Something about the grass being greener on the other side.

Many of the former colonial superpowers collapsed but never found their way back up again. The core problem might not be fixed.

But people still evaluate them as if they own half the world. In terms of GDP (per capita), quality of life, healthcare, they're not much better than the countries they once colonized.

Then again, Turkey is one of those countries, so OP might have better luck elsewhere.

Thanks for your input! I think I overvalued the prospect of Portugal from the start. I see now that it’s an ideal place for wealthy Western retirees who want to enjoy the weather, beaches, and EU mobility. For someone like me who isn't poor but isn't wealthy either it doesn't offer much in terms of career growth.Even for the Portuguese themselves.

When you say "better luck elsewhere" I assume you mean both Portugal and Turkey?

I mean some people overvalue places like Turkey too. Chances are you're not going from an undervalued place to an overvalued place to end up disappointed.

Because as a foreigner you start from scratch, no social network, no connections, no understanding of culture, mentality etc. You know, basic stuff, obviously.