Well, my contract ends in two and a half days. This means that, technically, I am out of work and have no money coming in. I have to admit that these last two months have been more difficult, especially the last three weeks. I know what it is. Part of it is the fact that January and February have got to be the worst months in the calendar, so depressing and grey. The other factor is work.
When we came to Italy, I really hoped to find something different. To do something that was more creative and exciting. To find the real passion that Italy is famous for. And where did I end up? Working in an Italian engineering company as a project manager. Back in the ‘corporate world’ talking the usual corporate bullshit with the usual corporate bullshitters. And, although I’m very good at it, enough already. I suppose it might not be so bad if the company were in a different field – in fact, a different field would probably make a huge difference.
To make matters worse, it seems they might be thinking of a full-time contract (contratto indeterminato). The thought of being here for 20 or more years fills me with dread. No hope. No future. No life.
And, the more I think about it, the more I think that, at the end of it all, I have no choice. I have to be back in business for myself. In spite of the worry and stress that’s involved, I have to know that there may be a better future and, when things go well, it’s all down to you.
So, what to do? Importing Italian food to the UK? Importing Italian wine? A language school? Actually making a go of the web stuff? Or, something else that I haven’t even stumbled across yet?
It’s time to think on it seriously. It’s time to make a determined move forward.
In the meantime, I’ve asked for a huge salary increase. Well, what the hell. If they give it to me then it makes it easier whilst I find what to do and if they don’t, well???? Of course, they may not renew my contract. That would certainly get me moving and, perhaps, that would be the impetus I need to achieve something better.
It should be added that, if I did get a full-time contract, it would be quite amazing coup for me in Italy. They are like gold. Part of me says that I should not complain. After all, to have done that so quickly would have been amazing. But, somehow, it’s just not enough.
Update: They’ve just offered very, very close to what I asked for AND a full-time contract. They’re doing some special Italian footwork to achieve the salary goal. I have to give an answer tomorrow. I SHOULD be very happy but …………..
but are you really so bound by a contract even if it’s not a temporary one? I mean, maybe not right away, but it’s always possible to get out of a job if you later find out it’s not really working for you, right? especially if (more importantly) in the meantime you find something more interesting elsewhere.
You are right to say that a full-time contract is golden in Italy. It is, especially if you haven’t worked for them that long. If the company you work for is italian, it is very rare and it’s something you can definitely be proud of! I never saw one of those full-time babies in my entire job career… and so didn’t many that I know of.
I wish I could say something more poignant to help you understand what you really want or ought to do… but I wouldn’t know how to advice you. I tend to hate all contemporary sorts of jobs so I am kind of biased. I know I would feel at the same time very flattered and bloody scared to be so bloody wanted…
Thanks for the comment. And you’re right, it’s not like a prison sentence – I can get out of it when I want to.
I wish you could say something more poignant and help me understand what I really want:)
But, of course, the answer has to be ‘yes’ as it’s too fantastic to turn down without having something better. Yes, it is an Italian company, so I know what you mean about it being rare and I am grateful, really. It is more than I could possibly have hoped for when I still don’t speak good Italian.