Karyotakis tried to establish a career as a lawyer but the lack of clients made him turn to public service. In 1923 he secured a post in the Ministry of Health where he submitted numerous proposals to improve public sanitation. He became an active member of trade unions, rising to prominence during a 1927 attempt by public employees to secure the right to strike and a pay rise. In early 1928 information on excessive expenditures by the Minister of Welfare leaked out. Karyotakis was considered the prime suspect for the leak. The suspicion contributed to his unfavorable transfer to Preveza.