Work, few young expats are thinking of returning. Here's why
Among expatriates, 85% thought that meritocracy was lower in Italy than in other advanced countries where they went, compared to just 54% among residents in northern Italy. So for the former the lack of meritocracy was a strong reason for leaving
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Key points
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Young expatriates have more confidence in the future. They leave in search of opportunities and appreciation. Few think of returning. Surveys by the North-Eastern Foundation on young Italians emigrating from northern regions show that expats attach great importance to meritocracy and go abroad in search of better job opportunities, because they do not find a pleasant atmosphere, work-life balance and fair pay in Italian companies.
Expectations
.Glasses with pink or grey lenses: the colour changes whether they are worn by young Italian expats or young people who have stayed in northern Italy. In fact, almost nine out of ten young expats believe that the future will be the result of their own efforts and seven out of ten that it will be happy and full of opportunities; finally, two out of three believe it will be better. Quotas that fall sharply if the respondents are the young people who stayed in the North: less than six out of ten believe that the future depends on their commitment and in any case less than five out of ten think that it will be happy and only three out of ten that it will be rich in opportunities.
Uncertainties
.If uncertainty is the common trait of all young people (although slightly more present among those who have stayed in Italy), fears are more widespread among those living in the North of Italy than among young expats: three out of ten see tomorrow as frightening, against two out of ten among expats; and two out of ten that it will be poor and jobless, against not even one out of ten among expats.
How they see the future of Italy
.Opinions on the future of both Italy, which is seen worse by those who left (59% think it will evolve negatively, against 48%), and Europe, which expats think will be better (37%, against 24% among those living in the North), also change markedly.
The Merit
.Those who leave re-engage themselves, and know that elsewhere the chances of proving their worth and receiving deserved recognition in return are much higher. In fact, in the opinions of expats and 'stayers' the consideration of merit is very different. Among expatriates 85% think that meritocracy is lower in Italy than in other advanced countries where they have gone, compared to just 54% among residents in Northern Italy. Thus for the former the lack of meritocracy was a strong reason for leaving.
