In the period ahead, we will share authentic stories of professionals who have brought their international experience back home – to Replek. Through their words, we will discover the value of dedication, expertise and love for their own country.
In the “From the World Back to Replek” series, you will hear from people speaking about their passion for their profession, their dedication and their belief in the future here at home, in Macedonia. We are talking to Replek employees in different positions, each with their own story but with one common message: There’s no place like home!
These stories are an inspiration to everyone considering whether, and which company, to return to in Macedonia, as well as whether there is room to put the knowledge and experience they have gained abroad to use.
“I left for the United Kingdom in 2000, full of ambition to pursue postgraduate studies and gain practical international experience. I wanted to test my own potential in the wider world and achieve greater goals. I stayed there for a full decade, working in different industries and building my expertise as a PhD in Business Management.
But with every passing year, there was one feeling I could not suppress: homesickness. I missed the sense of togetherness, the warmth of family, our values and the Macedonian spirit. I realised that, regardless of my professional success, my heart belonged here.”
This, in brief, is Kosta’s story. Asked what he learned abroad, he says:
-Working abroad taught me discipline, teamwork in a multicultural environment and the importance of personal responsibility. I learned that with perseverance and vision, anything is possible – regardless of your background or starting position.
-Those ten years spent in an international environment gave me a broader perspective on strategic thinking, managing complex processes, and building a results- and accountability-driven culture. The experience of working with multicultural teams further sharpened my understanding of effective communication and leadership.
What did you miss most while living abroad?
“I missed the sense of togetherness, my family and friends, and the simple yet rich life in Macedonia. I missed my country – its warmth, language, culture and values,” says Kosta, adding: “I realised that no matter how much I progressed abroad, my heart was here. The decisive moment came when I started thinking about what I truly wanted to leave behind, and I concluded that I wanted to invest my knowledge and experience here, in the development of the domestic industry and society.”
Speaking about his return to Macedonia, he says it was not easy, but that he soon learned to enjoy the little things:
“It was not easy at first – the pace is different. The biggest challenge was adapting to a different way of working and a different mentality. Many things happen more slowly, it is often difficult to obtain accurate information, and, of course, valuable time is lost in administrative processes. What affected me most was seeing the frustration that exists in traffic – it is very chaotic, with very little respect and patience, which affects your mental focus on a daily basis.
“But over time, I learned to distinguish between the things I can and cannot control. I learned to enjoy the little things again and to be grateful to be home. With the support of those close to me and a clear goal in mind, I managed to embrace the new context and find inspiration in everyday life again.”
Working at Replek
“Replek is a Macedonian brand with a long-standing tradition and strong potential. I was attracted by the opportunity to be part of a company that can establish itself as a regional leader and take it to a higher level, showing how a Macedonian company can be competitive in the international market. That is a challenge worth taking on.”
Asked how open the labour market in Macedonia is to people with international experience, Koteski says:
“I think there is a positive trend, but there is still room for improvement. People with international experience bring new perspectives, and their value and potential should be recognised. Abroad, the labour market is more dynamic, structurally organised and more focused on results. We have potential here, but it requires systematic effort, better links between education and business, and greater support for innovation and leadership. Of course, much greater self-confidence in pursuing our goals is also needed.”
In conclusion, Kosta says:
“If you have knowledge and experience gained abroad, that is capital – but its true value becomes apparent when that capital is invested at home. Macedonia has potential, but it needs people with vision, experience and heart. If you return with the intention of making a difference, then every challenge becomes an opportunity.”
The interview was published on vrabotuvanje.com.mk