Hairdressers and Pastry Chefs are Aming 600 Jobs Considered Hazardous in Greece - Hence You Can Retire at Age 53 with 9% of Salary as Pension

By Trader Mark

November 7, 2011 10:28 AM EST

No wonder these Greeks always seem to have a smile on their face - this looks like a fun show, wish we had it here in the States. I'd be watching!

Go Greek for a Week

Three British families try out the tax, pensions and work practices that caused Greece's economic crisis and brought on the austerity measures aimed at cutting the deficit and qualifying for EU bailouts.

Follow us

A 54-year-old British hairdresser discovers the generosity of the Greek pensions system, which still allows hairdressers, pastry chefs, radio continuity announcers and people in almost 600 other jobs to retire aged 53 at 90% of their final salary because their jobs are defined as hazardous.

A bus driver reaps the rewards of the Greek approach to state-run services, where bus drivers could be paid up to almost double the national average salary and receive extra bonuses for arriving at work early and for checking bus tickets.

And a British surgeon is delighted to discover how paying income tax the Greek way will transform his disposable income.

The personal experiences of the three main characters are supported by expert interviews that establish the patterns of tax evasion, corruption and mismanagement that have helped to sink the Greek economy.

This article is contributed by Fund My Mutual Fund and does not represent the views or opinions of International Business Times.
Sponsor Link:
Join the Conversation
IBTimes TV

73 yr Old Becomes Oldest Woman to Climb Mount Everest

Global Markets
Existing Home Sales Jump, World Banks Lowers China Forecast, Euro Prepares for Greek Exit

Recommended for you
  1. Wall Street scores weekly gains, but sags for the dayU.S. stocks ended their first positive week in four with a down day on Friday as investors were reluctant to buy going into a long weekend, with uncertainty still swirling around Europe.
  2. Wall Street slips ahead of long holiday weekendStocks slid into the close on Friday as traders, wary of the risks posed by Europe's debt crisis, closed out positions ahead ...