Choosing Quality of Life Over Salary: Couple Moves to Canada and Italy
Victoria Craparotta and Flavio Fabiani had a decision to make. After maintaining a long-distance relationship for more than two years, Fabiani, an architect from Italy, made the move to Toronto to be with Craparotta, who is Canadian. It was a significant decision for both of them, as they had to weigh the pros and cons of leaving their respective countries for a new life together.
Initially, it made sense for Fabiani to move to Toronto, as he had just graduated from college and had fewer commitments. Craparotta, on the other hand, was working a full-time e-commerce job at Dyson, a well-known technology and appliance company. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, the couple managed to make it work until Fabiani decided to take the leap and move to Canada.
After living together in Toronto for some time, the couple faced a dilemma as the expiry date for Fabiani’s working holiday visa approached. They eventually settled on a solution to continue their journey together: they would move to Italy and experience living there for a while before making a final decision on where to settle down permanently. Craparotta, feeling disillusioned with her job and ready for a fresh start, agreed to quit her job and join Fabiani in Rome on a working holiday visa in May 2023.
Over a year later, the couple is still in Rome, facing new challenges and enjoying the perks of living in Italy. From the pedestrian-friendly environment to the affordable travel options and healthier food choices, Craparotta and Fabiani have found a new sense of fulfillment in their lives in Italy. Let’s explore some of the reasons why they have chosen quality of life over a higher salary.
Exploring Italy’s Quality of Life
One of the first things that struck Fabiani when he arrived in Toronto was the lack of nature compared to his expectations. Coming from Italy, where natural beauty abounds, he found Toronto to be more industrial-looking and less connected to the outdoors. Craparotta mentioned that while Toronto has its own charm, the best natural spots are a few hours’ drive away, making it less accessible for spontaneous trips.
In contrast, Rome offers a more pedestrian-friendly environment, allowing the couple to walk from place to place easily, even in the outskirts of the city. The proximity to lakes, beaches, and historic towns adds to the appeal of living in Italy. Additionally, the ease of travel within Europe from Italy means that the couple can plan weekend getaways without much advance notice, unlike their experience in Canada, where longer trips required more planning and expenses.
Moreover, the cost of living in Italy, including travel and food, is more affordable compared to Toronto. Craparotta mentioned that grocery shopping in Rome is cheaper, with fresher produce available at a fraction of the cost in Canada. This affordability factor has allowed the couple to enjoy a higher quality of life without compromising on their budget, making Italy an attractive option for them to settle down.
Embracing Italian Cuisine and Social Life
Food plays a significant role in the couple’s decision to stay in Italy. As avid cooks, Craparotta and Fabiani appreciate the simplicity and freshness of Italian cuisine compared to some dining options in Toronto. Fabiani’s honest feedback on the food in Toronto led Craparotta to realize the difference in culinary styles between the two countries.
In Italy, Craparotta noticed that the emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple preparation techniques made dining out a healthier and more enjoyable experience. The couple found that they could eat out more frequently in Italy without worrying about excessive weight gain, thanks to the balanced and nutritious food choices available.
Furthermore, the social life in Italy, focused more on gatherings and meaningful conversations rather than excessive drinking, resonated with the couple’s preferences. Craparotta mentioned that the shift from a drinking-centric social scene in Toronto to a more relaxed and intimate social culture in Italy was a welcome change for both of them. Dinner parties, wine nights, and leisurely conversations became the norm, fostering deeper connections with their new community.
Navigating the Italian Job Market
While the couple’s decision to move to Italy was primarily driven by the quality of life considerations, they also had to navigate the challenges of finding work in a new country. Craparotta, who had worked for a technology company in Canada, struggled initially to secure a job in e-commerce in Rome due to language barriers and differences in work culture.
The Italian job market proved to be tough for Craparotta, as her lack of fluency in Italian hindered her job search efforts. Despite her qualifications and experience, she faced rejection from potential employers who valued social integration and language skills in the workplace. The lower salaries in Italy compared to Toronto also posed a financial challenge for Craparotta, who had to adjust her expectations and budget accordingly.
After months of perseverance and job hunting, Craparotta finally landed a decent-paying job in e-commerce in Rome in July 2024. While the salary may be lower than what she would earn in Canada, Craparotta emphasized that the overall quality of life in Italy outweighed the financial considerations. The vibrant culture, affordable lifestyle, and sense of community in Rome made it a worthwhile choice for the couple to build their future together.
In conclusion, Victoria Craparotta and Flavio Fabiani’s journey from Canada to Italy reflects their commitment to prioritizing quality of life over salary. By embracing the cultural differences, exploring new opportunities, and overcoming challenges together, the couple has found a sense of fulfillment and happiness in their new home. Their story serves as a reminder that sometimes the best decisions are not always the most lucrative ones, but rather the ones that lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.