough". Since I'm of Canadian nationality, one person tried to direct me to a kiosk to set up permanent residency, which I didn't need at all. One person complained that I needed the original copy of Domovnica as opposed to a copy, which was not going to happen because it was back in Canada, yet the copy was all I needed. I had to go to a different kiosk to simply pay for the passport. I also had to visit a kiosk just to get the application paper. It was a complete mess. I figured things out by trial-and-error. Once I had everything I needed for the passport, including correct personal photos, personal identity, a paid receipt, a copy of my Domovnica, and the filled out application form, I aggressively stood my ground with one social worker which ended up succeeding. I thought I was alone in this experience, but Croats around me were almost as equally confused as to how to pay, and apply for a passport or permanent residency, they were almost as equally bounced around to different people. If you have a family member or friend that can help you out with bureaucracy, I would highly recommend to ask for their help. My only other main negative is the connection to the rest of Europe. It is hard to travel to, out of and within Croatia because of their lack of trains and flights. You have to mainly use buses, or your own car to get around. I believe this will be sorted out in the next several years as they build a better train infrastructure and become more tightly connected with the rest of Europe. I stayed for a month and worked remotely. I rented an apartment in Zagreb, did sightseeing in Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik and Krka. There are some beautiful places to see and stay in. The climate is great. Generally, Croats are friendly, especially if you speak some Croatian. When I'd ask for directions, I'd end up in friendly conversations. Zagreb is a city, yet it's small enough so it doesn't feel stressful. It's a safe country, comparable to Switzerland in terms of its safety index.

[@dinkohrvat344]

Minorities suffer terribly in Croatia . I was completely and totally shocked when a overweight woman with a facial abnormality was pushed over and ridiculed at the Split bus station by a group of hooligans . It was clear she was the target of regular 'Fun abuse' by a lot of young hooligans The locals do not care about minorities at all . The abuse and neglect of the elderly in care homes is some thing I witnessed in Korcula .

[@Dusan.Grujic]

jesus, really?

[@fabijanducak1611]

You provide really insightful information and your decision is very understandable. You should maybe do a collaboration with Paul Bradbury or an interview where you can share your experiences in Croatia, especially about moving to Croatia. He makes similar videos about what it is like to live in Croatia and he is also from the UK. I wish you all the best in Croatia and that you can continue to be happy as you are right now. All the best and greetings from Zagreb

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Hahah maybe its a possibility that one day we jump on a podcast together! who knows

[@RetiredNigerian]

Your video is concise, answered a lot of my questions, welldone. I wish you'd be able to give me some information on Social Work Career in Croatia. I'm working towards moving to Rijeka soon, I'd appreciate all the information and help I could get...

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Good luck with your move, Im not sure about being a social worker. I dont suppose the salary will be too good :(

[@annagaspar3659]

Hi Dusan, the world is moving towards greater unity. In this process it is difficult to adjust to this mega changes . In the past 70 years many people from Eastern and Central Europe have moved west for economic , political or religious reason? There appears to be reversal now and people are looking for peace for simplicity. Now that basic needs have been met people are looking for authentic and genuine human connections everywhere. Some people find this in the west despite all chaos and confusion and some people need the small village and easy going life style . Croatia is certainly very good place at this time to provide the space for anyone willing to go thru the very challenging administration process . . Best wishes to your family in very beautiful Croatian Village. Lipo malo Zadarsko selo...

[@HladniSjeverniVjetar]

Greater unity?

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Hey Anna, Thank you for the interesting comment, indeed I did some thinking over it. When you say that the world is moving towards a greater unity i guess this could be right and wrong at the same time. But here are my thoughts on this. The world or US wants a one world government a one world tax system a one world health emergency system. Even though this may sound good it opens us up to hell of a lot of manipulation. I dont believe every country wants to be the same that is why Croatia has pushed back on a few of EU laws such as smoking inside, slaughter of animals etc. and due to the fact of being a communist country not so long ago they want to now move towards capitalism where as the capitalist countries want to seem to move towards a totalitarian society where by everyone must abide by the same rules. This instead of creating unity is actually creating divide and this divide is growing ever stronger each day with the down right strange behaviour and agendas they are pushing onto us. Speaking to many people back in the UK, friends and family. the vast majority dont actually share the same views as me and are ready to roll with the punches and embrace the changes. For me I guess I can come out quite extreme in some circumstances but I stand close to my main core value in life and that is Freedom. I also believe the likes of the BRICS nations wont be following suite to what the west are doing and will be holding onto their countries values. the de-dollarisation is round the corner and there will be a new super power in the world. I myself will move where ever I feel my freedom isn't threatened. and if that means moving again I will. For now in my own Zadarska Selo I feel I have my freedom in my own way. Thank you for your comment and please take no offence to what i say or write, this is just my way of thinking. I am open to hearing everyones side of the table. Kind regards, Dušan

[@blazenkatkalcevic6374]

​@@Dusan.Grujic, super mi je kad Vas slušam ili čitam kako razmišljate. Mlad ste čovjek ali imate uvida u situaciju u svijetu i napravili ste što malo ljudi je napravilo. Samo hrabro naprijed! Nije ni ovdje bajno, ali Hrvatsku ne bih mijenjala za ništa! Moja djeca možda jednog dana odu van, (pa i ja sam bila) ali imamo mi hrvatsku poslovicu: Svagdje pođi, ali kući dođi. Ne sviđa mi se kud je svijet krenuo, ali Hrvatska možda ne bude pala u provaliju u koju srlja svijet! Još smo povezani s našim korijenima i teško nas je isčupati iz ove zemlje i naših navika! Živjeli!

[@claudiajaques8974]

100% @@Dusan.Grujic

[@osmaks1518]

Komentar pisem na hrvatskom jer svi vi stranci sto citate i gledate ovakav sadrzaj morate nauciti lokalni jezik, a ne slepat se sa drugim strancima i lokalce forsirati da pricaju engleski u svojoj zemlji samo radi vas koji ste dosli. A svejedno ima opcija "translate".. To kao prvo. Druga stvar, Dusane drago mi je da nisi odustao i da si postao borben. U jednom prijasnjem videu sam napisao komentar da moras biti spreman "platiti cijenu" zivota u Hrvatskoj, i ako se ona na pocetku cini velika, poslje shvatis da se isplati. Bas sam se pitao da li ces doista promjeniti gledanje na stvari i prilagoditi se,a ti si sada u toj fazi gdje si dokazao da mozes. Ima tu jos dosta tegoba sto slijede, jer nije nigdje raj i savrseno, ali sa tim gledanjem na stvari iz drugog(pravog) ugla nebi trebao imati vecih problema. Jos jedan savjet tebi kao i svim drugim strancima sto su tu ili misle doci. Potrudi se da komuniciras na hrvatskom i kreces se medju lokalcima malo vise. Vjeruj mi govorim to iz iskustva, jer kada sam otisao u Kanadu radio/druzio/pricao sam samo sa nasim ljudima i nisam napredovao u kanadskom drustvu. Tek kada sam shvatio taj problem, promijenio sam navike i tek tada sam postao "Kanadjanin iz Hrvatske" umjesto Hrvat u Kanadi. Svi mi gravitiramo ka onome sto nam je poznato, ali dugorocno ce i tebi i lokalcima biti puno lakse. Ipak je Hrvatska takva kakva jeste radi Hrvata i njihovog mentaliteta, a ne radi mentaliteta Engleza, Amera i Kanadjana koji bi sve to mijenjali.. Nadam se da razumijes sta hocu reci. Samo naprijed!

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Hej, hvala na tvom komentaru i hvala ti na svim pozitivnim komentarima koje si napisao. Složio bih se da je učenje jezika prijeko potrebno za život u Hrvatskoj jer se obično ne oslanjam na engleski. Jer većina ljudi koji rade na ovim državnim poslovima ionako zapravo ne govore engleski. Ali ono što ću reći je da ima puno naših ljudi koji su se preselili u mjesta kao što su Velika Britanija, Kanada itd. i iako su tamo već 30-40 godina, još uvijek ne mogu pravilno govoriti engleski. To je isto za poljski u Ujedinjenom Kraljevstvu, oni zapravo nemaju interesa učiti jezik. Mislim da se sve svodi na to tko ste kao osoba, očito je teško naučiti jezik i zato ga većina izbjegava ako je moguće. Ali posljedica je da vam život na kraju postane teži. Poz

[@osmaks1518]

@@Dusan.Grujic da, nazalost ima puno nasih ljudi pa cak i moje rodbine u stranim zemljama koji ne pricaju lokalni jezik niti ih zanima, i mislim da je to jako lose u svakom smislu. Sve sto sam spomenuo za strance u Hrvatskoj se odnosti takodjer na Hrvate u stranim zemljama, da se ne razumije samo kao jednostran problem.. Recimo na moru ugostitelji sve vise zaposljavaju strance kao poslugu/konobare koji ne znaju niti jednu rijec hrvatskog i ocekuju od mene da narucujem na engleskom jeziku u svojoj drzavi!? Ja kada sam bio u Njemackoj, narucivao sam na njemackom. Kada sam bio u Kanadi, narucivao sam na engleskom. A u svojoj Hrvatskoj cu narucivati na hrvatskom, i tu je kraj price. (Ne smetaju mi konobari iz ex-yu drzava, oni razumiju sve, mogu normalno popricati sa njima, to mi je najbitnije)

[@user-px4mz3iu1s]

bravo,izabra si odlično,malo van grada i fantastično a ostalo si sve sam reka i slažemse da je tako u hrvatskoj

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Da odlicno je :)

[@carlislebailey8902]

No state have any affairs in people’s personal life ! Worse we are paying for it atm! Things will have to change

[@michaeldiaz6060]

Hello, I am planning on moving there next year. I’m coming from America. I guess the biggest concerns I have with going over there is maintaining a job. Did you keep your job when you moved or did you find work there?

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Hey Mike, please go watch my video - Is Croatia just another hamster wheel. It explains some things to do with work

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Hey there! If you're interested in Croatia, whether it's moving, living, or just exploring the country, I've started a Facebook community just for that! Join us for discussions, helpful tips, local insights, and opportunities. We're planning meet-ups, live chats, expat assistance, and more exciting activities. Click the link below to become part of our community. Let's connect, share experiences, and make your Croatia journey awesome together! facebook.com/groups/6953631684672220/

[@VonEssek]

This is a great (sad) insight about my country - if you're loud and aggressive, you'll solve your problem faster. With bureaucracy, that is, not with common people. In everyday life, kindness, smile and a few Croatian words win every time.

[@Dusan.Grujic]

kindness never worked for me unfortunately

[@kriswujko]

Hi nice video, im thinking about moving form Poland one day 😅 i live in cold moutains Tatra im the souvenir guy love zadar Pag itd

[@erniesulovic4734]

I'm moving to Serbia from Sydney, Australia to be with my wife and I can't wait. Australia is now a disgrace. The Balkan countries are so beautiful...the ppl, the culture, the food, the music, the language etc, etc, etc. Australia is now a 3rd world country and only getting worse. My dad is from Croatia, my mum is from Bosnia, married a Serb yet sound Slovenian so pls don't take offense if I still call it Yugoslavia, at least as a concept...southern Slav 🙂 Some things I will need to adjust to once I move. Religion - I am not religious in the slightest yet am very spiritual. Religion shits me no end. Sport - they love sport over there. I have zero interest in sport. Politics - ppl over there love politics. I have no time for politics. And finally - the slow pace of everything compared to Sydney where it is go, go, go and if you want something, it is up to me to get it, and not be given it to me by the govt. Actually 2 more things...... they live day by day over there. I am a planner and look way ahead so them not having any real goals might annoy me. And finally, I will need to learn Cyrillic.....OMG, what an alphabet lol

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Hey Ernie, good luck in Serbia! I love it there. When it comes to religion and sport - dont worry. I dont feel its pushed in your face. I also dont like watching sport. you just gotta find your tribe!

[@erniesulovic4734]

@@Dusan.Grujic Thanks Dusan. I have several contacts already over there and i know one loves his soccer lol.......strange, i know LOL. The others are cool just to chat with and have coffee and drink and eat and sing and dance and.....you know...be Slavic lol Once i move to Serbia, i'm seriously considering applying for Croatian citizenship as dad is from Vukovar and mum was from Bosnia so go for that citizenship as well. Not sure how things go re getting Monte negro citizenship......im in no hurry....find out once i am there :-) So many places in the Balkans i want to see.....not including other countries. 🙂

[@stevefrompolaca2403]

it was a croatian concept, not a bad one at that, we all brothers are we not?

[@apscoradiales]

"Absolutely not", haha! You will Dusane. A few years from now, if not already, you will think of yourself as having two homes. Sometimes both are loved, sometimes both are hated. Just ask me, I have Canada as one home, Croatia is another. Love both, hate both...at the same time. Haha! Cheers, Nick

[@Dusan.Grujic]

I guess time will tell Nick! 😂😂 Maybe you’ll be right who knows? Maybe I have to make the same episode every year and see how I’m feeling still. But I can understand the feelings of hating and loving both at the same time 😂

[@mp7519]

I like your videos, you are a good storyteller...! Hope you get lots of new subscribers so people get more inspired and encouraged... ! Life should not be static with too much of conformity...it's too easy tho...that leads towards people's laziness, as a result some people become disrespectful towards the others...that's what you are experiencing with bureaucratic attitudes over there. It takes time to adjust and accept new society, mentality, behaviour etc....once you stop comparing, you'll find more peace of mind...and Don't forget good dose of humour too 😃 It's important to value your own life and needs...tho you're already doing very well ! Good luck with everything...see you in your next vlog ! 🐛

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Thanks MP, really nice comment! Glad to have you on my journey and some solid advice their too! See you in the next one!

[@robfromp-hanger]

While I´m still thinking about if it will be Split, Zadar or Rijeka, when we call about Hamsterrad if you dont have money and need to pay rental I think croatia is a "Hamsterrad" as well. You will have to work even more then in US; UK,.. to raise a family imo. However if you are privileged with owning a house and earning your own money its another story.

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Hey Rob, I may have a unique perpective to this comment which I may talk about in a video. Stay tuned :)

[@osmaks1518]

Of course you're thinking about Split, Zadar or Rijeka,, where even Croatians can't buy property because it's expensive.. Your whole line of thinking is wrong, that's why you're stuck where you are. There is a local saying, "you're not rich if you have a lot of things, you're rich if you don't need much"! So, you need to get rid of your western mentality and learn how to live happily with only the things that matter/you need before you can go anywhere..and learn some basic local language, don't force local people to adapt to you(foreigner who came). Btw, Coats work for their money, it does not grow on trees. 10-12 hours daily are no exception.

[@IstrianEscape]

Hi Dusan, nice channel, we've also bought in Croatia and we also enjoy our adventure. Where are you geographically? Maybe we could meet one day. Of course if you have some spare time we invite you to our channel. Best regards from Istria :)

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Hey! Glad youre enjoying! Were near Zadar. I believe you guys are quite a distance away!

[@IstrianEscape]

@@Dusan.Grujic it's a bit far, but when we'll be doing a trip south we'll contact you! Cheers! :)

[@liva236muzika]

Regarding bureaucracy - it would be great if you could take a local with you. Maybe pay them some money to act as an adviser of sorts. They will understand the quirks of the southern mentality better.

[@Dusan.Grujic]

I could only smile at reading your message, almost like a flashback of my own trials and tribulations lol! They dont make things easy thats for sure! Yes the connections are a bit of a struggle, but for UK its fairly straight forward. although after seasons ends i have to go to Zagreb. But other countries such as latvia is a nightmare so i understand the negative. Zagreb seems really nice, only spent a day there but would like to spenf more time there,

[@liva236muzika]

​@@Dusan.GrujicI have a feeling you replied to the wrong comment?

[@Dusan.Grujic]

@@liva236muzika yes correct, I wrote something else to yours.. maybe it went to someone else too

[@tfebster]

One main downside which hasn't been sorted yet is homeschooling still isn't technically legal in Croatia. I know there is a movement to get this done...but that's one thing I think Croatia could do better -- simply acknowledge that all of human history involved homeschooling. Parents should have a right to teach their kids what they want and not have to send their offspring off to be educated by the state.

[@Dusan.Grujic]

I wasnt aware that it was illegal! But in all honesty i havent done my research in the matter,

[@edpoletto8048]

This is the rub. If you integrate into a society that you choose to be part of you must be part of it. Home school is great and yet there are too many risks with that endeavourment.

[@CrofanCrofan]

POZDRAV DUŠANE TO TI JE HRVATSKA BIROKRACIJA POZDRAV IZ ZADRA

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Poz iz Benkovca!

[@dinoknezovic8613]

Hi Dusan, great content. I grew up in Germany and the US and moved back 2 years ago, best decision of my life. Would be great to jump on a call sometime and talk shop.

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Hey Dino, give me an email on [e-mail] and we can arrange something :)

[@dinoknezovic8613]

@@Dusan.Grujic done

[@zeuslord2869]

Dino, dude. what the fuck you doing leaving the good old USA??

[@Dusan.Grujic]

USA is grappling on for dear life at the moment. 🤣@@zeuslord2869

[@zeuslord2869]

in what ways???@@Dusan.Grujic

[@andrejasironic4561]

You haven’t encountered Croatian bureaucrats…

[@trstenik100]

You should've watched at least the first minute of the video

[@rashabelgrade]

Mora da se izjasnjava kao Srbin.

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Već sam u nekoliko svojih videa izjavio da sam Srbin, kakve to veze ima?

[@rashabelgrade]

@@Dusan.Grujic Tebi ocigledno nema.Ja sam tu zivio do 95, okolina Benkovca.800 hiljada je nas otislo odatle, zna se kako i sad eto tebe.Popisao si se na sve nas.Tragedija epskih razmjera.Ziv ti meni bio.

[@Wache3]

Kakve veze ima sto je Srbin? Tako je svejedno odakle je dok god je normalan civiliziran covjek. Porijeklo ili nacionalnost nemaju nikakve veze s ponasanjem. Sto ti vrijedi da ti je netko najrodjeniji ako je ljudsko smece? Ili kakve veze ima tko je i odakle je ako je normalan civiliziran covjek, koji se s postovanjem obraca svojim sugovornicima, svojoj okolini i ljudima koji ga okruzuju? Takvu osobu ce svi rado prihvatiti.

[@rashabelgrade]

@@Wache3 Naivan si.

[@Wache3]

@@rashabelgrade Ne, nego iskusan...

[@tomusa1]

good choice

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Thanks

[@zeuslord2869]

So. Why arent you talking about how you are going to survive in Croatia??? Do you have a job??? Do you get paid good money or not??? Do you have money saved??? goods and services are more expensive in Cro than in germany for example! Have you inherted money? Do oyu have a trust fund? Whats is going on???

[@Dusan.Grujic]

Inherited nothing my friend, Made my own business, working on that. Grew a half a million turnover business in uk and sold up.

[@zeuslord2869]

fair enough.@@Dusan.Grujic

[@Ines-uw5gi]

This woman is answering all the questions. She came from US Texas, lives in Split for over 10 yrs and calling it home she'll stay in till the end. There's a big community of expats in Split which is growing bcs more ppl are coming here for permanently. www.youtube.com/@ExpatinCroatia