Additional Coverage:
- I moved to Italy for my dream job, then lost it. Now that I’m back in the US, I’m even more motivated to return. (businessinsider.com)
A Dream Deferred: Returning Home After Job Loss in Italy
Jenna Curcio’s Italian adventure began unexpectedly. Shortly after her father’s passing, she found herself unemployed and sending out hopeful emails to companies she admired. Landing a marketing position with an Italian beauty company, complete with relocation, felt like fate – a chance to connect with her heritage, almost as if her father were guiding her.
She dove into the experience, starting in Pescara, embracing the relaxed work culture and beachside afternoons. The slower pace was a welcome change, fostering a sense of balance she hadn’t known before.
Later, she settled in Rome, navigating public transit strikes and the quirks of Roman life with increasing confidence. The city felt like home, a place she belonged.
She explored her family’s roots in Lombardy and Calabria, strengthening her connection to her heritage and feeling closer to her father than ever. Learning Italian, though challenging, became a source of quiet resilience.
Just as she found her rhythm, securing her residency permit and building a new life, her dream came to an abrupt halt. Budget cuts led to her contract not being renewed. Without dual citizenship or substantial savings, she was forced to return to the US in January 2025.
Now back in the hustle of New York City, she’s working to recapture the slower, more intentional way of life she discovered in Italy. While she strives to maintain that sense of self, the fast-paced environment presents a constant challenge. She’s determined to return to Italy, working towards dual citizenship, and holding onto the pride of having pursued her dream and reconnected with her heritage.