Markos Charatzas on Clubhouse

Bio

I was raised by a single mother.

Born in the eighties. My mother was a hairdresser, running her own beauty salon just around the corner from a single bedroom flat where we both lived, in Athens. She was just 21 when she gave birth.

I grew up being quite independent as a result.

Mom was working 6 days a week. When I wasn’t at home alone, I would be spending time with my best friend in the building next door or at the beauty salon. I remember asking her to give me a “perm” hairstyle like everyone else at the time.

I was raised by women. My mother, my grandma, my godmother. By all the women coming to the beauty salon, telling me stories, showing me affection. By all the women looking after me when I was sick or had to spend an evening with when mom was away.

I've never had a father figure growing up. I've known 3 fathers. An absent one at the age of 4. A bully step father one at the age of 10. My biological one I never knew I had at the age of 39. I was a male with no male role models.

I left home at the age of 18 to study abroad. I got free University education in 1998 because of European Union funds. I have an Upper Second Class BSc (Honours) in Information Technology. I am still being hard on myself for losing out on a First Class by 4 points even though I've been told I have a "gentleman's degree".

I love to create. I love that software development gives me the power to create. I don’t love software development in and of itself. I love software development that is purposeful. I love software development that satisfies a need. I love software development in the service of the people.

I have tried to outrun anxiety and depression.
You can’t outrun anxiety and depression.

I've learned to appreciate how difficult it is to deal with big changes in your life. Pace yourself. Respect the baby steps. ✊🏽👶🏽🦶🏽

To live without fear is to live life in solidarity. It’s ok to be afraid; know that you are not alone.

I consider myself priviliged as a white male working on one of the most sought out, well paid jobs on the market even though I am 40 and I have nothing to my name.

Grandma’s death made me realise that you don’t have to achieve perfection in order to be celebrated as a human; what a weight to have lifted.

Whatever your first impressions of me are, chances are they’re mere reflections of yourself. Ask questions. I will engage as long as you are gentle, curious and genuine.

Social media made me feel like shit which is why I don't use any.