Leaving America for Italy: How I Learned to Embrace the "Flow" and Find Success
Twenty years ago, I traded the hustle of the greater Boston area for the allure of Milan, Italy. After earning my MBA and completing an internship with Pirelli, I was offered a job leading marketing and communications for their telecoms business. It was a dream opportunity, and I jumped at the chance to return to my beloved Italy. While I was excited, the reality of living and working overseas came with its own set of unique challenges. I learned to navigate corporate life, deal with layoffs, buy a house, and build a community in a country where I was a complete outsider. Today, I wouldn’t trade my experiences for the world, but the journey wasn’t always easy. Here are the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing the "flow" is essential: Italy’s bureaucracy can be frustrating, but getting upset about its quirks won’t help. Learning to adapt and be patient is key to navigating the system.
- Determination is key to achieving success: Finding a job as a foreigner in Italy can be challenging. Networking and persistent effort are essential to landing the right opportunity.
- Rethinking how you work can boost your career: Be open to learning new ways of doing things. Embrace the local culture and work practices to connect with colleagues and foster success.
- Budgeting for life in Italy requires a strategic approach: Expenses like driver’s licenses and taxes can be unexpected surprises. Understanding these nuances can help you manage your finances effectively.
1. Learning to Go With the Flow
Italy’s bureaucracy can be a major challenge for newcomers, even for someone like myself who had a company sponsoring my stay. It’s common to experience long waits at government offices, grumpy officials, and a system that can seem complex and confusing. I often found myself making and rescheduling appointments at city hall just to obtain a tax number or an ID card.
"The waits are long, the government workers are sometimes grumpy, and the system can be frustrating and complex on a good day."
I used to sweat the small stuff, but after experiencing a transportation strike, I realized that getting angry about the disruptions was pointless. Instead, I adapted my schedule, leaving early to avoid potential delays. I also learned to drive, as relying solely on public transportation was no longer an option.
If you’re trying to make a life in Italy, my best advice is to go with the flow. Learn to accept the bureaucratic hurdles and oddities as part of the experience. It’s simply a reality of life in this beautiful country.
2. Developing Determination and Resilience
After nearly five years in Italy, I was laid off when the company I worked for sold my division. Holding a permesso di soggiorno (residence work permit), I had one year to find new employment. The pressure was on, but I refused to be discouraged.
Finding a job as a foreigner in Italy often comes down to networking and a great deal of determination. It’s a very "who you know" job market. I reached out to former colleagues, headhunters, and business school alumni, leveraging my network to secure new opportunities.
With mere months left on my work permit, I received a job offer from a U.S. multinational with offices in Italy. I was relieved to have persevered through the challenges and found a new path forward. My commitment to building a life in Italy had paid off.
3. Embracing Change and Adapting My Workstyle
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was to abandon the phrase "this is how we do things." I needed to embrace change and adapt to thrive in Italy, whether it was learning a new language or navigating the local work culture.
For example, I initially skipped lunch, thinking it was efficient to work through the break. However, I soon realized that this was a faux pas. Italians are incredibly sociable, and lunchtime is an important time for connecting with colleagues. This cultural difference highlighted the importance of adjusting my mindset.
I learned that casual lunches and coffees provided valuable opportunities to forge connections and learn about my colleagues and the business. I absorbed valuable information outside the traditional work environment, realizing the importance of embracing a more holistic approach to work.
4. Budgeting Strategically for Life in Italy
While I’m in a good financial position today, I had to make some adjustments to my spending when I first arrived in Italy. Certain expenses were unexpected, extending beyond the usual rent and utilities. I recall that obtaining a driver’s license cost me around 700 euros!
As an American citizen living overseas, I’m required to report my taxes based on my citizenship, not residency. I rely on an accountant to manage my tax obligations, which can be quite complex. Although the U.S. has agreements with Italy to prevent double taxation, I do pay higher taxes on my income in Italy (43% vs. 37% in the States). I often receive a tax credit due to this difference.
The public healthcare system in Italy is a real benefit. Large companies frequently offer private health insurance as a supplement. This means I can direct funds that I would otherwise allocate to health care toward other needs and leisure activities.
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the decision I made 20 years ago. Stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing a new life in Italy has allowed me to travel extensively and meet extraordinary people. Today, I feel satisfied with the life and career I’ve built here. The journey wasn’t easy, but the lessons I learned along the way continue to shape me and inspire me every day.
