Almost a year ago, I returned from the Netherlands after living there for about a year.
Looking back, I feel extremely grateful for everything I continue to carry with me from that experience. One of the most interesting things I’ve realized is that, in my opinion, and I think this applies somewhat generally in Italy, we take work too seriously.
I also talk about this on my LinkedIn profile. Check it out here!
The Italian Work Ethic: A Dichotomy
Let me explain.
The broad division we grew up with in Italy is that you are either someone who doesn’t want to do absolutely anything, and therefore get labeled accordingly, or, to avoid giving anyone a reason to think this, you have to sit there working/studying/doing, because you have to earn your paycheck and nobody gives you anything for free. This is exactly what I mean for “Italian Work Ethic“.
This concept is even more amplified when an Italian goes abroad, as you have to prove that you are not the stereotypical lazy Italian, but in fact, a tireless worker. In fact, I could see many of the Italian peers I met there sharing this mentality.
Probably not a wise direction
And this, in my opinion, is not entirely wrong, in the sense that if a person’s ambition is to burn out before the age of 30, this is the right path to follow.
It was in Amsterdam, working with people from all over the world, that I finally grasped this concept. For all the reasons mentioned earlier, I always found myself working with a rather serious and structured approach. In contrast, I saw many colleagues who took it more lightly and were indeed more serene overall.
Even in terms of productivity, there isn’t much difference between the two approaches, if any.
The Value of a Lighter Approach
Therefore, I believe that in the end, what pays off the most, both mentally and in terms of work environment and relationships with colleagues or clients, is inevitably the lighter approach.
The idea of going to work should not be to go there tense like a tightrope, because you have to be precise and show how well you work.
Rather, be a bit more relaxed, knowing that if you make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world (obviously, there are cases and cases), and that often a smile or an extra joke between colleagues is better than sending an extra email, or whatever it may be.
My discussion isn’t even about productivity per se. If there is work to be done, you have to work, there’s no way around it, but it’s more about the idea of work in general.
I think it’s this change in approach that makes you go to work with more enthusiasm and avoids a certain tension that I’m not even sure is healthy in the long term.
Conclusion: Redefining Productivity and Work Philosophy
Embracing a more balanced work ethic doesn’t mean being less productive or dedicated. Instead, it’s about recognizing that our mental well-being and the quality of our relationships are just as important as our professional achievements. By allowing ourselves to be more relaxed and less self-critical, we can foster a healthier, more positive work environment.
However, I felt compelled to share this reflection because it opened my eyes and freed me from many burdens that I shouldn’t have carried. This experience taught me the value of approaching work with a lighter heart and a more relaxed mindset.
If you’re interested in reading more of my posts, take a look here!
Ciao 🙂